Can the Broncos’ Defense Shut Down Gronk on Sunday?

Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) intercepts a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Steve Johnson (13) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Aqib Talib has the best chance of any member in the secondary, let alone the whole defense, at covering Rob Gronkowski, plain and simple.

Talib drew the assignment of New Orleans Saints’ All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham last season and completely shut him down. Graham was held without a catch despite being targeted six times.

It’s unlikely that he’ll have a repeat performance Sunday afternoon and he understands the challenge that Gronkowski truly presents.

"“He’s 6’7″, 200 and who knows what. And then he can run like a wild dog, man. Great hands, great catch radius. He’s one of the top tight ends in the league.” Talib said, “He knows how to play the game of football and then on top of that, he’s got a great quarterback throwing him the ball.”"

Talib will get the most cracks at locking down Gronkowski out of anyone else on the defense.

Size shouldn’t be much of an issue for him, as he’s one of the bigger cornerbacks in the league, standing at 6’1 and weighs in at just over 200 lbs.

Talib is as physical and as skilled as they come. On Sunday, he’ll throw every ounce of his being at his former teammate in an effort to help secure a win on the road.