Rob Gronkowski Makes Bold Declaration on Joe Burrow, Bengals After Loss to Patriots

Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals stumbled out of the gate, creating concern about their potential as a genuine contender this season.

The Bengals entered their Week 1 favorite as one of the largest favorites on the board (-7.5 per ESPN BET) against the New England Patriots. But Burrow and the offense struggled to get anything going on offense, managing just 224 total yards. Burrow was 21 of 29 passing for just 164 yards are rarely went downfield.

Meanwhile, the Patriots were able to pound the ball against Cincinnati, racking up 170 rushing yards in the 16-10 victory. Rhamondre Stevenson was responsible for most of that, collecting 120 yards, including crucial runs late to prevent the Bengals from getting a final shot at the win.

After the Bengals' Week 1 performance, Future Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski doesn't see them as a playoff team this season.

"The Bengals always start slow. The Bengals just aren't there," Gronkowski said on the Up & Adams show. "They're up and down and not consistent. They don't have it right now. I think they're going to miss the playoffs again. You've got the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers that will be going to the playoffs. The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals will be in the mix fighting, but they will not make it."

The Bengals' path to the win column doesn't get easier this week. Burrow and Co. will head to Arrowhead Stadium to take on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.