In an ESPN article published two weeks ago, Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey questioned Rob Gronkowski's greatness and indicated that he has struggled when covered by cornerbacks.

On Wednesday, the New England Patriots tight end responded.

"I mean, if that's how he feels, that's how he feels," Gronkowski said in a news conference ahead of Sunday's meeting between the two teams. "It's a big game this Sunday. We're playing them. I'm sure I'm going to have opportunities to go versus him. I'm sure he's going to have opportunities to go versus me. So I'm just preparing like I always prepare. I've got to just do my job out on the field and just worry about that."

Ramsey told ESPN in a story published Aug. 30 that "I don't think Gronk's good" before revising his stance to clarify that he doesn't believe four-time All-Pro is "as great as people think he is." Ramsey told the network that when Gronkowski is matched up against a corner, he tends to struggle — and the opposing cornerback tends to play well.

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Though Gronkowski largely sidestepped questions about Ramsey on Wednesday, saying at one point that the two players haven't spoken about Ramsey's comments because they don't have one another's phone numbers, Gronkowski did admit that the cornerback's comments could serve as motivation.

"For sure. There's always motivation you're looking for," Gronkowski told reporters. "Obviously, there's something out there that he saw on film and stuff that I can probably get better at football in some certain categories. You don't always feel the best every single day when you're out on the field, so if that's how he feels, that's how he feels."

Gronkowski hauled in seven passes for 123 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots' Week 1 win against the Houston Texans.

Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.