Last year, Bucs tight end Rob Gronkowski was viewed as a luxury amidst an offense loaded with stars. The future Hall of Famer didn’t miss a game, playing in all 20 contests and playing well. But it wasn’t until the Bucs offense had to play without Gronkowski for a stretch of games that his importance was really understood.

That’s been the situation in 2021, as Gronkowski made his return after a six-game absence due to fractured ribs. The big tight end was outstanding on Monday Night Football, catching six passes for 71 yards on the big stage. Several of Gronkowski’s catches came on important plays, including a 35-yard gain on 3rd-and-3. The drive ended in a touchdown, a huge response by the Bucs offense after the Giants tied the game at 10 in the second quarter.

“Big play,” Bucs QB Tom Brady said after the game. “Big play and we needed it. Gronk always comes down with the big plays. He caught another few big plays too.”

“It’s huge,” head coach Bruce Arians said. “[Brady] had all day on that play to find him. It was like the fourth read. Gronk just kept running. That’s a big target to miss running across the field. He’s easy to see. It’s great to have him back. Really great, run and pass.”

Later in the game, with the Bucs driving for points before the half, Gronkowski went hulk mode on the Giants. On an underneath throw from Brady, Gronkowski carried Julian Love for five more yards and got out of bounds to stop the clock. Not only was it a heads up play to save a timeout, but the effort and strength were jaw-dropping.

“Gronk’s the best tight end ever,” wide receiver Mike Evans said. “So when you got him out there, it’s good for the
offense.”

Gronkowski’s best play of the game came in the third quarter, with the Bucs facing a 1st-and-15 following a penalty. Working on Love again, Gronkowski broke over the middle of the field. Love mirrored the tight end’s route, but Tom Brady recognized the leverage and threw it up for his longtime teammate. Gronkowski went up and ripped the ball away for 14 yards. The Bucs would go on to score a touchdown to make the score 24-10.

Gronkowski’s big night was amplified in comparison to his replacements. Cam Brate and O.J. Howard have struggled to make an impact close to Gronkowski’s this season. Brate dropped another pass on Monday night, this one a big play that hit him right between the numbers. Howard has apparently been passed up on the depth chart by Brate. That’s not a great sign considering Brate is playing his worst football in recent memory.

“Every way,” Brady said when asked where Gronkowski’s impact is felt. “He is so dynamic in the run game and the pass game. Short throws, deep throws, red zone, third down. He’s a dominant blocker. He is just consistent and dependable. He has been my teammate for a long time, so it is a real privilege to play with such an incredible player and person.”

Brate and Howard were adequate at best while Gronkowski was out. But now that the Bucs’ top tight end is back, the difference is easy to see. Gronkowski makes the Bucs better on all three downs, regardless of his role. He’s the rare tight end that can run block and pass protect at a premier level too. If the Bucs can get all their weapons back in the coming weeks, their offense could take the league by storm.