Danny Amendola has been quietly going about his business this season. While he certainly is not blowing people away statistically nor is he leading the New England Patriots in any category, he is making catches when needed and played a large part in the team's win over the New York Jets. After failing to live up to expectations last season, Amendola is not doing a lot to change minds about him, but he is doing enough to help his job security on the team.
Amendola came up big Sunday. Julian Edelman was out against the Jets with a concussion and Amendola played well in his absence. He caught eight passes for 63 yards which was a season-high for the wide receiver. Most Patriots' fans likely forgot Amendola was even on the roster considering the amount of zeros next to his name on his season statistics, but key plays are slowly saving his job.
"You have a job to do every week," Amendola said, via the Boston Herald. "You have a role on the team if you're suited up. You have to do something within the game plan. I was just trying to make as many plays as we could. Jules is a great player and him not being out there is tough. It's a rough game, some guys go in and some guys go out. Everyone had a job to do and I was just trying to do my job."
Tom Brady was very complimentary of the wide receiver after his big performance against the Jets. The quarterback made note that Amendola really took advantage of the opportunity and came up with big plays for the team, something the wide receiver has failed to do in almost two seasons with New England.
By all accounts, Amendola has not lived up to his five-year, $28.5 million contract signed back in March of 2013. His struggles last year forced the Patriots to acquire Brandon LaFell in free agency while also trading for Tim Wright before the year began He has faced plenty of trade rumors during his Patriots tenure. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport has connected the Patriots with a trade for Andre Johnson and a free agency contract for Larry Fitzgerald. However, if Amendola can step up again in Week 17 as well as the playoffs, those interests might no longer be necessary.
