Buffalo Bills collapse in third quarter versus Patriots: 5 Takeaways
By Curtis Panke
1. White gets a cheap shot to the head from Gronkowksi
With the Patriots up 23-3 late in the fourth quarter, White got the best of Gronkowski to intercept Brady, for his third interception of the season.
White has been a revelation for the Bills on defense, as he is first on the team in pass deflections, second in interceptions and sixth in total tackles.
After intercepting Brady, White fell to the ground to end the play and was then blindsided by a diving shoulder to the head from Gronkowksi.
White left the game and was put in the NFL’s concussion protocol, while Gronkowksi didn’t receive a penalty.
Really Gronk? pic.twitter.com/hVku6Yz5Id
— Steve Noah (@Steve_OS) December 3, 2017
The unnecessary hit drew a lot of criticism on social media, with people such as concussion research expert Chris Nowinski calling for Gronkowski to be suspended by the NFL.
Gronk's cheap shot gave Tre'Davious White a #concussion. If he's not suspended, it signals cheap shots are fair game now in NFL. Had it been Tom Brady's knee, player would be banned for life. Just because you can't see his injured brain doesn't mean it's not as serious. https://t.co/v4eqZ7j3n7
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) December 3, 2017
During the end game handshakes, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick apologized to his Bills counterpart Sean McDermott for Gronkowski’s hit on White.
Gronkowski then apologized for the hit during the post game interviews.
Bill Belichick apologizes to Sean McDermott for the Gronk hit that gave Tre' White a concussion. Called it bull%^&*. pic.twitter.com/qfkBB9bgid
— Prescott Rossi (@PrescottRossi) December 3, 2017
Here's #Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski @RobGronkowski after the game and his apology to @TreWhite16.
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) December 3, 2017
"I'm not in the business of that. It was just a lot of frustration. I was just really frustrated at that moment. Just want to apologize to Tre'Davious White." pic.twitter.com/NLQkrwm2DB
It is unknown at this time how serious White’s injury is and if he will miss an extended period of time for the Buffalo Bills.
If he does miss time, it would be a major loss for a Bills’ defense that has been the backbone of the team so far this season.