Eagles’ Ertz impressed by Gronkowski: ‘He’s a freak’


Jan 21, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) makes a catch against Minnesota Vikings strong safety Andrew Sendejo (34) during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Photo Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) makes a catch against Minnesota Vikings strong safety Andrew Sendejo (34) during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Photo Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz likely will keep his eyes on the field during Super Bowl LII even when his offense is on the sideline.

Ertz admitted to reporters on Wednesday that he routinely studies fellow tight ends, and that includes New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski.

“The guy’s a physical specimen,” Ertz said. “He’s a freak. He’s a beast after the catch. He’s able to use his body even when he’s not open to get open with the frame he has. He’s definitely been the premier tight end in this league for a long time (and) I think he’d still be producing those numbers without Tom Brady.”

Gronkowski’s availability for the Feb. 4 game in Minneapolis is in question as he recovers from a concussion sustained in the Patriots’ 24-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Championship Game.

Both tight ends led their respective teams in receptions and receiving yards this season. The 6-foot-6, 285-pound Gronkowski had 69 catches for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns while Ertz, who stands 6-5 and 250, had 74 receptions for 824 yards and eight scores.

Gronkowski set the NFL single-season record for touchdowns (18 — 17 receiving, one rushing) and receiving yards (1,327) by a tight end in 2011. The five-time Pro Bowl selection also became the first player at the position to lead the conference in scoring with 108 points.

Ertz comes into the Super Bowl on a roll, reeling in all eight of his targets for 93 yards during the Eagles’ 38-7 rout of the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game.