New England Patriots: Danny Amendola clutch in big moments
New England Patriots veteran wide receiver Danny Amendola returned to the field in a big way on Sunday with a clutch catch during the winning drive.
The numbers may have not suggested it, but New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola came up big in Sunday’s 36-33 comeback victory over the Houston Texans.
After missing the Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints due to a concussion, Amendola was out to build off his 100-yard receiving performance in the season opener. He only ended up with three catches for 48 yards, but showed just how valuable he is in the Patriots’ offense during clutch time.
Unsung hero
With the team trailing 33-28 in the final minutes of the game, Amendola came up with one of the biggest catches of the game.
With 54 seconds left, Tom Brady and Amendola connected on a key third-and-18 play. The 27-yard gain by the veteran wide receiver set up the game-winning touchdown catch by Brandin Cooks.
It was the type of play Danny Amendola has become known for the last few seasons with the Patriots.
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"“They were playing kind of a deeper man coverage zone and it turned into man after 25 yards,” Amendola said, via The Providence Journal. “I had a deeper route. Me and [Hogan] crossed and I came out the backdoor and it ended up working out.“We put a lot of work into a situation like that being down five points with 2:10 left and getting out there and trying to sustain the drive and keep the chains moving, get in position to throw some shots down the field. Cookie made a great play to win the game and it was awesome to see.”"
It was also awesome to see Amendola come through once again when the team really needed a big play. He converted another third-and-long play in the second quarter that led to the 47-yard touchdown reception by Chris Hogan.
He also returned two punts for 53 yards showcasing his value both in the Tom Brady driven offense and in special teams.
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He is not Julian Edelman or expects to be, but when he is healthy and on the field, the absence of No.11 becomes a little less difficult for the New England Patriots offense to deal with.