Patriots’ Tom Brady on Rob Gronkowski: ‘You have a physical advantage’

After struggling throughout the first half of the season, the New England Patriots’ offense is once again putting up big numbers and the Patriots are winning games.

Obviously, the return of running back Shane Vereen and quarterback Tom Brady getting on the same page as his young receivers are reasons they’ve looked so much better, but the biggest reason for their improved play is the return of tight end Rob Gronkowski.

“I mean, that’s kind of what he does best,” Brady told Field Yates of ESPN Boston on Wednesday. “He’s such a physical presence on the field. His size, his length, and his speed, his quickness. He’s a tough matchup.”

Since returning, Gronkowski has 560 yards and four touchdowns on 37 receptions.

“It’d be like in other sports where you have great matchups in basketball or something like that, where it’s truly a one-on-one and you have a physical advantage,” Brady added. “Gronk always seems to have a physical advantage, it’s just a matter of if the scheme can help find a way to get him open.”

The 9-3 Patriots will host the 4-8 Cleveland Browns Sunday at 1:00 pm EST.