Super Bowl 2012: New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski's Appearing Healthier

According to Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is optimistic about the health of his tight end Rob Gronkowski:

"

"I think he's OK this morning. I think he's OK. I don't think we had any setbacks," he said.

Belichick added that Gronkowski, who was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, has gotten better on a daily basis.

"

That being said, Patriots fans can breathe a little sigh of relief.

Considering that just having Gronkowski present on the field for Super Bowl XLVI against inter-conference/city rival the New York Giants is needed to win, the New England offense will only be more effective.

In addition, Reiss quotes Gronkowski about his status regarding the big game:

"

"I will make the final call. I listen to the trainer's advice, but it's how I feel," he said. "I'm just trying to get better. The trainer has helped me to get to a place where I need to be."

"

So, with "Gronk" being the ultimate decider and the competitor that he is, we have to fully expect that he'll play. At this point, the only way to believe that Gronkowski won't play is if he's on the sidelines when the Patriots offense takes the field for their first possession.

And if you're the Giants, well, you're planning for Gronkowski no matter what. In some sense, "Gronk" playing in the game is the worst case-scenario for New York as the defense doesn't have a player who can limit his production one-on-one.

Regardless of exactly how truly healthy Gronkowski is though, the Giants must prepare/play him as if he's beyond 100 percent. The reason is to simulate "Gronk" at his best then take that preparation to the test in the Super Bowl.

Expect New York to double-team "Gronk" as much as possible along with jamming him at the line of scrimmage. The Giants are still vulnerable against the pass despite a strong front four, so forcing the plays to take longer to develop is only to their advantage.

Not to mention allowing Gronkowski to get yards after the catch is where he's been the more dangerous all season.

The best case-scenario for New York is to force guys like Aaron Hernandez and Deion Branch to beat them. Although Branch is a seasoned-vet and Hernandez is almost an exact replica of Gronkowski, neither are as dangerous.

No matter what the situation though, the Giants need to remain physical on "Gronk" in coverage, when tackling and when taking on his blocks. The quicker he wears down the quicker the odds slide into New York's favor.

John Rozum on Twitter.