Gronk back to old self
Has big day but departs with injury
NEW ORLEANS — Tight end Rob Gronkowski broke out yesterday, and then he broke down.
Gronk caught six passes for 116 yards, including a 53-yard scoring grab, during the Patriots’ 3620 victory over the Saints, but he finished the day on the sideline due to a groin injury.
“I’m good,” Gronkowski said after the game with a smile.
He declined to elaborate but said he’d speak to reporters today or later in the week.
Gronk had a challenging season opener against the Chiefs, who worked hard to hit him on every play before he was corralled in coverage by Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry, but he had a Gronkian output against the Saints.
The 69th receiving touchdown of his career was one for the highlight reel, as he beat Alex Anzalone on a crossing route before turning upfield to catch Tom Brady’s lob. Gronk then stepped over Marcus Williams’ ill-fated tackle attempt and darted to the end zone to give the Patriots a 13-3 lead in the first quarter.
“He had a crossing route, and I was able to hold onto the ball with great protection,” Brady said. “Gronk and I kind of made eye contact. I think he saw me just put some air under it because I saw (the field) was open behind him. If he does wheel, the linebacker didn’t have any vision on me. It just worked out like I was hoping when I let it go. He turned, found it, caught it, ran. He is a tough guy to tackle in the open field.
“It was a big play in the game, and we need some more plays like that. When a play breaks down, it’s not necessarily the first type of the route call, but guys make adjustments and work hard on their routes to uncover, find open space. If you make those type of plays, I think it hurts a defense pretty bad.”
Gronkowski tweaked his groin during a 21-yard reception in the third quarter. It took a pair of Saints to drag him to the ground, and he immediately grimaced in pain and called to the sideline for a substitute.
Gronk walked directly to the trainers, sat on the bench and got a bottle of water before they erected the medical tent, where he was evaluated for about 10 minutes. He then rode the stationary bike on the sideline while the Patriots wrapped up the victory.
No hurry on Hightower
The Patriots aren’t going to rush Dont’a Hightower back onto the field, according to a source. Hightower, who was inactive yesterday, is dealing with a sprained knee, and the initial optimism about a quick return has tapered off a bit.
Bottom line, Hightower will be back in game action when he is ready. They don’t want this to be an issue that lingers throughout the season, so his absence could extend into next week if the knee isn’t fully good to go.
Hightower was injured in the opener when two linemen fell onto the outside of his leg. He didn’t practice last week and was ruled out before the Patriots departed for New Orleans.
Head games
Coach Bill Belichick wasn’t pleased with the performance of the headsets during the game.
“Communication was difficult,” Belichick said, “before the game and all game.”
Headsets are operated and monitored by the NFL. Belichick was pressed further about the topic and declined to say anything else.
“I’m done talking about it,” Belichick said. “I said what I had to say.”
Wise guy effort
Defensive end Deatrich Wise actually improved upon his season opener.
He had a sack, five quarterback hits and two tackles for a loss against the Saints, and he was pretty excited to take down quarterback Drew Brees after attacking him all game.
“When I finally got to him, I was excited,” Wise said. “I was rushing him a few times but missed some, kept hitting him, but there’s nothing like getting an actual sack.”
Wise also had a sack against the Chiefs to go along with two hits and a pressure, so the fourthround pick is off to a heck of a start to his career.
“It’s just been great these last two games,” Wise said. “I just want to keep showing my teammates and coaches what I can do for the team.”
High praise
Running back James White led the Pats with eight catches yesterday, and he was second to Gronk with 85 receiving yards. He added two carries for 11 yards.
As important as White was on the field, Brady gave him an incredible compliment off it.
“I’ve played with a lot of great teammates, and James is right there at the top,” Brady said. “I just love his effort. I love his style.” . . .
The massive Patriots contingent in attendance broke into a couple loud “Brady” chants during the game, and the atmosphere was similar to a Super Bowl with a fairly evenly split crowd.
“That was good,” Brady said. “Hopefully they’re all on Bourbon Street. It’s a good road game to come to. I heard them. It was great to see the support.”