Amendola: WRs playing with chip on their shoulder

The Patriots offensive attack was supposed to feature their two star tightends while also depending on key contributions from their receivers and diverse running backs. That was the way it was supposed to be. Then Aaron Hernandez was arrested, Rob Gronkowski played in less than half of the games and most of the offensive skill players had to fight through minor injuries. Needless to say, things did not go according to the original plan.

Despite all of this, the Patriots offense led by Tom Brady still managed to adapt and use what they had to succeed. Danny Amendola, who was brought to Foxboro to replace Wes Welker, has been solid while Julian Edelman has solidified himself as Brady's favorite target. The wide receiver corpse that features two rookies, an undrafted free agent and a college quarterback now plays with the mindset that they want to prove something, according to Amendola:

“I like to think that way. In our room, I can speak for our room, we play with a chip on our shoulder and we like to play that way,” Amendola said. “It’s just our mentality. We don’t think any differently, like I said, playing with that chip on our shoulders. That’s how we are.”

Gutsy performances week in and week out are what make this offense unique. None of these skill players were awarded any sort of accolades or all-star nominations, but together they create a formidable offensive attack. They work extremely well together while it seems that somebody different steps up every week. The chemistry, or lack-thereof, that was talked about so much at the beginning of the season seems to finally have its place in this offense. Having 'let's prove them wrong' mindset only strengthens the bond.

Anthony Aidonidis
@aidonidis18