Four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski expressed admiration for the New York Giants' "old school" style of play following their 28-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Gronkowski noted the team's commitment to a strong running game, a style he believes is rarely seen in modern football.
"I really like the New York Giants, how they play the game of football," Gronkowski told The Post. "It’s old school. They’re running it down your throat."
His assessment was backed by game statistics. The Giants out-rushed the Cowboys 165 yards to 69, achieved 11 rushing first downs compared to Dallas's four, and controlled possession for 36 minutes and 40 seconds, a difference of over 13 minutes. Running back Cam Skattebo was a key contributor, amassing 81 yards on 18 carries, while quarterback Jaxson Dart added 54 rushing yards on 11 attempts, in addition to 230 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Gronkowski highlighted the mentality of players like Skattebo and Dart, suggesting they embrace the pressure and scrutiny that comes with playing for a New York team. "Cam Skattebo and Jaxson Dart, they’re bringing a new mentality to New York and the Giants," he said. "And you’ve got to appreciate that, because it’s a mentality where if they don’t win, they’re going to be criticized and scrutinized big time, and they’re taking it on."
He added, "You’ve got to love a player and a team that takes on all the noise and then they go out on the football field and they punch the Dallas Cowboys in the face. You’ve got to respect that."
This Week 1 win marked the first time both New York football teams, the Giants and the Jets, started the season with a victory since 2009. The Jets secured a 23-10 win over the Tennessee Titans. "I was very impressed. It’s a start the New York teams haven’t seen in a while. Both of them starting 1-0 and both of them having convincing wins," Gronkowski commented.
Gronkowski is scheduled to be in New York on October 5 as an honoree at The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis' 41st Annual Great Sports Legends dinner.