The New England Patriots are off to a bit of slow start to the season after splitting their first four games that have put them in a different position in years past.

This time around there has also been chatter surrounding the play of Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski with former Patriots executive Michael Lombardi stating that he believes that the 29-year-old has lost a step. In response to that, head coach Bill Belichick during an interview with WEEI's Ordway, Merloni & Fauria Show disagreed with that statement coming out in defense of Gronkowski's ability on the field. (h/t Sam Quinn of 247 Sports)

“I don’t know, that is a hard question,” Belichick said. “You know how it is week-to-week. Sometimes you feel a little better one week than others. Overall, he has been a pretty effective player for us this year and has been able to make plays down the field. He has been able to make plays in the intermediate zones. He’s had a couple catch-and-run plays, so I think he's still been pretty effective.”

These comments from Lombardi have come after a subpar performance from Gronkowski that saw him struggle to be a factor in the passing game as he had only two catches for 15 receiving yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, it should be noted that the Jaguars possess arguably the best defense in the league that has given plenty of top-tier offensive talents issues with the Pro Bowl tight end being no different from that bunch.

Although it may not be the type of impact that Lombardi may have envisioned from Gronkowski he is off to a productive start with 17 catches for a team-best 233 receiving yards and a touchdown. This has him on pace for 68 receptions for 932 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Given the type of talent that he has proven to be over the course of his career, there is much more expected out of him on a weekly basis.

Gronkowski could be in line for some more productive weeks ahead over the rest of the year with Julian Edelman back in the fold and Josh Gordon beginning to get his footing with the team. This should create more opportunities for him in the passing game to make a larger impact and showcase that he still has plenty left in the tank to play at an elite level