Rob Gronkowski: Danny Amendola Often ‘Looks Like A Gymnast’ For Patriots

FOXBORO, Mass. — Danny Amendola is becoming a frequent contributor to NFL highlight reels.

Amendola caught eight passes for 86 yards and one touchdown Sunday in the New England Patriots’ 30-23 win over the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. His 8-yard TD catch in the fourth quarter put the Patriots in front, and he now has 15 catches for 191 yards in undefeated New England’s last two victories.

“Danny made some great plays, like he always does for us — big catches over the middle, big catch on the sideline,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said after the Patriots’ Week 7 win. “He did a good job inside there like he always does, gave us some field position in the return game as well.”

The breakout has been a huge development for the Patriots’ offense, which is loaded with weapons, but it’s not all that surprising given Amendola’s athleticism. The Pats receiver has made some nifty grabs during his two-plus seasons with the organization, including an insane fourth-quarter catch that helped seal New England’s Week 2 win over the Buffalo Bills, and he was back at it Sunday down the stretch.

Amendola made a sick leaping catch on the Patriots’ final drive against the Jets, paving the way for Tom Brady’s 15-yard touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski, which proved to be the difference. It was a reminder that Amendola can go up and get the football despite being generously listed at just 5-foot-11.

“Amendola’s always making those crazy, acrobatic catches. He looks like a gymnast half the time,” Gronkowski said. “Last year, he had that one crazy (catch) versus the Jets. You saw him a couple of times this year. He’s super athletic. He’s that freaky athletic, where he can jump, he’s super quick, and he makes those kinds of catches, which look awesome.”

They look awesome, all right. And they’re making a huge impact, too.

Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images