Danny Amendola: The unsung New England Patriots hero
New England Patriots veteran wide receiver Danny Amendola has emerged as the team’s unsung hero.
In March of 2013, Danny Amendola was brought to the New England Patriots to be the heir to Wes Welker. The young slot receiver was immediately expected to be a younger, faster, and more agile version of Welker.
And while Peyton Manning and Co. would utilize Welker as part of their historic offense the following year, Amendola was shadowed by the emergence of Julian Edelman.
He only caught 45 balls for 633 yards in his first season despite lofty expectations.
That trend has continued throughout most of his career in New England. He’s mainly been a “move the chains” kind of weapon for Tom Brady. Meanwhile, it has been guys like Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, and now Brandin Cooks who have received the spotlight.
Danny Amendola: “Mr. Clutch”
However, when the lights were the brightest, and when the situation was the toughest, it was Danny Amendola who stepped up the biggest.
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With the Patriots desperately needing to beat the Browns at home in 2013 without Gronk, it was Amendola who caught a pass and scampered into the end zone.
In the 2014 AFC Divisional game against Baltimore, the Patriots were down a touchdown late. It was Amendola who caught the game-tying double pass from Edelman.
Late in Super Bowl XLIX, it was Amendola who caught a crucial touchdown from Brady in traffic.
The Patriots needed a 3rd and long conversion at home to seal victory against the Jets in 2015, so it was Danny
Amendola who vaulted into the air to get the ball and move the chains.
On the verge of a Super Bowl blowout, it was Amendola who caught an instrumental 4th down pass in the third quarter. Later, he caught a screen pass and secured a two-point conversion which tied the game.
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And lastly, the Patriots faced a 3rd and 18 with under a minute to go last week. It was Amendola who once again caught a first down in traffic.
It seems like it’s always Danny. Ultimately, that’s what the New England Patriots are all about.