Amendola’s Emergence Changes Patriots Offense

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Thursday, January 15, 2015

Matt LaPan, GoLocal Sports Reporter

When asked to name important parts in the New England Patriots offense, many fans would bring up Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski and even Shane Vereen, LeGarrette Blount and Jonas Gray. There has been one piece that has changed the complexion of the offense in recent weeks who many will not bring up — Danny Amendola.

While many still think of Amendola as a bad signing and a less than stellar replacement for Wes Welker, his on-field play has finally started to flourish. Amendola is also making contributions on special teams for the Patriots. Amendola might never be what many expected him to be, but his new role in the offense is changing the way teams have to defend the Patriots.

Late Season Breakthrough

Through the first 14 games of the Patriots season Danny Amendola had hauled in just 15 passes. Averaging just over one catch per game, he had become an afterthought in the Patriots offense. In Week 16, however, Amendola was pressed into service as Julian Edelman was inactive due to multiple injuries. On that week, Amendola saw his chance and took it.

The Patriots narrowly escaped with a 17-16 win over the New York Jets, but Amendola broke through. Amendola was target 11 times on the day, a season high. He also brought in a season-high eight receptions for a season-high 63 yards. While Amendola did not find the end zone, he did convert a key 3rd down conversion on the Patriots’ final drive which helped New England Run out the clock.

The next week against Buffalo saw Julian Edelman inactive again. It also saw Amendola step into his role and play well. Amendola brought in four passes on seven targets. Although the numbers were not’t gaudy, Amendola was a bright spot in an otherwise terrible offensive performance.

Playoff Success

These games helped prepare Amendola for the AFC Divisional Round against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens decided to use their resources to cover Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski, leaving Amendola in one-on-one coverage against multiple defenders who were not equipped to stop him in the slot. Amendola was targeted six times and caught five passes for a season-high 81 yards and two touchdowns. The 16.1 yards per catch average was among the best on the season for Amendola.

He was also used on the top play of the night, a double pass touchdown from Julian Edelman. Amendola streaked past the Baltimore defense for a 51-yard touchdown, completely changing the complexion of the game. 

Amendola's play has helped keep the pressure off Julian Edelman

Why He Matters

While it is true that Amendola is no Wes Welker, in his prime, he is an important part of the gameplay for the AFC Championship game. The recent string of success means that the Colts must game plan to cover Amendola. This means less attention is brought on Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell. It also means that the Colts will need to bring an extra defensive back on the field to cover Amendola. 

With an extra defensive back on the field, the Patriots can exploit the true weakness of the Colts, the rush defense. By adding a smaller body into the mix, the Patriots can exploit the run defense that allowed 201 yards and four touchdowns to Jonas Gray earlier this season. This, in turn, keeps Tom Brady upright and opens up the play-action game — where Brady is at his best.

Although Danny Amendola will never be the featured pass catcher in the Patriots offense, a role that belongs to Rob Gronkowski, his increased role is vital to the success of the Patriots. If Amendola can draw coverage away from others, and help open space for the run game, he will likely find himself with a trip to Arizona for Super Bowl XLIX.

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