The Gronk Factor
January 14th, 2022
Big impact.
No, the Bucs don’t have Chris Godwin or furniture-tossing, bicycle-winging, tantrum-throwing quitter Antonio Brown. But they do have foot-rubbing tight end Rob Gronkowski.
For a stretch in December, Gronk looked hurt, worn out or over-the-hill, you pick. He didn’t look right.
Then, the past two weeks, Gronk has looked like his old self. Which is to say he looked like the future Hall of Fame tight end he is. In the past two games, Gronk totaled 14 catches for 252 yards.
One thing left out in the analysis about the Eagles-Bucs playoff game Sunday is that quarterback Tom Brady will have a serious weapon he did not have when the Bucs played at Philadelphia in October. And that is Gronk.
The Eagles will have to cover him. No playoff team is dumb enough not to. So that should help Mike Evans and any of the running backs (Playoff Lenny, Le’Veon Bell?) who Brady will likely use in the passing game.
Joe believes Gronk returning to form is huge. Don’t be shocked if he makes major plays on Sunday.
January 14th, 2022 at 5:43 am
The man is a treasure, I hope he plays next year
January 14th, 2022 at 5:57 am
GOAT
January 14th, 2022 at 6:37 am
Eagles are playing browns now. 😂
Darius slay playing evans. I hope mike has best game of year cause he is dang good. And they will hold/double gronk. Go back and watch carolina game. The zebras could have called holding on any player in gronks zipcode – grabbing jersey play after play
January 14th, 2022 at 7:00 am
When is OJ going to be a factor ?
January 14th, 2022 at 7:05 am
Eagles v. Browns? Joe do you have AB on the brain?
January 14th, 2022 at 7:13 am
Looks like weather changing slightly
Raining in morning up until game time but game should be fine. Fingers crossed
We have a tarp right? 😂
20 mph wind but hope stadium can block enough on shorter/ intermediate throws. But will effect kicks for sure. South endzone right?
Go
Bucs
January 14th, 2022 at 7:15 am
I’ve said the same. Phili can counter Evans with Darius Slay who is playing at an All Pro level. However they have noone capable of covering Gronk.
Gronk will have a big day. Bad weather means shorter passes, and increased targets to the slot receiver. Gronk is really the only quality slot option left.
January 14th, 2022 at 7:46 am
I expect lots of 2 and 3 TE sets in this one and Gronk, Brate and Fournette will probably be leading receivers for the team.
January 14th, 2022 at 8:10 am
I predict a big day for…..
Cameron Brate ;o)
January 14th, 2022 at 8:11 am
“in the analysis about the Eagles-Browns playoff game Sunday ”
Cool – teams from different conferences playing each other in the 1st round of the NFL playoffs.
Thats new……
January 14th, 2022 at 8:14 am
The Eagles really don’t have anyone to properly cover Gronk, and God Help them if they try to single cover Mike Evans, even with Darius Slay.
LOL, Darius, kind of sounds like Hootie and the Blowfish, anyone remember them ?
January 14th, 2022 at 8:23 am
“Let Her Cry” is solid.
January 14th, 2022 at 8:27 am
The other thing obviously that Gronk bring a that we missed in week 6 and that is his great blocking to go along with being another reliable target for TB12 on Sunday. Go Bucs
January 14th, 2022 at 8:38 am
I am afraid to pinch myself cause I might wake up from this great dream😁
January 14th, 2022 at 9:03 am
Ironic but OJ has his best game of the season against the Eagles, he had like 3 or 5 catches force 55 yds and a TD. Can’t see how Gronk cannot do better. The bad news is AB had a great game and Evan’s did not. The underneath stuff should be big, I just hope Bucs DB’s don’t play like Buc’s DB’s.
January 14th, 2022 at 9:04 am
So, do you think alot of the Bucs were “pacing” themselves due to the long year, including last years playoffs, Super Bowl and 17 regular season games this season?
January 14th, 2022 at 10:28 am
Scotty doubt it, too many close games.
January 14th, 2022 at 10:37 am
Is Gronk the greatest TE of all time?
I’ve never done any research. Anyone got the intel?
For me, it’s Tony Gonzalez. Both are great. I give Tony the edge over Gronk because Tony was never hurt. The greatest ability is availability.
January 14th, 2022 at 12:00 pm
I look for the backs to combine for well over 100 yards receiving if Leftwurst is calling the game in the rain properly.
January 14th, 2022 at 5:12 pm
OJ’s factoring days are long gone. He was never a factor at any time nor will he be a future factor for the Bucs. His days are numbered.