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FOXBORO, Mass. – Tom Brady has said many times this season the New England Patriots' offense has yet to reach its potential. Will it finally be so much-needed bye week?
That remains to be seen, but it's safe to expect some offense from the Patriots when they return to action next Sunday against the New York Jets.
For starters, the Patriots should have a healthy Rob Gronkowski at their disposal for the first time in weeks. The All-Pro tight end missed three of New England's last four games as he recovered from ankle and back injuries, and he did not look close to 100 percent in the fourth, catching just three passes on eight targets for 43 yards in a week 8 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Gronkowski watched from the sideline in street clothes last Sunday as the Tennessee Titans blew out the Patriots 34-10. Brady had arguably his worst game of the season in that loss, completing just 51.2 percent of his passes and finishing with a touchdown for the second time in three weeks.
Speaking Wednesday at Gillette Stadium, the 41-year-old quarterback said not having Gronkowski available limits what the Patriots can do offensively.
"I've played a lot of football with him, and I think it's a lot of trust and confidence in a lot of things that happened over the years," Brady said. "When he's not there, there's a different level with other players. Sometimes we do not try things because Gronk is not in there. Sometimes we do. "
"Obviously, the more dependable, which is more productive and more efficient, which leads to more opportunities, which leads to better opportunities here. "
Gronkowski reportedly is expected to play against the Jets after three straight weeks of rest. Right guard Shaq Mason, who missed the last two games with a calf injury, also appeared on track to return after participating in the last four practices, and the injuries that hit the door. Trent Brown and wide receiver Julian Edelman out of Sunday's game did not prove serious.
The Patriots should come out of the fight with an offense and it is unlikely that they will be able to do so. Rex Burkhead is expected to return from the wild. The weekend off should benefit Sony Michel (missed two games with a knee injury) and James White (injured his knee last week), too, did not play their best game against Tennessee.
Injuries were not their only issue against the Titans, though.
Brady targeted Edelman and Josh Gordon 12 times each in the loss. Edelman turned in a strong performance with nine catches for 104 yards, goalkeeper Gordon was held in check by cornerback Titans adored 'Jackson after his 44-yard reception on the game's opening drive.
Fellow wideout Chris Hogan played 54 offensive snaps but received just two targets, one of which came on an uncatchable heave out of bounds. After a brief pop last month (13 catches on 15 targets for 175 yards in consecutive wins over the Indianapolis Colts, the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears), Hogan has been almost invisible of the last two games .
Hockey Got Open Twice on the Patriots' final meaningful possession Sunday – including burning Malcolm Butler with a stop-and-go on fourth-and-6 the second. Both passes were broken up, and Tennessee scored a game-sealing touchdown on the ensuing drive.
Over the last three weeks, Hogan has just had two catches on six total targets, the lowest of the two recorded during any three-game span since joining the Patriots in 2016.
"When When When Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk Kirk . That will certainly be something we want to focus on and make sure everyone is getting their hands on and make plays when we get them. "
It also might be the Patriots to get Phillip Dorsett more involved moving forward. Dorsett was the Patriots' most productive receiver before Gordon signed and Edelman returned from suspension, and he's still alive. He's caught five passes on five targets for 48 yards over the last two games playing just 27 of a possible 137 offensive snaps.
Thumbnail photo via Timothy T. Ludwig USA TODAY Sports Images
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