New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski wants to be more effective for his team as they prepare to enter the stretch run of the regular season.

Gronkowski has had a disappointing season by his standards in hauling in just 35 receptions for 530 yards and two touchdowns.

But as the Patriots start to get closer to playoff time, the nine-year pro knows he can add more to the New England offense.

From Kevin Duffy of the Boston Herald:

“Obviously, I can be more effective, for sure,” Gronkowski said. “But what I’ve been doing, putting practices together, just been working hard, just been doing what I’ve been asked to do by teammates, coaches. Just got to keep doing that and keep sticking to that.”

“I can grow in the pass game, definitely,” Gronkowski added. “I can grow in the run game even more, at times. Just whatever it is. Just got to go out there and play my best football.”

The Patriots currently sit at 9-3 on the season and should have an opportunity to rack up several more victories before the postseason arrives.

Bill Belichick's team will head to Miami for a showdown with the Dolphins this weekend, and then they'll go to Pittsburgh next week to play to the Steelers.

But the Patriots will have two favorable matchups against the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets to finish up the season, and that should allow Gronkowski and company to be in a great spot yet again entering the playoffs.