The Patriots rebounded from a week of criticism and scrutiny by overwhelming the Bengals on Sunday night in a win that saw quarterback Tom Brady play his best game of the season.
Better blocking by the offensive line made a big difference for the Pats as did tight end Rob Gronkowski’s first 100-yard receiving game since last December 1. Gronkowski had six catches for 100 yards and a touchdown and said after the game that he was inspired by the opportunity to quiet the criticism that Brady faced after the team was routed by the Chiefs in Week Four.
“I told my brother before I came to the game, ‘I’m gonna make 12 look like Tom Brady again, baby,’” Gronkowski said, via the Boston Globe. “And I went out there with my teammates and we made Tom Brady look like Tom Brady after you guys were criticizing him all week. The fans, everything. And it feels so good and he’s such a leader and he went over 50,000 yards today. He’s an unbelievable player and I’m so glad to play with him.”
Gronkowski saw more snaps Sunday than he had in the first four games and showed no sign of being limited physically, a pair of developments that bode well for the continued success of the Patriots offense.