TAMPA, Fla. — Considering how wobbly the Bucs looked in losing two games in a row to New Orleans and Washington, it was good to see a sturdy Rob Gronkowski return to the lineup.
The Bucs tight end hadn’t played a full game since he fractured three ribs and cracked another in a Week 3 loss against the Rams in Los Angeles.
But Gronkowski returned to the lineup against the Giants on Monday Night Football and provided more than a security blanket for quarterback Tom Brady.
The Bucs allowed the Giants to tie the score after Brady’s pass to Mike Evans was bobbled and intercepted by safety Adoree Jackson to set up an easy game-tying touchdown in the first half.
Facing third down and needing someone ― anyone ― to make a play, Brady looked for his old Patriots teammate and spotted him running free over the middle of the field.
Gronkowski hauled in the 35-yard pass to set up a touchdown and the Bucs never looked back to beat the Giants 30-10 at Raymond James Stadium.
Gronkowski had six catches for 71 yards on eight targets and drew a key pass interference penalty to sustain another drive.
The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for the Bucs (7-3) and gave them a two-game lead over the Saints in the NFC South.
The Bucs had been missing Gronkowski. His injury forced him to miss the reunion game with Brady at New England. He tried to play at New Orleans on Halloween but lasted only six snaps until back spasms forced him to leave that game.
All of last week, the Bucs talked about needing some energy and a sense of urgency.
Gronkowski provided both.
He affected every phase of the game. Brady’s pass protection was superb as the Giants really never put a glove on him. He finished 30 of 46 passing for 307 yards with two touchdowns and the interception.
Gronkowski’s run blocking helped spring running backs Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones, who scored on a 6-yard touchdown, his first since Week 4 at New England.
Receiver Mike Evans’ 5-yard touchdown reception was the 72nd of his career, breaking the franchise record held by fullback Mike Alstott, who was watching the game.
The Bucs’ beleaguered defense forced three turnovers, including interceptions by defensive tackle Steve McLendon and Mike Edwards, his third of the season.
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