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Rob Gronkowski: Has the grind caught up to the veteran?

By Andrew Boardwine

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) completes a three-yard pass for a touchdown over New York Giants cornerback Isaac Yiadom (27) in the second half. The Buccaneers defeat the Giants, 25-23, at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford.Nyg Vs Tb
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) completes a three-yard pass for a touchdown over New York Giants cornerback Isaac Yiadom (27) in the second half. The Buccaneers defeat the Giants, 25-23, at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford.Nyg Vs Tb /
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Has the grind caught up to veteran TE Rob Gronkowski?

The grind of an NFL season can be tough for any player, but that especially is true for older veterans who have been around the block a few times like Rob Gronkowski.

Gronkowski retired following the 2018 season after playing nine years with the New England Patriots, earning five Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro honors.

After Tom Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rob Gronkowski became intrigued with coming out of retirement to play with his former teammate and friend for one last potential run at the postseason and a Super Bowl with a new organization.

The Bucs were able to pull off the trade and he went through an intense work out process to get back into shape to prepare for the grind of an NFL season, but was it enough?

Rob Gronkowski looked promising early on, but regressed in a major way against the Saints

Rob Gronkowski looked promising earlier in the season when the Buccaneers were starting to make a run with their offense, but he had the worst luck possible this past week against the Saints.

In the month of October and the first game of November (vs. Giants), Gronk caught 18 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns. His average catch percentage during those games combined was 61.7 percent.

In the game against the Saints? Gronk caught one reception for two yards and his catch percentage was a season-low 16.7 percent. He dropped a pass in the end zone and couldn’t come up with some key grabs that would’ve at least kept the offense on the field, potentially even led to points.

So the question is this: Was his performance in the Saints game just an off night or is it the result of the wear & tear that comes with playing a full season? That hand was clearly bothering Gronk Sunday night and there’s certainly at least a concern about how much he’ll be able to do in terms of performance as the season progresses.

Next. 3 positive storylines as midseason point passes. dark

We’re not ready to say that the grind has caught up to him, but don’t think that it’s not at least playing a factor in Rob Gronkowski.

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