Danny Amendola impressing everyone at OTAs
A headline New England Patriots fans can actually enjoy reading. Yes, Aaron Hernandez was interviewed last Sunday, and he talked up new WR Danny Amendola's performances since arriving. (Source)
Which is great, and it's a review I've been expecting. I know his name isn't Wes Welker, but Danny Amendola can be a great slot receiver for the Patriots this year. The evidence is all there, too.
Firstly, the above quotes. I know it's not proper football, I know you can't look too much from OTA's, but it looks like he's clicking with Tom Brady, he's winning over the "experts" with his speed and general ability, and he's also fitting in well with his teammates. He's a younger Welker with his first shot with a QB at the level of Tom Brady.
Secondly, I don't know if anyone else noticed this, but Amendola was a massive loss for the St. Louis Rams. I remember in the build up to the Pats vs Rams game last year, and how much they wanted Amendola back for that game. They also traded up aggressively in the Draft this year for Tavon Austin to replace Amendola and throughout the Draft process they were talking about how crucial he was for the Rams. So for him to turn up and be immediately impressive isn't a surprise to me.
And sure, you can worry about his health. It's a valid concern. But there's no point in doing that now. Let's look at the positives - he can be Brady's guy. He's a player ready to explode in a offense tailor-made for his skills, and a QB who can (and has time to) put the ball where Amendola can thrive. He can be the difference maker on this offense.
Let's just spend our time worrying about Rob Gronkowski, safe in the knowledge that Amendola looks the business...
I'm on Twitter, you can find me @BrendanAnnely
“I think Danny is going to do a great job. He looks good so far this year,” Hernandez told host Zig Fracassi. “I think he’ll fill the role pretty well.”
Hernandez’s viewpoint seemed to reflect what reporters saw last Tuesday at the Patriots’ organized team activity, as Amendola often was the first receiver through drills and looked as quick as advertised.
While there is a long way to go between now and the start of the season, Amendola has seemed to make a favorable impression on teammates such as Hernandez.
Which is great, and it's a review I've been expecting. I know his name isn't Wes Welker, but Danny Amendola can be a great slot receiver for the Patriots this year. The evidence is all there, too.Firstly, the above quotes. I know it's not proper football, I know you can't look too much from OTA's, but it looks like he's clicking with Tom Brady, he's winning over the "experts" with his speed and general ability, and he's also fitting in well with his teammates. He's a younger Welker with his first shot with a QB at the level of Tom Brady.
Secondly, I don't know if anyone else noticed this, but Amendola was a massive loss for the St. Louis Rams. I remember in the build up to the Pats vs Rams game last year, and how much they wanted Amendola back for that game. They also traded up aggressively in the Draft this year for Tavon Austin to replace Amendola and throughout the Draft process they were talking about how crucial he was for the Rams. So for him to turn up and be immediately impressive isn't a surprise to me.
And sure, you can worry about his health. It's a valid concern. But there's no point in doing that now. Let's look at the positives - he can be Brady's guy. He's a player ready to explode in a offense tailor-made for his skills, and a QB who can (and has time to) put the ball where Amendola can thrive. He can be the difference maker on this offense.
Let's just spend our time worrying about Rob Gronkowski, safe in the knowledge that Amendola looks the business...
I'm on Twitter, you can find me @BrendanAnnely
