Gronkowski, Patriots tighten grip

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Rob Gronkowski somersaulted into the end zone, staggered to his feet and still managed to spike the ball.

"I was just fine," the Patriots star tight end said. "I just got the wind knocked out of me a little bit."

New England was more than fine after looking groggy on offense early before finishing big with a 34-3 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday.

Tom Brady threw two touchdown passes to Gronkowski, who has five in his past three games. Julian Edelman returned a punt 72 yards for another score, and Kyle Arrington had two of the Pats' three interceptions.

"We try to be a very opportunistic defense," Arrington said, "and when plays like that present themselves, you've got to capitalize on them. And if I can get into the end zone one of these times, that would be good, too."

The Patriots (7-3) didn't need him to do that while they increased their AFC East lead to two games.

The Chiefs (4-6) weren't expected to do much on offense behind untested quarterback Tyler Palko, who threw three interceptions in his first career start, with Matt Cassel injured. They managed only a 26-yard field goal by Ryan Succop with 1:30 left in the first quarter for their only lead.

"Three interceptions is inexcusable," Palko said. "The game is hard enough as it is without making mistakes."

With Gronkowski collecting his ninth and 10th touchdown receptions of the season, the Patriots had their second straight dominant game after beating the New York Jets 37-16. The Chiefs lost their third straight.

The Patriots didn't generate much of an attack during their first four series. There were three punts and a fumble by Brady that was recovered by Kansas City's Allen Bailey on the first play of the second quarter. And on his next series, Brady was sacked twice.

But the protection improved and Brady, who had thrown for just 19 yards in the first quarter, took advantage, leading three consecutive scoring drives.

He connected with Gronkowski for a 52-yard score when the tight end caught the ball over the middle and scampered the last 35 yards, barely managing to remain inbounds on the right side as he neared the end zone.

"When I get the ball, you just don't want to go down," he said.

The Patriots got the ball to start the third quarter and went 85 yards on nine plays, scoring on Brady's 19-yard pass to Gronkowski, who went head over heels, landing on his neck in the right corner of the end zone after being hit by Derrick Johnson.

"He's a great football player," Patriots guard Brian Waters said. "It doesn't surprise me for him to be able to bounce up."

Gronkowski has 20 touchdowns in 26 games, surpassing Mike Ditka's mark of 31 for the fewest games needed by a tight end to reach 20 touchdowns.