TAMPA, Fla.– Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski does not appear to be fazed by his sluggish start in Bruce Arians offense– one that has actually rendered him with simply 2 catches for 11 lawns on four targets and 33 paths run in two video games. Hes taking things in stride and treating it with some humor.
” Im a blocking tight end. I came here to obstruct, child,” Gronkowski joked Friday. “So 4 targets is 4 more than I thought I was gon na get.”
Its the most affordable production of the five-time Pro Bowlers career through the first two weeks of any season. In his seven other seasons in which hes played in Weeks 1 and 2, hes averaged 8.7 catches on 13.4 targets, 127 getting lawns and 1.85 touchdowns.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, Gronkowski and quarterback Tom Brady have actually connected up for the fifth-most touchdowns by a QB-receiver duo in NFL history with 78. Gronkowski has actually reached 1,000 receiving lawns four times– one of simply four tight ends in NFL history to do so.
1 RelatedHis 91 goal catches are 5th most before a gamers 31st birthday in NFL history, and his 0.69 getting touchdowns per video game (minimum 60 games) is the fifth-best mark in NFL history, according to ESPN Stats & & Information.
Even with the year far from football, one doesnt forget the qualities that made that kind of production possible. “I believe I did,” Gronkowski said with a laugh, before changing to a more serious tone.
” No, I didnt forget. Every game strategy can alter in a different way, week in and week out. It all depends how the defenses are playing us, how the defenses are lining up against us, who theyre taking away and all that good things, so its just 2 weeks into the season, so simply got ta go out there and just keep on battling, just offer it my all in whatever aspect of the game it is.”
Coach Bruce Arians did say, nevertheless, that the tight ends role as a receiver in his offense is more about quality over amount when it comes to catches, and theyve been happy with his run blocking and seasoned leadership.
” Were not throwing the ball 50 times to tight ends– thats what we have receivers for [and] thats the method our offense is developed,” Arians said previously this week. “Gronks playing excellent run obstructing in the 4th quarter, so Im not worried with his pass catches or his targets.
” We have not had that numerous red zone chances, and I dont see him running 40 lawns past individuals any longer. Ideally he can if we get him press coverage. We brought him in to just play tight end. If that suggests no catches, it indicates no catches. If it means 10 catches, it suggests 10 catches due to the fact that hes open and thats where the ball goes.”
When asked to elaborate on the “running 40 backyards past people” remark– whether it had anything to do with age or declining ability or needing to get in much better game shape– Arians indicated it was more about his style of play. Gronk wasnt referred to as a speed guy who could outrun protectors.
“To simply believe that hes gon na run past a corner who runs 4.4– hes never done that anyhow. Hes simply not gon na line up large and run 40-yard balls.”
Could Gronkowskis role broaden if the Bucs get more red zone opportunities? His 650 getting yards in the red zone are fourth the majority of any player at any receiving position since 2010. His 56 goals in the red zone are 2nd most. One would believe it would be an objective to get a gamer earning $9.8 million for the season, who has won 3 Super Bowl rings, as many appearances as possible.
” Just game to game,” stated Arians, who does not believe opposing defenses are doing anything to take Gronkowski out of the video game. “We came in here with no expectations and just, Hey, whatever occurs, happens, simply– you play tight end. And well see.” Gronkowski stated defenses truly arent doing anything to take him out of the death video game. Brady, who coaxed Gronkowski out of retirement this offseason, believes its just part of the ups and downs of a season.
” I dont believe we can be discouraged by particular things– some weeks its gon na be some guys weeks, other weeks its gon na be other guys weeks,” Brady stated. “Everyones working hard at practice to look for their area, their function. We got ta determine what works or what mixes work or what we succeed or what we do not succeed. Whichs just part of the season.”
Arians offense has never ever been known for heavy usage of the tight end. From 2013 to 2018, Arians Arizona Cardinals had 506 balls thrown to tight ends– the second-fewest targets to tight ends of any group in the league. Some thought that would change provided the Bucs skill and spending at the position. With Gronkowski, O.J. Howard, Cam Brate and Antony Auclair, the Bucs are investing $18.9 million this year on that position– more than any other team in the league.
In 2019– Arians very first head as head coach of the Bucs– their tight ends were targeted 120 times, more than any other team Arians coached in five seasons with the Cardinals.
Offending coordinator Byron Leftwich believes Gronkowskis chances will come.
Theres things that we have to do much better to compete and to win football games that were trying to do right now. Getting the ball to him and getting the ball to any specific player is always believed out week in and week out. We can do a much better task of putting them in position– we will– and were all just beginning to make plays across the board.”
Regardless of the lack of appearances from Brady and absence of production, Gronkowski, whose career has actually been spoiled by injuries, said hes enjoying playing football again. Gronkowski responded, “Oh, oh, due to the fact that he was a little hoarse!”
Gronkowski is also assisting rookie right deal with Tristan Wirfs with his obstructing method, and he has enjoyed giving fellow tight end Howard recommendations on constructing a profession after football, which Gronkowski has actually done through tv.
” Its been going great. Theres times when youre working and youre grinding and digging deep to make it through things– I suggest, thats not normally the joyous time, when youre digging deep, however thats part of football and thats part of what you registered for,” Gronkowski stated. “But then numerous other times, were simply heading out there and just playing ball and simply being yourself, so … its going excellent overall. There are a lot of great guys on the group that are a satisfaction to be around … that are a satisfaction to work with– the exact same with the coaches, so all thats going excellent, male. Weve simply got ta keep putting the work in, week in and week out.
I understand what I signed up for with football, so I know theres times where its gon na be a grind– its the game of football, theres constantly gon na be downs and ups– hands down about that. Its been like that my entire life … but just going out there and working with the guys– its a pleasure for sure.”
It all depends how the defenses are playing us, how the defenses are lining up versus us, who theyre taking away and all that excellent things, so its simply 2 weeks into the season, so simply got ta go out there and simply keep on fighting, simply provide it my all in whatever element of the video game it is.”
” Just video game to video game,” said Arians, who does not believe opposing defenses are doing anything to take Gronkowski out of the video game. Brady, who coaxed Gronkowski out of retirement this offseason, thinks its simply part of the ebb and flow of a season.
“But then numerous other times, were simply going out there and simply playing ball and just being yourself, so … its going good overall. Weve simply got ta keep putting the work in, week in and week out.
