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Transcript: Rob Gronkowski Press Conference 11/30

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski addresses the media during his press conference at Gillette Stadium on Thursday,November 30, 2017

Q: What are your impressions of this Bills team?

RG: It's going to be a good game. They've got a good team, a very good defense. They play hard. They've got guys that are relentless. They just keep going hard, they play hard, they hit hard, so it's going to be fun.

Q: Do you see similarities schematically to what you saw from Carolina when Sean McDermott coached there?

RG: Somewhat. I mean, we watched some film of back in the day when we played Carolina, about a couple years ago, so definitely some similarities there. I mean, he's very, very hands on on the defense, so definitely watched some of that film. But, overall, we're watching the film of them this year, too, and we've just got to be ready.

Q: Some players don't like going back to play in their hometown because of the pressure they feel, but you always play well in Buffalo. Are there similarities in terms of what you feel and face when you play there?

RG: I mean, it's always challenging going in there and just growing up, where you're from - just about 20 minutes away from the stadium - and going to games growing up and everything. I would say just being able to go there gets your juices flowing, and it's just a dream come true every single time you get to go to your hometown and play. So, I treat it as an honor to go back and play and I always get excited for it because you're playing in front of your family and friends you grew up with.

Q: How important is it to continue the trend of getting off to good starts offensively?

RG: I mean, we'll see how the game goes but, obviously, that's what you want to do. When you get the ball on offense, we want to be able to go down and drive and put points up on the board.

Q: What do you see from the secondary of the Bills when you watch film?

RG: Hard working players that get around the ball, that want the ball, want to make turnovers happen, so ball security is going to be big, but guys that are hungry.

Q: Coach Belichick said this was a really smart Bills team. How does that show up when you watch them on film?

RG: It shows up in many ways - the way they play, how hard they play and also just the scheme that they do. You don't know what they're going to come with on the defensive side. You don't know what they're in. It can look like they're in split-safety and then 'boom,' post snap it can turn into post-safety just as easy as that. You're not really sure. They're good at disguising and to be good at disguising you've definitely got to be a smart football player.

Q: I know you guys take everything one game at a time, but was there any talk or emphasis put on this stretch of tough games between Denver, Oakland, a trip to Buffalo or the trip to Pittsburgh coming up in a few weeks?

RG: After Thanksgiving - that's like a saying around here. That's when football season starts. I always say the intensity every week, week in, week out, right now just picks up every week no matter who the opponent is. We're going into Buffalo. They always play us hard. They've got a good team so, once again, the intensity is high this week of preparing.

Q: Would you like to discuss any touchdown celebrations at this time?

RG: No, not right now. I don't know what there is to talk about. There was nothing today. It was a walkthrough.

Q: What makes Buffalo a hard place to play?

RG: I love the atmosphere. It's a football atmosphere, no doubt. It's loud. Third down you're going to barely be able to hear Tom [Brady] if he's not in the silent cadence. It's just a good atmosphere, a good football atmosphere. Whenever there is a good football atmosphere, it's always competitive.

Q: Do you have any specific memories of Buffalo Bills fans from games prior?

RG: Well, they're wild, for sure. I grew up there. I could explain myself a little bit in my early 20's, if that makes sense. I think it does. They're wild, man. I love it though. I love that wildness. That's what I grew up in. That's why I said it's a fun atmosphere to go play. They're super loud, super proud of their team. It's a good football atmosphere, and when it's a good football atmosphere you just love playing the game.

Q: Did you ever go through any tables like the Bills fans do during the tailgates?

RG: Not at a tailgate, but I've been through tables before, for sure.

Q: In what setting?

RG: Like at family get-togethers. I've definitely been, growing up, through tables.

Q: Do you have memories of attending any games in Buffalo as a kid?

RG: I did punt, pass and kick once. That was my best memory because they were actually playing New England that game that I went to and I was in punt, pass and kick. I made it to the final round of the region and we threw the football at halftime on the field at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Q: How did you do in that competition?

RG: I didn't win that round, but I made it to that far. I threw the ball pretty far as a little kid and got some roars from the crowd. So, I know they liked me at one point in my career.

Q: What year would that have been? How old were you?

RG: Like, 10, probably; around there.

Q: Which Buffalo wing restaurant do you prefer, Anchor Bar or Duffs?

RG: Wow. I get that question all the time. I got it yesterday when I did the media call, but to tell you the truth, everyone always asks, 'Where do you go for wings? What do you do for wings? What's the spot?' And that's like the touristy spots, Duffs and Anchor Bar. I mean, in my opinion, because I've been to Anchor Bar before. I swear I've never been to Duffs, but I hear about it every day. I drive by it every day. I've just never been there. I don't know why, but I've got to definitely try it out one time, or many times, in the future. But, you can go anywhere for wings there. I usually go to Amherst Ale House. That's right down the street from where I grew up, but you can go anywhere. What's key is having that blue cheese. Buffalo blue cheese, Rootie's blue cheese - you've got to have that or else you don't have wings.

Q: Do you get an order of wings on Saturday night when you guys travel back there before games?

RG: All the coaches get those. They get like 100 wings and eat them all.

Q: They don't share?

RG: No, they don't share either. 

Q: That's tough.

RG: I know. After the game, I dip in all the blue cheese. Rootie's blue cheese - you've got to try it. That's the one.

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