Amendola's turnaround?

[voluntarysaftey]

Amendola went from one of the worst contracts in Patriots history;
to a production level equaling, and perhaps surpassing, his paygrade during these playoffs.

So what changed? Did he just get better at route running and catching? Did his motivation level change? Or was he actually injured last year and then he was behind physically from the start of this season and just happened to catch up back to his 'normal' self by January?

All I can say about him is I hope he continues to perform at this level -- I'd be happy to have him back if the last 3 games is an indication of what to expect out of him.

 

[Oswlek]

You could see him getting healthier as the year went along and the team faced defenses that were good enough to limit the top options. I think Danny will be back with some amendments to his contract.

 

[Bruins29]

I was behind the guy since he became a pat last year and got in several arguments with several posters about it. Guy can play when given the chance. Worth every penny they paid him and he stayed healthy, was a team player and came though when we needed him most.

 

[chasa]

giving him kickoff duty, and letting him run balls out of the endzone, I think, was huge for him. Giving him a chance to contribute, and hit people, and get hit. I think that was a big part of him getting his mojo back after a really bad first season due to injury.

 

[mosi]

Yes, Brady had a lot of weapons last night and used them all. Imaging an offense where you can get 5-6 catches out of a Vereen, Lafell, JE, Gronk and Amendola.

That is a pretty darn good set of receivers that can simply do what they want.

 

[Ned Stark]

He has been the unsung hero of these playoffs in my mind. No way do we win that game against the Ravens without him. He came up HUGE against them. Had another really solid game last night.

 

[patchick]

11 catches and 3 TDs in the postseason, plus a good job at KR -- very glad to have him.

Fun stat: 11 players across the league had 11 or more receptions in this postseason. 5 of them played for the "no weapons" New England Patriots.