Rob Gronkowski anxious to lay the lumber

The New England Patriots have had padded practices, and have seen increased physicality from the improved defense. Not only has Rob Gronkowski been missing from these drills, but he's been increasingly anxious to get involved in the hitting.

Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal noted Gronkowski's response when asked about missing drills:

“Always, man,” Gronkowski said. “It’s just tough sitting out whatever drill it is, whatever period it is, but you just got to keep working through.”

Gronk continued to mention how integral hitting is to the game:

“It’s a part of football. You don’t want to just be receiving hits, you want to be delivering hits, delivering blocks,” Gronkowski said. “Everyone knows if you’re catching the ball, you can get lit up at anytime – up the middle, anywhere. You’ve just got to make a play, know who’s around you , keep on practicing, know where the guys are on the defense and try to be the guy where you make the hit, where you deliver the hit.”

This is incredibly exciting to hear from Gronkowski. We all know that he is anxious to get back, but it really gives me confidence in his style of play remaining aggressive. His ability to block and physically separate is what makes him the most complete tight end in football, so if he were to be shy about playing that way it would reduce his effectiveness.

In this situation, I think that Gronk's carefree approach towards life really aids him in not changing his play. He seems like the type of guy who will easily put the injury history in his past and go into full Gronk mode, and that is great news for Patriots fans. Seeing him do drills with Revis and Brady is exciting, but seeing him in full 11 on 11 drills would not only help his play, but add a dimension to the offense that pushes the improved defense.

How soon should Gronk get physical? When do you think he plays his first preseason (or regular season) game? Let's chat @TheFib0624

--Bill Stiles