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SportsPulse: Despite countless counter narratives that the NFL fails, the first week proved that the league can still attract massive audiences and captivate the country. Trysta Krick explains.
USA TODAY & # 39; HUI

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski reacts after interference with the Houston Texans in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium.(Photo: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)

In An ESPN article published two weeks ago, Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback, questioned Rob Gronkowski's greatness and said he had trouble getting back cover .

Wednesday, the tight match of the New England Patriots responded.

"I mean, if that's what he feels, it's what he feels," said Gronkowski at a press conference before Sunday's meeting. between the two teams. "It's a great game this Sunday.We play them.I'm sure I'll have opportunities to beat him.I'm sure he'll have opportunities to go against me." I'm just preparing as if I'm still getting ready … I just have to do my field work and worry about it. "

Ramsey told ESPN in an August 30 article that "I do not think Gronk is good" before revising his position to say he does not think All-Pro four-stroke is "as good as people think so. " Ramsey told the network that when Gronkowski faces a corner, he tends to struggle and that the referee tends to play well.

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Although Gronkowski largely deviated from the questions on Ramsey on Wednesday, saying at one point that the two players had not talked about Ramsey's comments because they did not have a phone number, Gronkowski admitted that comments from cornerback could serve as motivation.

"Of course, you're always looking for motivation," Gronkowski told reporters. "Obviously, he's seen something on the film and things I can probably improve on football in certain categories, you do not always feel better every day when you're in the field, so how feels, that's how it feels. "

Gronkowski had seven passes for 123 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots' win in Week 1 against the Houston Texans.

Contact Tom Schad at [email protected] or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.

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