I'm someone who's been in favor of this move from day. Amendola is perfect for this team. He might not rack up the stats WW did (if he stays healthy, that might be debatable) but yesterday showed what Amendola brings to this team, something that we haven't seen since pre 2007. Clutch ness.
I understand why #83 was loved. He was the short white guy who balled and put up terrific stats. We know in this country stats mean everything, esp with fantasy football being so big. But other teams figured us out. When the games got tough, and the margin for error got slim, 83 chocked. His drops on big games are well documented, and for as much times as Brady zoned in on him, he never made that big play when we needed it. And this was at times when we had other weapons around. Whether it be Moss or Gronk or Hernandez. 83 was in ways a front runner. When the game was going good , he was excellent, when we needed a spark or a crucial play against the Ravens, Giants or Jets he pissed himself. That's why I think he's perfect with Peyton in Denver. They both are regular season killers, but disappear in the playoffs.
Amendola yesterday brought me back to the Patriots 01-06 version. When the game got tough, he took the game on his shoulders and made HUGE plays, and that's with the defense knowing the ball was going to him. He's clutch and tough as nails. I hope fans can appreciate him...this guys can play. And anyone who thinks last night was just one game hasn't been following his career. He torched the 49ers last year at candlestick.
And just like Manning and Welker are perfect for each other, so is Brady and Amendola. Amendola like Brady , when the game gets tough, are stone cold killers.