Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall: Rob Gronkowski pushes off

Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall said Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski pushes off, and gets away with it.

Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall toldPro Football Talk Live that Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is difficult to cover because “he pushes off.”

“I mean, he pushes off and he gets away with it about 98 percent of the time,” Marshall said.

The Patriots and Broncos will face off on Sunday in the AFC title game. Gronkowski, who has been penalized five times this season for offensive pass interference, had seven catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns in New England’s 27–20 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. The tight end has totaled 72 receptions for 1,176 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

The linebacker also complimented Gronkowski.

“I think he’s a great tight end,” Marshall said. “He’s big, he’s fast. He’s faster than what you would think. And he has great hands.”

In 17 games for Denver this season, Marshall has tallied 77 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception.

Kickoff between the Broncos and Patriots is set for 3:05 p.m. ET.