There’s no longer any question about whether Bucs quarterback Tom Brady is the greatest to ever play his position. What’s becoming just as clear is how much easier his job is when his beloved Gronk is working the middle of the field. Wide receiver Chris Godwin had the monster stat line for Tampa in a 30-17 win over Atlanta on Sunday — with 15 receptions for 143 yards — but it was Gronkowski who changed the complexion of that game. Gronkowski had two huge touchdown receptions, both of which left the impression that he’s playing some of his best football in years.
It was just two years ago that Gronkowski was enjoying retirement and building a career in television. It was only two months ago that he was sidelined with multiple rib fractures and a punctured lung, and he couldn’t finish a Halloween day game against New Orleans because of back spasms. The Buccaneers’ offense sputtered in that Saints defeat, and in a loss to the Washington Football Team the following game. Tampa Bay has been on fire ever since, winning three straight and averaging 32.7 points in the process.
Don’t think for a second that Gronkowski’s return isn’t factoring heavily in that turnaround. He’s produced 17 receptions for 252 yards and two touchdowns during this winning streak. He’s only played in seven games this season, and he’s logged 33 receptions for 436 yards and six touchdowns. If Gronk had been healthy for the entire year, he’d be on pace for 80 catches, 1,059 yards and 15 scores.
Those numbers mean even more considering the uncertainty surrounding Bucs wide receiver Antonio Brown, another favorite of Brady’s. Brown signed with Tampa Bay midway through last season and helped the Bucs immensely during that year’s championship push. He’s now serving a three-game suspension for violating the NFL and NFL Players Association’s COVID-19 protocols. If the team decides to release him — and head coach Bruce Arians has intimated that the franchise hasn’t decided Brown’s future — then Brady will be asking even more of other weapons like Gronkowski, Godwin and Mike Evans.
Remember, there’s a reason Brady pushed his old pal to leave retirement and come to Tampa. The two have combined for 90 touchdowns, which makes them the second-most prolific duo in league history in that category (after Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison). They won three championships in New England working that magic together. If Gronkowski stays healthy, they’re likely to create a similarly lasting legacy in their new home.
