FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. Rob Gronkowski's lighthearted "news conference" at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, as part of his business relationship with Monster Energy and Supercross, didn't strike me as anything different from the norm from him. But how will it be viewed by those working inside Gillette Stadium -- players and coaches? It wouldn't surprise me if some felt it was disrespectful. While it's within Gronkowski's rights to skip voluntary workouts, it's another thing for a two-time captain to say something that could be perceived as mocking them ("I've got dirt-biking skills to work on") when he's just a few steps from the weight room where that work is taking place.