 The play of Rob Gronkowski (pictured) and teammate Aaron Hernandez has other teams trying to match their success. (FILE:USPresswire) |
The Patriots have obviously caught everyone's attention thanks to the offensive success of tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski over the past two seasons, and it appears that the Minnesota Vikings would like to see the same thing from two of their own players this season.
According to Jeremy Fowler of the Pioneer Press, the Vikings staff recently gave tight ends Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson video clips of the tight end sets from every Patriots game last season, and the two are now trying to implement it out in Minnesota.
"If we can take both of those aspects of their game and implement it to what we're doing here, we have a chance to be successful," said Rudolph, the Vikings' second-round draft pick a year ago who has a similar build to Gronkowski at 6 feet 6 inches and 258 pounds.
Fowler also writes that they're taking a conservative approach when it comes to "mirroring" New England.
"To compare us to those two tight ends is not something I'm going to do right now," said Carlson, who signed a five-year, $25 million deal in March after four seasons with Seattle. "We've got a lot of work to do; we have a long ways to go. It's been done. It's being done out there. We have to work to improve to get toward that point."
You can read the complete piece here.
This is an archived article originally published on
July 30, 2012.
Content reflects the editorial context of its original publication date.
More News Headlines:
MORSE: Notes From Patriots Training Camp Day 5
By: Mark MorsePatriots training camp Day 5 saw pads come on, highlighting WRs like Kyle Williams and AJ Brown, QB play from Drake Maye, and defensive performances.
6 hours ago
Vrabel Confirms DeAndre Hopkins’ Patriots Departure
By: Ian LogueVrabel confirms DeAndre Hopkins' brief Patriots coaching stint has ended. The former wide receiver's departure occurred during training camp.
20 hours ago
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 7/30
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say during his press conference on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
24 hours ago
MORSE: Notes From Patriots Training Camp Day 4
By: Mark MorseAnalyzing Day 4 of Patriots training camp, Kayshon Boutte shines w/Drake Maye, Christian Gonzalez contract talks, and Gabe Jacas's injury mystery deepens.
2 days ago
Morse: Notes From Patriots Training Camp Day 3
By: Mark MorsePatriots training camp Day 3 notes reveal Gabe Jacas's rare injury waiver contract, plus updates on AJ Brown, Kayshon Boutte, and depth chart battles.
3 days ago