Patriots Gridiron News: Rob Gronkowski looks to regain red zone dominance

With all the points the New England Patriots have scored in the last three games, Rob Gronkowski hasn’t had many scoring opportunities.

The New England Patriots are suddenly a scoring machine once again. Unsurprisingly, the return of Julian Edelman and addition of Josh Gordon has played a major role in that.  Surprisingly, Rob Gronkowski hasn’t been as dominant in the passing game as we are accustomed to.

Now, that is certainly a good thing depending on how you look at it.  That means Tom Brady hasn’t had to rely on the big tight end as much as he did in the first few games of the season.

Still, Gronkowski has come up big when it matters.  His two fourth quarter receptions against the Kansas City Chiefs not only showed the NFL who is the best clutch tight end in the game, it showed the Patriots can still go to their most lethal weapon when needed.

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While both receptions led to scoring opportunities, Rob Gronkowski’s lack of targets in the red zone has drawn some attention.  Much of that is due to the other weapons the team has and a lot of it is due to the coverage Gronkowski is drawing.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the All-Pro tight end said he need to do more in red zone situations to earn more Gronk spikes.

"“First off, I’ve got to get open,” Gronkowski said in his weekly conference with the media.  “I’ve got to get out there and run better routes and then I’ll start seeing more targets…Whatever I have to do to help out the team, even if the ball’s not going my way, I’ve just got to do it and just keep grinding.”"

With the New England Patriots calling more running plays inside the 5-yard line, Gronkowski is more involved in blocking in those situations.  So that is a case where he is doing more to help his team win.  Also, the team has bigger wide receiver targets with both Cordarrelle Patterson and Josh Gordon where Brady doesn’t have to force a ball to Gronkowski.

Due to those factors, the touchdown targets are down, but don’t expect that to continue all season long.  Again, with more weapons in their arsenal, the Patriots will find ways to get the ball to Gronkowski.  He certainly knows it will happen once he does find better ways to get open.

"“If I keep playing ball, keep doing what I need to do, keep playing better, I might start receiving the targets,” Gronk said.  “That’s what it comes down to so just got to get better and get open.”"

This week against the Chicago Bears could see Rob Gronkowski get a touchdown or two.  With 89 touchdowns in 121 career games, he is certainly due.

Watch out Windy City.

Marcus Cannon not spotted at practice

The injury woes of starting right tackle Marcus Cannon continues.

In holding their first practice of the week on Wednesday, Cannon was the only player not spotted.  The offensive tackle left Sunday night’s game against the Kanas City Chiefs with a head injury and is a major question mark going into Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.

With the possibility of Cannon missing the game, LaAdrian Waddle may be faced with the task of trying to limit Bears linebacker Khalil Mack.  A tough task?  Yes.  But, Waddle has some recent experience against Mack.

When the New England Patriots faced the Oakland Raiders in Mexico City last season, Waddle was matched up against Mack often.  He did well but knows this Sunday will be a whole different game.

"“I don’t think there’s too much that can carry over,” Waddle said, via the Boston Herald.  “Different game, different circumstances, different team and all that.  Nothing really carries over from that, but he was definitely a challenging guy to go against.  He can rush the passer and he’s a physical player and he’s going to play hard through the whistle, so you just have to be ready for that.”"

A key to the Bears beating the Patriots in the Week 7 matchup is making Tom Brady uncomfortable.  Chicago has the front seven to do that, so the entire offensive line will be on notice.  In particular, LaAdrian Waddle’s potential matchup against Khalil Mack will be key.