Two things were clearly reinforced during Sunday's game between the Bengals and Patriots: Rob Gronkowski is the best tight end in the NFL when healthy, and if Vontaze Burfict sees an opportunity to take a cheap shot, he will.
In the fourth quarter with the Bengals trailing 28-17, Burfict decided to add to his long résumé of dirty play. This time he dove at the back of Martellus Bennett's knee.
MORE: Bengals-Pats stats | Full Sunday scoreboard
There's no room for discussion here. This is a dangerous hit that could have seriously injured Bennett.
Vontaze Burfict going low on Bennett. Seemed unnecessary but what do I know. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/4DWnqa76TD
— Will D. (@WAD1980) October 16, 2016
A couple of plays later, Gronkowski appeared to let Burfict know that hit didn't sit well with him.
Gronkowski jawing with Burfict and Adam Jones after making big first down catch. I like Gronks' odds in that fight. #Patriots #Bengals pic.twitter.com/6YbkNZSVTz
— Kyle Sumner McKinnon (@Kyle_McKinnon6) October 16, 2016
Gronkowski and Burfict were separated, but Gronk did enough damage on the field. He finished with seven catches for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown in a 35-17 victory. Sometimes success is the best revenge.
UPDATE: Bennett says Burfict did apologize for the low hit.
Bennett said Burfict apologized and said he didn't mean to get him in the back of the knee but added, "But he probably did."
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) October 16, 2016
Bennett on Gronk going after Burfict for him: We always have each other’s backs. Things happen in the game...Gronk’s like, ‘bro, I got you.’
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) October 16, 2016
