FOXBOROUGH – Whenever Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski rears back for one of his signature Gronk spikes that hit the Earth with enough force to trigger seismic tremors down Route 1, cornerback Brandon Browner takes notice.
The former Seattle Seahawk sees the energy that Gronkowski brings to the offensive side of the ball and wants to do the same for the defense.
That’s why you’ll often see Browner, with his hard-to-miss red gloves, waving his arms to pump up the crowd at Gillette Stadium.
Browner’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.
After Sunday’s 43-21 win over the Denver Broncos, Darrelle Revis called Browner the Energizer Bunny of the defense.
“I’m just trying to be the attitude,” Browner said Tuesday at Gillette Stadium. “I’m just trying to spark a flame under some of the guys by the way I play. That goes a long way. Just like when I’m on the sidelines and I watch Gronk make a big play and he spikes the ball, I feel that energy. I’m just trying to be that guy on the defensive side of the ball.”
Browner intercepted Peyton Manning Sunday after Wes Welker bobbled a pass, his first pick of the season.
Since Browner made his debut with the team against the Jets in Week 7, one of the biggest challenges had been getting his conditioning up to par after his four-game suspension.
He admitted he felt gassed against the New York Jets, but that was two weeks ago. Now, Browner said he feels the best he has since he’s been here.
“This past game, I felt like I’ve been in the best conditioning shape since I’ve been a Patriot,” he said. “It kind of showed when we got the W so that’s always a plus.
“I just think, I’m a little banged up so the bye will come in handy so I’ll be doing things to keep myself in shape.”
Sunday’s win against the Broncos’ loaded offense has left Browner and the Patriots defense feeling confident. They face another high-powered offense in their next game, a Week 11 matchup against Indianapolis.
Follow Anthony Gulizia on Twitter at @AnthonyGulizia.