It is no secret that Tom Brady is missing his favorite wide receivers to start the season. As the New England Patriots deal with multiple injuries at the position, they have fallen in the ranks of the NFL. The team may be 3-0, which is all that matters, they are 22nd in the league in total points. That all could change against the Atlanta Falcons as tight end Rob Gronkowski is rumored to be making his season debut.
NFL Insider Albert Beer reported the tight end has a "very good chance" of playing in the Sunday night game against the Falcons. Gronkowski has yet to be seen this year after undergoing surgeries for both his back and his forearm. He was inactive for all of training camp, but has made improvements in his health over the last four weeks.
Everyone on the Patriots side has remained quiet about Gronkowski's status. It likely will not be announced until Sunday whether or not he will actually play. Even if he is on the field, there is no telling how much playing time the tight end will get. Brady sure would like to get one of his safety blankets back on the field.
The Patriots have had a slow start to the season despite what the record indicates. The team's defense and special teams is doing more than the offense. While some fans are blaming the young receivers corps, Brady is only blaming himself.
"We've definitely left some points on the board, just poor execution," Brady said, via the Boston Herald. "I've been one of the main culprits. Hopefully I try to improve that. You have to get down there and score points. Especially when you play good teams, you can't leave points out there. Like last week, we had a great opportunity for seven points. Not only did we not get seven, we didn't get any. You have to be able to capitalize on scoring opportunities."
Spoken like a true leader. Brady is clearly upset over the interception he threw on Sunday. While he is quick not to throw teammates under the bus, everyone on the offensive side of the ball needs to do more.
Getting Gronkowski back will certainly help the Patriots. Danny Amendola appears to be even less uncertain than the tight end. The wide receiver is suffering from a hip issue where his groin was torn off the bone. He cannot hurt is anymore by practicing and playing, it is simply a pain tolerance issue. He could return in another week or two.
