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Rob Gronkowski cites preparation, inconsistency as reasons for loss 09.17.12 at 1:25 am ET
By

Rob Gronkowski

FOXBORO — In the second quarter of the Patriots’ loss to the Cardinals, Tom Brady’s eyes likely lit up as he saw Rob Gronkowski get behind the secondary and race toward the back of the end zone. Brady unloaded a bomb that fell in … and out of the outstretched arms of the All-Pro tight end. The play exemplified Gronkowski’s up-and-down day.

“I have to go out there and play better,” Gronkowski said. “The first three quarters, I got to go out there and play better. The start of the game, I have to go out there and start faster and start stronger. Overall, I just have to improve in every aspect of the game.”

The game was a mixed bag in every possible sense for Gronkowski. His line of six catches for 75 yards and a touchdown was solid, but along with the rest of the sputtering offense, Gronkowski seemed out of sync at times. His critical touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter brought New England within two, but he couldn’t gain enough separation from Kerry Rhodes to connect with Brady on the ensuing two-point conversion attempt. Perhaps worse was the holding penalty called on Gronkowski that negated Danny Woodhead’s touchdown run that would have given New England a lead with under a minute left.

“I felt like it was a clean block,” Gronkowski said about the call. “My hands were inside [his shoulder pads], but I have to look at the film. You guys so it, too, you saw probably the replay, so you can tell me if my hands were outside or not.”

Regardless, Gronkowski was more focused on playing well for 60 minutes and better preparation in practice than pondering about the fourth quarter what-ifs.

“We were playing awful,” he said. “I was playing awful. I have to go out there play better, play faster, and play stronger and not just in the fourth quarter. Just staying in the game is not good enough. You have to go out there the whole game playing hard.

“Clearly we didn’t practice good enough,” Gronkowski continued. “I didn’t practice good enough all week. We have to pick that up and be ready for all situations at all times. I just feel like you go out there and [practice] is where it all starts at. But I mean, obviously, it’s game day where it’s all played, but we have to execute all game.”

While admitting Aaron Hernandez is a vital part of the game plan every week, Gronkowski, to his credit, wouldn’t let the injury to his fellow tight end’s ankle explain the uneven performance.

“You have to be ready for any situation in any game,” he said. “That’s what practice is for all week.”

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  • Jack0752

    Bucholz looks strong against the Blue Jays. However, Alvarez appears to be stronger against the Red Sox. Bucholz will be the stronger pitcher tonight.

  • Mark Friedman

    I was at the game yesterday and on several plays it seemed Brady was only lookin outside at Lloyd and his other receivers even though Gronkowski was upfield and creating some separation from his coverage.  At other times Brady did not have enough time so some shorter passes into the flat would have broekn down the Cards defense more effectively.  People in the stands were baffled at some of the decisions and targets.  I put the loss down to poor play calling and decision making.

  • Apple

    Although this would not have gone the Pats way, I was just wondering, when Gronk got called for holding. Why did the refs not assess the penalty yardage.  Woodhead started at the 30 and the next play was at the 30 as well?

  • Bearmcnair

    @apple it was a spot foul, Gronk held at the 20 so the penalty was enforced and the ball was put back at the 30

  • Anonymous

    gronk, with your stripper moves, dunkin ads, etc., etc, it’s all gone to your head! you are done, kaput, fini!

  • Lahilin

    I may be wrong but didnt the Pats get the ball on the 30 yard line after the Gronk penalty?   They started with 2nd and 10 after the incompletion and started again 2nd and 10 after the Gronk penalty.   They should have been forced 10 yards back, and been 2nd and 20 from the 40 yard line.   I think this mistake by the refs could have hurt the Pats as the Pats would have been more aggressive.

    Did anyone else see this mistake??????

  • Lahilin

     i had the same question thanks

  • Lahilin

     still seems to not make sense.    what if the holding penalty on gronk was called at the 15 yard line?   would the penalty be assessed from there and the next play 2nd and 5?     sorry if this is a stupid question just doesnt make sense

  • BUD

    @dassa0069 people like you make me laugh.  Gronk admits his fault in the loss, but what you fail to see is what he does every game for the team.  Already 2 games in and he has what, 12 catches for 130 yards or so and 2 touchdowns.  You really think he’s finished?  Yeah he’s not gonna break his record from last year, but he’s going to continue to dominate as a TE. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jane-Smith/100003927837470 Jane Smith

    I love this guy!!

  • NoTrade

    Actually, it is up to him.

  • Christina

    This guy is a true team player. He has dedicated his life to this game and this town and he deserves to go out as a Celtic. He somehow digs down deep every game and find a way to lay it all out there on the court. I love his work ethic, dedication and passion. So happy he’s doing so well and this team is stepping up. There is ALOT of talent of this team and we have the ability to go all the way with the players we have right now. Keep up the good work KG, we’re behind you all the way. GO CELTICS!  

  • fabo23

    all dis passion he has n da work he does in game always goes hard n puts his heart in it sometimes 1 ring is as gud as 6 dependin on who u are dis guy has summin lebron will never have n dats heart n passion for da game n his fans he doesn’t just bail cuz things look shaky

  • fabo

    oh ya in a laker n raptor fan cudnt careless bout celtics but I respect kg

  • Stephen

    One of the greatest Celtics players of all time and that is saying something with all the hall of famers.He has been one of the greatest Celtics in half the time 5 and half years.A championship another final appearance in 2010 and last years great run.Every time he is off the court the team is weaker and the intensity he brings is incredible.

  • Louis

    I always see all the damn L.A.Lakers fans on these Celtic posts.Where the hell are you sorry-ass whiners today.Haha,I Love it man.When you Faker fans get your heads out of the sand,I wonder what excuses you’ll have for gettin a pure D Beat-down last night.Oh,good luck making the play-offs too!! Your team sucks and Kobe is done.He’s been talking about retiring,PLEASE,get the hell outta here already.GO CELTICS.

  • Righton02

    KG, we bleed green for you

  • Jameslb04

    K.G is my favorite sports figure of all time…this Man has more heart and passion for the game than anyone in the nba…he is the best pf to play the game.the day he retires basketball wnt b as fun to watch anymore……K.G u a brady and im bleedin green wit ya

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