Patriots Gridiron News 10/16: The Danny Amendola Conundrum
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola has seen his playing time dwindled so far this season. The question is why?
The Patriots have some serious fire power on offense. With Tom Brady back, newcomers such as wide receiver Chris Hogan and tight end Martellus Bennett have suddenly became favorite targets of the star quarterback. But what about a player that has been in the offense for the past four years…what about Danny Amendola?
So far this season, Amendola has played the 18th-most offensive snaps on the team. His decline in playing time is not based on his health since he is said to be fully recovered from both knee and ankle surgery. Sometimes a player needs time to heal mentally when returning to the field, but that is not the case for Amendola.
"More from New England PatriotsFormer Patriot Stevan Ridley Put Kevin Hart in a Wheelchair3 Patriots Who Can Clinch a Roster Spot in Final Preseason GamePatriots Get Win Over Division Rivals Before Season Even BeginsNew Massachusetts Sportsbook Promos: $450 Bonus to Bet on Your Patriots at Caesars + DraftKingsEzekiel Elliott Reveals 3 Reasons Why He Signed With Patriots“I want to play every play,” Amendola told the Boston Herald. “I want to be in there on every snap. If I’m not and I go in, I’ll be that much more ready. I just go where coach tells me to go. If they ask me to (play 100 percent of the snaps tomorrow against the Cincinnati Bengals), then I would, of course, absolutely.”"
Amendola, who is now 31, could be simply slowed by age. However, he appears to still have speed an an ability to get open. When is has been on the field, he has come up with some big catches. In fact, he has five receptions on third down situations and is a player the Patriots count on when they need a first down. Again, the question remains: why isn’t Amendola in for more snaps?
His answer is that the team just has too many weapon.
"“We have a lot of good football players on this team, and there are a lot of different roles,” Amendola said. “I’m just going where they tell me to go.”"
Of course, now that the question has been raised, watch Amendola have a big offensive day on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Geneo Grissom: According to Patriots.com Saturday, the Patriots have signed Geneo Grissom from the practice squad. Grissom was drafted by the Patriots in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. His raw talent and versatility made him an attractive player during his rookie season, but he failed to make the 53-man roster this season. Now he gets a second chance to prove he was a worthy pic in the third round.
Grissom’s signing was made possible due to two players being placed on injured reserve. Linebacker Jonathan Freeny and tight end Greg Scrugss were both placed on IR. New England also signed DT Anthony Johnson from the practice squad.
Related Story: Patriots Place Two Players On IR, Sign Two Of Practice Squad
Fifteen years ago Saturday (Oct. 14): A young quarterback named Tom Brady threw his first touchdown pass of his NFL career on October 14, 2001. The 24-year-old Brady connected with Terry Glenn on a 21-yard reception against the San Diego Chargers. He finished that game going 33-of-54 passing for 364 yards. Almost exactly 15 years later he is making his first appearance at Gillette Stadium following a four-game suspension. Is another 300-yard performance in store?
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