Amazing Amendola looks to add another ring to the collection

Yet again, it’s the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady in the Super Bowl. But who wants to keep talking about that? We may as well talk about the Golden State Warriors making another NBA Finals if we’re going down that road.

No, today I want to talk about the real story of tomorrow’s big game—DANNY FREAKIN’ AMENDOLA. After a roller coaster (statistically speaking) of a regular season, the kid has been balling in the playoffs. Take a look at his last three playoff games, including Super Bowl 51:

Not too shabby for someone who went undrafted after his senior year at Texas Tech. VTM readers can look for more of the same tomorrow against a stout Philadelphia Eagles defense. Without Julian Edelman this season, Brady has looked to Amendola as a go-to possession receiver, and this has intensified during the playoffs.

Of course the main target in the Patriots offense is all-world tight end Rob Gronkowski. There was some question as to whether Gronk would play after suffering a concussion during the AFC championship, but news came out this week that he’s cleared concussion protocol and will be suiting up. Initially, Gronk playing sounds like it would decrease Amendola’s role. However, it actually creates more opportunity for the former Red Raider. Priority one for the Eagles defense will be to contain Gronk and limit his impact as much as possible. To accomplish that, the Eagles will need to have multiple men in coverage devoted Gronk. This is going to allow Amendola more freedom and space to get open (which he already doesn’t need much of). Tom Brady has already shown that he trusts Amendola in major situations and will have no hesitation slinging the ball to Danny, if that’s what the Eagles give him.

So, begrudgingly put on your Pats gear and cheer Danny on as he looks to be a major player in yet another Super Bowl victory.