Gronkowski admits he wasn't prepared for Jags' suffocating defense

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski admitted he was outplayed Sunday by the Jacksonville Jaguars' suffocating - and equally brash - defense.

"They did a good job overall," Gronkowski said after the Patriots fell 31-20 in northern Florida, according to Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald. "I just have to watch the film, how they did it. They've got good players. I have to play better. They did a good job. They're a good team."

Covered primarily by safety Tashaun Gipson, Gronkowski was limited to two receptions for 15 yards. He entered the contest under a microscope after Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey called him overrated during the offseason.

"It's difficult versus a team like that," Gronkowski said. "You have to be prepared, you have to ready. You have to find the openings. That's one thing I didn't do."

It was a frustrating day all around for the Patriots, who were dominated by Jacksonville in a rematch of last year's AFC title game. Gronkowski had one reception for 21 yards in that affair, though he was knocked out early with a concussion.

"A lot of people wanted to see the matchup with Jalen so I apologize I didn't give them that matchup," Gipson said after his standout performance against Gronkowski, per NFL Network's Michael Giardi.

" ... I feel I have never met a tight end I couldn't cover. I have been doing this since last year and it's a matchup I was excited about. (Gronkowski) wasn't excited about it as I was because I am just Tashaun Gipson. ... When you turn on the tape, you can see what it looked like."

Gronkowski, who posted seven receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the season opener, will look to bounce back in Week 3 versus the Detroit Lions.

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