Bruce Arians Talks Rob Gronkowski: “That Was The Gameplan For Him”
January 13th, 2021
Rob Gronkowski struggled in the passing game early this season and firmly told media that he had become a blocking tight end.
Gronk was having a little fun with his role and the September rust on his routes, but there was plenty of reality in that comment. The Bucs needed him to block and he was willing to do whatever dirty work was necessary.
Most Bucs fans and NFL observers have been shocked to see Gronk start every game this season (the first time he’s ever done that) and grind through 75 percent of the offensive snaps.
All that from a guy who left the game battered and broken down a little less than two years ago.
Gronk had just one target on Saturday night against Washington, but he had plenty of 1-on-1 matchups with ferocious edge rushers.
Bucco Bruce Arians loved every minute of it, as he told the nation tonight with a lot of passion in his voice on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
“Gronk had a great game pass protecting and blocking. That was the gameplan for him,” Arians said. “And I love Gronk because he’s, ‘Hey, coach, whatever it takes to win.”
Gronk has walked the walk this season, willing to get dirty and nasty while having less targets a game than he’s used to.
As great as the pass blocking was on Saturday, Joe just about expects the Bucs to approach the Saints the same way on Sunday.
January 13th, 2021 at 8:39 pm
I expect it as well.
And just when they think he’s gonna block again… BOOM! He chips a DE or LB and then goes out into the flat or down the seam wide open for a TD!
But more than anything, I would just love to see us push around New Orleans in the trenches for a change! Sounds like they might get Hendrickson back, which will no doubt make that job even harder.
January 13th, 2021 at 8:48 pm
Gronk-a-sarus gonna eat this Sunday. It’s time for him to come up big and dominate!
January 13th, 2021 at 8:51 pm
Gronk is totally unselfish, and a real asset to our team!
January 13th, 2021 at 9:16 pm
Selfless!!! I love him!! Go Bucs!!
January 13th, 2021 at 9:17 pm
1 more year Gronk!
January 13th, 2021 at 9:53 pm
Looking back at the 2 games we played against the Saints this year, Gronk was targeted 3 times in the 1st game with 2 catches (11 yds) & played 77% of the snaps. Obviously did a lot of blocking.
In the 2nd game though he was targeted 6 times with 1 catch (2 yds) & played 54% of the snaps.
I’ll predict that he’ll get about 65% of the snaps in this next game, will be targeted 5 times and will catch 3 of them for 30 yds & 1 TD.
January 13th, 2021 at 10:44 pm
Whatever it takes, coach ! Great attitude and a great teammate.
January 13th, 2021 at 11:11 pm
Groningen does, may be the best job in the NFL at blocking from the tight end position. Unfortunately we’re probably going to have to use him for that instead of us going touchdowns this weekend if we want to win
Hey Joe, your filters don’t mind when I use my phone instead of the laptop
January 13th, 2021 at 11:12 pm
BA talk too much!
January 13th, 2021 at 11:12 pm
OK, auto correct from the phone might suck worse than the moderation I constantly get put in.
January 13th, 2021 at 11:46 pm
Wirfs needs to slide inside a bit at RT and have Haeg and Gronk with some blocking on the outside. Missing OJ.
January 14th, 2021 at 12:11 am
lol SB!
January 14th, 2021 at 1:24 am
Gronk is the ultimate “draw the attention of TWO defenders” offensive weapon…
1) The guy trying to blow past him that he ends up staying back and blocking.
2) The LB responsible to cover Gronk should he leave the line and go out for a pass.
They have their full attention on Gronk at all times because they know how he can burn Defenses for big plays.
January 14th, 2021 at 1:33 am
Gronks been worth every penny and hopefully we’ll be able to afford him next year too.
January 14th, 2021 at 3:36 am
🙂 UB.
Sad but true.
January 14th, 2021 at 4:35 am
Gronk needs to take more action against the Saints and be more serious for the win. Saints isn’t a easy win this season since their RB is going through the defense. Saints has shut the Bucs out before and this is the 3rd time they are having a game this season. Bucs are going to have to use everything they got if they want to make it to Super Bowl.
January 14th, 2021 at 6:53 am
I can see why Brady loves Gronk. True professional!
January 14th, 2021 at 7:30 am
Gronk is a play off machine, loves the big games that’s where he performs best. I like Arians comment because now Payton isn’t sure if it’s for real or baiting him. Gronk WILL score this weekend right after he does his WWF body slam on Jordan and Hendrickson.
January 14th, 2021 at 7:35 am
You don’t move a tackle as good as Wirfs to the inside, and throw Haeg at Cam Jordan, even with Gronk’s help. That’s crazy, plus Gronk needs to be able to move around the formation. Stinnie’s next man up.
January 14th, 2021 at 8:08 am
Were gonna need him sunday to block and protect his bro TB12 ..this is why the pats were so dominate bc og guys like this…this is the reason why i followed TB12 and Gronk…they are awesome dudes and players…now we have to keep up a balanced attack with the run game…i really hope we use some of AL plays on offense during BCS game they were really really effective and creative….we need more creativity on offense which i saw a little bit of it against WFT….were gonna have to be to beat NO…Defense PLAY WITH INTENSITY AND KNOCK THIER HEADS OFF!!!!! Disguise the blitzes and please please no zone coverage against brees he will eat it alive…..we got this third time is a charm….TAMPA BAY ALL THE WAY
January 14th, 2021 at 8:38 am
It worked against an excellent defense for WFT. No brainer. I expect he will get more chances when the Saints shift people to take away AB.
January 14th, 2021 at 8:50 am
Why didnt comment go thru ?
Or are you “clean house “trying to get people to respond to absurd comments?
Maybe you are ndog as well?
January 14th, 2021 at 9:12 am
Let the opposition mark Gronk as just a blocker, then BOOM!
January 14th, 2021 at 9:59 am
Now that offense is clicking, someone needs to work on the defense. Teach them how to tackle. Too many hands on without take down. Secondary.needs to cover recievers better. Always someone left wide open.
January 14th, 2021 at 12:28 pm
Starting every game this season probably has a lot to do with not getting banged up in double coverage catches. The fact of the matter is he’s an option. And if he doesn’t hang out by the line blocking, you have to treat him as such on defense. It’s a win/win for gronk and the bucs.