Rob Gronkowski eager for ‘epic’ Bucs-Patriots Week 4 matchup

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski is eager to face the New England Patriots in Foxborough when their prime-time matchup rolls around in Week 4.

The NFL schedule is filled with compelling games, but especially in the early portion of the season, there’s no duel more highly anticipated than this one, as Gronk and Tom Brady square off with the Pats for the first time since they left.

Speaking to the Bucs’ official website, Gronkowski described how he thinks it’ll feel to return to New England, per NFL.com’s Kevin Patra:

“That’s going to be crazy. It’s going to be pretty epic. It’s definitely going to be emotional for sure, I would say. I just had a great nine years (in New England). Probably the best nine years of my life. […] It’s definitely going to be heartfelt when I go back. […] I’ve got to be prepared for every game, but especially that one.”

The Buccaneers will take on the Patriots on Sunday, Oct. 3, at 8:20 p.m. ET in a showdown that’ll be televised on NBC.

New England head coach Bill Belichick spent aggressively in free agency to upgrade his roster. It’ll be fascinating to see whether the Pats can stack up with this loaded Tampa Bay team, especially with an uncertain quarterback situation as Cam Newton and Mac Jones compete for the starting job.