Detroit Jock City
Fansided

Danny Amendola the sure-handed chain mover the Detroit Lions need

By Bob Heyrman

GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 11: Danny Amendola #80 of the Miami Dolphins makes a catch in front of Josh Jackson #37 of the Green Bay Packers during the first half of a game at Lambeau Field on November 11, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 11: Danny Amendola #80 of the Miami Dolphins makes a catch in front of Josh Jackson #37 of the Green Bay Packers during the first half of a game at Lambeau Field on November 11, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Detroit Lions, as we all know have New England Patriot roots throughout their organization. From the GM Bob Quinn, head coach Matt Patricia and it continues to spill out into the current roster as well.  The franchise is attempting to change its culture, and we should be proud it appears ownership and management are not just settling anymore.

The Detroit Lions continue to sign New England offspring.  The team landed the leagues’ top free agent this spring in Trey Flowers. He had an opportunity to sign elsewhere for the same money but chose to continue to play for Matt Patricia.  The Miami Dolphins surely would have paid Flowers, but he bet on the Detroit Lions culture change; playing alongside Damon Harrison isn’t all that bad either.

Another player, the team, brought in during the free agency period was a corner, Justin Coleman.  He had briefly played for the Pats under Patricia’s playcalling in the past but excelled with the Seattle Seahawks.  He was widely regarded as the best slot corner available this Spring.

Those two players were the big signings, but Danny Amendola yet another former Patriot will be a valuable asset to the Detroit Lions.  He signed on the first day of free agency, the move didn’t wow anyone, but his catch rate makes him a unique signing.  The Lions needed a poor mans Golden Tate after the teams’ former number one receiver was dealt to the Eagles last season and eventually signed a new deal to replace Odell Beckham as the New York Giants top receiving threat.

More from Detroit Jock City

The Lions need a reliable chain mover to compliment Kenny Golladay the teams top receiving threat.  Marvin Jones will fly under the radar with all the additions, but he will remain the Detroit Lions 1B. His downfield playmaking ability always draws the attention of Matthew Stafford, who loves to sling it and show off his big arm.

Amendola won’t replace Tate’s production but when it’s third and medium to go expect number 9 to look for Danny on a crossing route.  Last season Amendola reeled in 59 catches on 79 targets.  He owned a catch rate of 74.7%.  He totaled 575 yards for an average of 9.7 yards per catch, scoring just 1 touchdown.

To give you a quick comparison, Marvin Jones caught 56.5% of the passes thrown his way.  Kenny Golladay recorded 58.8% of his targets, and Golden Tate snagged 65.5% of passes thrown in his direction.  So Amendola’s near 75% catch rate will be very welcoming for quarterback Matt Stafford.

Next. Detroit Lions will only win three games is ludicrous. dark

Don’t expect Amendola to be a pro-bowler or anything but if he mirrors what he did just last season, he will be a valuable complementary asset this season for the Detroit Lions. Also, he is quickly turning into one of the leaders on the team.  On the first day of practice, he shrugged off a question when he was asked what he thought about a 3-13 prediction mentioning he doesn’t look at that s**t. Just what the franchise needs, someone to silence the outside noise.

Home/Detroit Lions