Wes Welker‘s production over the past six seasons has been pretty unprecedented. So, comparing just about any receiver to him — never mind his direct successor — would be unfair.
Danny Amendola has been charged with replacing Welker in the Patriots’ offense, taking his position in the slot. Many people try to draw similarities between Welker and Amendola, but quarterback Tom Brady says they can’t be compared.
“[They play] similar positions. They’re about the same height. They’ve both got very good ability,” Brady said on WEEI’s Dennis & Callahan on Thursday. “It’s hard. Wes was so productive for so long. I think it’s unfair to compare anyone to Wes and what he was able to accomplish in his time here.”
Brady talked about his feelings on Welker’s departure during the interview, but he also addressed his budding relationship with Amendola, praising him for his talent and attitude.
“Danny is really — he’s just been fun to work with. I think he’s come in with an open mind and an understanding of the way that we as Patriots, the way we need to play,” Brady said. “Danny, he’s always had a lot of talent. To watch him out there and play against him — when he was at the Rams, he was very productive. It’s been fun to work with him. He’s got the tenacity to him and the drive and the determination and the work ethic. In a short period of time, it’s really easy to see.”
Amendola worked with Brady in California earlier this offseason, and the two already seemed to have a good connection during the first few practices in Patriots OTAs.
Brady spent some quality alone time with Amendola and veteran Michael Jenkins during OTAs on Tuesday. The extra time seemed to help already, and Brady says the connection will only get better with time.
“Like I said, he’s one of those guys where the more we throw, the better we’re going to be,” Brady said. “So, we’re trying to always kind of talk and communicate through practice, through OTAs. We threw in the spring a lot, and hopefully as the summer continues leading up to training camp, we’ll get as many reps as we can together so we’re on the same page.”
The Patriots have more OTAs set up later this month and in the early part of June ahead of minicamp, giving Brady and Amendola plenty of time to get their chemistry down before training camp. But, with the way they’re connecting already, it might not even take that long.
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