Patriots gridiron news: Rob Gronkowski addresses Ramsey & other Week 2 notes
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski isn’t letting the Jalen Ramsey trash talk get to him ahead of the Week 2 big matchup against the Jaguars.
Poke the beast and you may just get eaten alive. That is exactly what Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey is doing in his attempt to get into the head of Rob Gronkowski and the New England Patriots.
In an interview with ESPN prior to the regular season, the talented young defensive back said Gronkowski wasn’t all that great, especially when he is covered by a cornerback.
Those comments of course caught the attention of Patriots fans and national NFL pundits. But, did the comments catch the attention of one of the greatest tight ends to ever step on the football field?
Well, duh!
Just like how the Patriots always handle trash talk from opposing teams and players, Gronkowski’s response is to handle it on the field and not respond to Ramsey’s shots directly. After all, the Jaguars up-and-coming star has the right to his opinions.
"“I mean, if that’s how he feels, that’s how he feels,” Gronkowski said in response to the comments. “It’s a big game this Sunday, we’re playing them. I’m sure I’m going to have opportunities to go versus him. I’m sure he’s going to have opportunities to go versus me. I’m just preparing like I always prepare. I’ve got to just do my job out on the field, just worry about that.”"
With Tom Brady at quarterback, you better believe the New England Patriots offense will target Jalen Ramsey and that may be exactly what he is asking for. However, do he really want to go up against an offensive playmaker like Gronkowski? Better yet, is he ready to go up against a motivated Rob Gronkowski?
If the game itself has not already motivated the All-Pro tight end, the trash talk will have him extra pumped up even if he doesn’t want to admit it.
"“There’s always motivation you’re looking for,” Gronkowski said on whether trash talk motivates him. “It does and it doesn’t. So, that’s tricky right there – doesn’t give you the answer you’re looking for. That was a trick question – you were trying to get me to say something right? But, it does and it doesn’t, you know what I mean? Because it motivates you to hear that.”"
Coming off a game in which he caught seven passes for over 100 yards and a touchdown, Rob Gronkowski looks committed and in top form coming into the game. During the AFC title game, he was knocked out in the first half with a concussion. Therefore Mr. Jalen Ramsey didn’t get to see firsthand how dominant he could be on the field.
Perhaps he didn’t see what Gronkowski did to the entire Pittsburgh Steelers secondary in Week 15 last season or perhaps he is just that confident in his own ability. Whatever the case, better believe Rob Gronkowski will do his own trash talk on the field.