The Patriots’ offense was mostly anemic on Sunday in a 24-12 win over the Bills, and Rob Gronkowski was the poster boy.
Gronkowski was held without a catch and was targeted three times by Tom Brady, who threw for 126 yards to go along with one touchdown and two interceptions.
One of those interceptions came on the first play of the second half, when the quarterback threw a quick pass to Gronkowski, who watched the ball go through his hands and straight to Bills safety Jordan Poyer. The throw was a little high, but it is a catch the tight end would have made look routine as recently as last season.
“Games like that happen,” Gronkowski told reporters afterward. “I’m on Year 9 now. I’ve been in games where we just run the ball the whole game, and it’s working. So I’ll just tell you this: Whatever it takes to win the game is what we’re doing.”
The victory, coupled with a Texans loss to the Eagles, moved the Patriots back to the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs. It also showed how vulnerable the team could be, particularly after top receiver Josh Gordon was suspended indefinitely for a failed drug test.
Gronkowski, 29, had his second 100-yard receiving game of the season two weeks ago against the Dolphins, but has since reverted to the non-factor he has been most of 2018.
“We didn’t have our best day in the passing game. But it felt good to win. At this time of year, whatever it takes to win, that’s what you’ve got to do,” Brady said. “And we still have one hugely important game left. We have to finish strong.”
— With AP
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