Rob Gronkowski's Return Would Be Too Much for Falcons to Overcome

The Atlanta Falcons have had trouble defending the pass this season.

The return of New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski on Sunday wouldn't help matters.

According to Marc Sessler of NFL.com, Gronkowski and receiver Danny Amendola are listed as "questionable" for Sunday's game at the Georgia Dome.

Of course, a source told Ben Volin of the Boston Globe that both were likely to play, as of Friday:

Through three weeks, the Falcons rank 21st in the NFL in yards allowed per pass attempt and 23rd in passing touchdowns ceded. That includes giving up 357 yards and two touchdowns to Drew Brees in Week 1 and 352 yards and three touchdowns to Sam Bradford in Week 2.

Now, the Falcons must face Tom Brady and the Patriots. 

Brady hasn't been his usual unstoppable self so far this season, but he got things going in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, connecting with rookie receiver Kenbrell Thompkins for two touchdowns. He's starting to get a better feel for his current receiving corps while he waits for Gronkowski and Amendola to return.

Gronkowski, of course, has made the Pro Bowl the past two seasons. In 11 games last season, he posted 790 yards and 11 touchdowns. He's one of Brady's favorite targets, and you can bet the Falcons will receive a heavy dose of him if he returns on Sunday.

The Patriots are either taking a wait-and-see approach with Gronkowski, or they don't want to reveal he's playing until the last possible moment. After all, Bill Belichick has been notoriously coy about injured players throughout the years.

Not only did Brees have success against the Falcons in Week 1, tight end Jimmy Graham also collected a touchdown. It's perhaps a glimpse of what Brady and Gronkowski could do together in Atlanta.

The Falcons will have their hands full with the Patriots on Sunday—whether Gronkowski returns or not. But it's safe to say they would rather Gronkowski not make the trip.