WHO IS THE BETTER TIGHT END, ERTZ OR GRONKOWSKI?
Washington defender picks Eagle over more heralded but often injured Patriot
Not everybody believes Rob Gronkowski is the best tight end in the NFL.
Guesting on the NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Friday, Washington safety D.J. Swearinger was asked his opinion.
“I’d have to give it to Zach Ertz,” he said of the Philadelphia Eagles’ leader in post-season receptions. “I like him, and I like (Travis) Kelce right behind him. Then I’d have to say Gronk.”
Gronkowski suffered a concussion in the AFC Championship Game, and while he did not participate in the New England Patriots’ walk-through on Friday, a source told the Boston Herald the team is “optimistic” he will play in Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis on Feb. 4.
But while a two-week recovery would be in accordance with at least four other Patriots who suffered concussions this season, everybody’s situation is different. And until Gronkowski receives medical clearance, his status will be of great concern.
Meanwhile, Swearinger seems to know his stuff.
This season he finished tied for first on Washington with four interceptions — and also scored big time with a prediction moments before a Week 10 meeting with the Minnesota Vikings, when footage shows a young fan asking him to get three interceptions.
“I’m going to get you two,” Swearinger replied.
Washington lost the game 38-30, as Case Keenum threw for more than 300 yards and four TDs. He was also picked off twice. By Swearinger. “I feel like I’m going to be one of the top safeties in this league,” Swearinger said when GMF pressed him for a prognostication of his 2018 season.
“Shooting to be No. 1, but top three is where I am right now. We can continue to take steps forward.”
As for the tight end debate, consider this: Gronkowski was the league leader at the position with 1,084 yards on 69 catches. Next was Kelce (1,038, 83 catches) followed by Ertz (824, 74). All three had eight touchdowns. Earlier this week, Ertz weighed in with his thoughts.
“The guy’s a physical specimen,” Ertz said of the six-foot-six, 265-pound Gronkowski. “He’s a freak. He’s a beast after the catch. He’s able to use his body even when he’s not open to get open with the frame he has.
“He’s definitely been the premier tight end in the league for a long time (and) I think he’d still be producing those numbers without Tom Brady.”
When it comes to Gronk, that’s the heady stuff Patriots fans would prefer to be talking about.
IN OTHER WORDS
Buffalo Bills C Eric Wood has confirmed he will retire because of a neck injury diagnosed during his season-ending physical.
“I was informed that I was no longer cleared to play football, even with surgery or further treatment,” he said on Twitter.
A 31-year old former firstround pick (2009) and Pro Bowler (2015) who spent his career in Buffalo, Wood started all 16 games this season and played every snap.
“It’s just a great reminder life comes at you fast,” Bills guard Richie Incognito told the NFL Network. “Just cherish every moment you have, especially in this business. I’m going to miss the big guy in the locker-room. This is a sad day, but it’s life.”
SNAPS FROM CENTRE
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has reportedly told teammates he plans to play not just next season, but two more after it.
“He says he wants to play out his contract, so we’ll see,” centre Maurkice Pouncey told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. If such is the case, Roethlisberger is going to need to sign another deal. His expires at the end of 2019.
To that, Pouncey replied: “Even better, because I’ve only got two years left on mine.”
A two-time Super Bowl winner, Big Ben will be 36 next season
DON’T BLAME TOMLIN
One of eight Steelers at the Pro Bowl, defensive end Cam Heyward told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that blaming coach Mike Tomlin for the playoff loss to Jacksonville is “a load of crap.”
Said Heyward: “We’re grown men. We’re not in Little League. We lost the game, and we overcame a lot. Coach T kept everyone focused and moving on to the next problem. Obviously, we had too many problems, but that’s not on him.”
Still, maybe Tomlin should consider dropping a quarterback sneak into the playbook.
AROUND THE NFL
During his introductory news conference as the New York Giants coach, Pat Shurmur said he needs to become better acquainted with Eli Manning and find out what makes the 37-year old “tick.” Said Shurmur: “He’s an outstanding player and I can’t wait to get to work with him. I think he’s got years left.” That doesn’t sound like a guy who wants his new team to hire one of his old quarterbacks — Vikings free agents Case Keenum, Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater ... Giants co-owner John Mara also expressed confidence in signing WR Odell Beckham Jr. to a long-term contract, sometime after he meets with Shurmur. OBJ has one year left on his deal ... The lawyer for Marlon Humphrey referenced the Raven CB’s contract when talking to the Baltimore Sun about robbery charges against his client. “Marlon has 11 million reasons not to steal ... a phone charger,” said Paul Patterson. “Marlon has not had the opportunity to tell his side of the story. The Uber driver makes a lot of allegations that are simply not true.”