Patriots Gridiron News: Rob Gronkowski shows he’s not done just yet

For those writing off New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski received a rude awakening Sunday with his athletic touchdown reception against the Jets.

Thoughts of Rob Gronkowski’s demise has been greatly exaggerated.  On Sunday, the New England Patriots tight end returned to the field after missing the last couple of games due to back concerns.  Not only did he show up, he turned it out.

In the 27-13 victory over the New York Jets, Gronkowski got the scoring going in the firs quarter with a nice 34-yard touchdown reception.  In all, he only had three receptions for 56 yards, but the touchdown reception was vintage Rob Gronkowski and show he can still go up and get it despite the coverage.

He definitely silenced the Gronk-in-decline crew with that one play, but overall, the big tight end felt good to be back on the field helping his team win a football game.

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"“It felt good jus to be back out there with the guys, just grinding, coming out here in New York and just putting a good win together – a solid team win together – and just help out and contribute in the pass game and the run game,” Gronkowski said following the game.  “So, it felt good overall and we got the win, so it’s a good day.”"

Not only did Rob Gronkowski’s presence open things up in the passing game, his blocking contributed to the run game.  The team as a whole ran for over 200 yards in the game, which also helped open up the aerial attack.

As for getting back in the end zone after a touchdown drought, Rob Gronkowski said it also felt good.  Again, the team winning was the main focus, but seeing the All-Pro tight end doing Gronk things again was both fun and promising to see from an offense trying to get it together consistently.

"“It feels good, but what feels better is getting that win,” Gronkowski reiterated.  “Just scoring on that one drive was just contributing to what we were trying to do and that was just get the W.”"

With the victory, the New England Patriots now find themselves in the No. 2 seed in the AFC and another step closer to another AFC East division championship.  With both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins suffering loses, the Patriots find themselves in a pretty good position at 8-3.

Tom Brady loves having Gronk back

With the 34-yard touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was definitely glad to have his big tight end back on the field.  While the 41-year-old quarterback was a lot better at spreading the ball around, he did show just how much he trusted Gronk with the touchdown pass down the seam.

"“I think those are certain ones where Gronk is probably the only tight end in the league that can make that play,” Brady said following the game.  “He played a great game.”"

The numbers weren’t dominant, but the presence of Rob Gronkowski certainly made the New England Patriots offense flow better.  In fact, they were so good they only stopped themselves.