New England Patriots: Rob Gronkowski focused on Los Angeles Chargers

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski hasn’t been dominant during the 2018 regular season, the 2018 NFL playoffs begins a new season.

Let’s face it, Rob Gronkowski isn’t dominant anymore.  Let’s rephrase that, the New England Patriots big tight end is not the dominant force the NFL recognizes, but that does not mean he can’t be an impact on the field during the playoffs.

In what was a down season to his standards, Gronkowski battled both ankle and back injuries in playing 13 games with the Patriots.  In those games, he hauled in 47 receptions for 682 yards.  Those are not bad numbers for the average good tight end, but with just three touchdowns, it was an overall disappointment for Gronk.

Or was it more reality.  Rob Gronkowski simply looked slow during the regular season.  His inability to free himself from defenders really took away the target radius his big frame and athleticism gave Tom Brady.

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Yes, injuries have factored in, but it is the overall wear and tear his body has taken over his NFL career that has fans and NFL pundits predicting retirement is in store for clearly one of the most dominant pass-catching tight ends in NFL history.

So, if this is Gronkowski’s last playoff run, it will be a good time to put together a string of dominant performances that he still has in him.  He has an opportunity to write a great swan song if he indeed rides off into the sunset or his next career choice when the season ends.

The playoffs are a new season and Rob Gronkowski is going into them with no excuses and no limitations.  When healthy, the Patriots All-Pro playmaker thrives in big games.  It is simply time to re-emerge.

"“There’s no room for excuses,” Gronkowski said Thursday, as transcribed by WEEI.  “Everyone is dealing with something and you just have to keep on moving forward and you have to find a way.  That is what makes this game great, you just have to be mentally and physically prepared at all times to keep on going.”"

Going up against a good Los Angeles Chargers defense, Gronkowski could play just as big a role blocking as he could have catching the ball.  He may have to stay on the line to help protect Brady and block in the running game if the Patriots do indeed go run heavy against Joey Bosa and them boys.

Knowing the New England Patriots, using Gronkowski as a blocker may very well serve as a decoy.  Play action passes could free up Gronk to make some of the plays fans have grown accustomed to.  He has shown flashes throughout the season and you better believe he will have his opportunity to shine in the playoffs.

Rob Gronkowski not thinking about retirement

At 29 years old, Gronkowski is certainly young enough to continue playing the game of football.  But, with the injury history and all he has already accomplished in his career, a decision to walk away from the game would not be shocking.

It really depends on how he performs Sunday and possibly beyond that may sway him one way or the other.  If he plays great and the team loses, that may spark his motivation to return.  If the team goes on to win the Super Bowl, Rob Gronkowski may use it as an opportunity to exit the game on top no matter how well he plays.

In any event, the big tight end is focused on giving it everything he got against a good Los Angeles Chargers team.

"“My mindset is focused on the Chargers,” Gronk said.  “It’s the biggest game of the year, Sunday 1 o’clock.  Last few days just putting the preparation in, all focused on the Chargers.  All focus on whatever I can do to help out the team, whatever the coaches ask me to do, I am trying to do it to the best of my ability during practice and I wall bring it out to the [game field] on Sunday.”"

In his playoff career, Rob Gronkowski has 68 receptions for 972 yards and 12 touchdowns in 13 games played for the New England Patriots.