New England Patriots tight end Matt Lengel has gone from the practice squad to playoff ready.
He is not Rob Gronkowski, but at 6-foot-7, 265 pounds, tight end Matt Lengel gives Tom Brady another big target to throw to. As the New England Patriots prepare for another playoff appearance, the product of Eastern Kentucky is more than ready for his first postseason action in the NFL.
Just two months ago the 25-year-old tight end was on the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad waiting for an opportunity. Due to an unfortunate season-ending injury to Gronkowski, the Patriots claimed him to give him that opportunity and now he is just a week away from a playoff appearance.
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"“It’s a special place to be, in the playoffs,” Lengel told reporters Thursday morning via NESN. “I’m just anxious for the opportunity and excited and just looking forward to whatever the game has.”"
Lengel had his first catch and touchdown for the Patriots in the Christmas Eve 41-3 shellacking of the New York Jets. Catching a touchdown from Brady not only put the second-year tight end on the map, but has him hungry for more. At the same time, he knows he has to take approach this opportunity he has one day at a time, especially knowing he could potentially play in the Super Bowl.
"“You can’t get caught thinking about that too much,” Lengel said. “As a little kid, you think about it and dream of what it would be like and wonder if you’ll ever even get the opportunity. Now that it’s here, just coming to the playoffs and everything, it’s one day at a time, one play at a time, one game at a time. You’ve just got to keep yourself contained.”"
All-Pro snubs: Despite a 14-2 record, the New England Patriots only had one player selected to the All-Pro team.
On Friday, special teams ace Matthew Slater was the lone member of the Patriots to make the squad. It marks the first time he has earned a selection as the special teams spot was just added this year.
However, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was a notable admission. He lost out to Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan by a vote of 29 to 15. This could be added motivation for Brady and the Patriots as a team.
Next: Boston Celtics: Blockbuster Trade Need not Apply
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