AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — Make way for the best of Gronk.
Now that Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has reinforcements, it should ease the heavy burden he has carried on a weekly basis this season. Perhaps more than ever, opponents have devoted more assets in his direction, been more physical and essentially just prioritized defending him over Tom Brady’s other weapons.
Two factors have led to the taxing start. First, wide receiver Julian Edelman isn’t around to divert attention from Gronk, who gets put through the wringer in the middle of the field. It’s a grind just to get ready for that challenge.