Gronkowski ‘feels good' to be back in the end zone in Patriots win

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FOXBORO -- There's been a lot of reading into Rob Gronkowski's demeanor over the last few weeks. Is he unhappy? Does that mean he's unhealthy? How often is he smiling? What does it all mean?

There was no mistaking how he felt when he made a lunging touchdown catch late in the first quarter. With the ball in his hands, he gave what looked like a double-barreled fist-pump, then promptly spiked the thing off the turf. The score, New England's first in its 27-13 win, was his first since Week 1.

"It feels good," Gronkowski said after the game. "But what feels better is getting that win."

PATRIOTS 27, JETS 13


"Those are certain ones where Gronk is the only tight end in the league that can make that play," Tom Brady said. "He played a great game."

Gronkowski has dealt with ankle and back issues for much of the season, and Sunday was his first game in almost a month. He was last seen looking less than himself in Buffalo, when he made three catches for 43 yards in Week 8.

Gronkowski had three grabs for 56 yards on seven targets, fighting through physical coverage from Jamal Adams for chunks of the afternoon. He also contributed as a blocker both in the run and pass games. On Julian Edelman's touchdown catch and run, for instance, it was Gronkowski making a little downfield block to help get the Patriots into the end zone.

"Kudos to Gronk for getting that done," Edelman said. "There were a lot of other plays and things that he did. It's great having him back."

Simply having Gronkowski on the field -- according to Pro Football Focus, he played 69 of a possible 70 offensive snaps -- impacts opposing defenses and helps open up the middle of the field. He may not be drawing doubles snap in and snap out, but he's a threat, and that means defenses may be pulled away from Edelman (four catches, 84 yards), Josh Gordon (five catches, 70 yards) and Chris Hogan (two catches, 47 yards).

"There are a lot of eyes going to him," Edelman said. "He's probably the best tight end to ever suit up. Any time he's on the field he's going to attract attention and it helps everyone."

PATRIOTS 27, JETS 13


The Patriots will continue to rely on their biggest weapon as long as he's healthy. He certainly looked healthier Sunday than he has in weeks. The key is keeping him that way, and he knows it. 

"Just been putting the work in the last couple of weeks, whatever it was, to get back," Gronkowski said. "Now just feel like I can keep on improving week in and week out and do what I gotta do . . .

"Lotta hard work to get to where I am. Now just gotta keep it going."

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