There were times last season that Ben looked like the Ben of Old. But honestly, most times he appeared to be missing something. not sure what.. I really didn't think his arm was as strong as before..
He's older is what it is...
Unlike Brady who has always been slender, Ben has always been a big guy. Once people like that hit middle age, it's harder for people like that to fight the battle of the bulge.
We have all known people who even in grade school were just a little bit thicker than the other kids. Not even really fat, just thicker. It's in the genes. Those traits don't go away as you age.