New England Patriots News: Tim Tebow, Danny Amendola
Ever since the New England Patriots made the decision to replace Mike Kafka with Tim Tebow as the team’s third-string quarterback, reports from beat writers like Mike Reiss and insiders like Adam Schefter have stated that Tebow is solely in New England to play quarterback and that it would be a surprise to see him move elsewhere. Tebow has been participating in a drill where he catches a pass and runs, and this is a drill that some wide receivers and running backs are doing. This has led to buzz from some fans wondering if the Patriots do indeed have concrete plans for Tebow to play another position, but the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin writes that the logic in Tebow doing these drills isn’t to move his position; it’s because he is a running quarterback and for ball security reasons.
New England Patriots receiver Danny Amendola (80) runs a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Volin, who used to cover the Florida Gators for the Palm Beach Post and also attended the school, writes that 99% of Tebow’s work has been at the quarterback position as the QB or either doing drills in an effort to become a better QB. The Patriots are trying to see if they can develop Tebow as a project player with the man who drafted him, and Tebow has been working closely with Brian Daboll in training camp. It also seems like he is getting a bit better, as he had a long touchdown pass to Kenbrell Thompkins on Sunday. Volin’s piece affirms to us that the Patriots goal is to see if Tebow can be a legitimate backup quarterback for the Patriots, because that would make it easier for them to trade Ryan Mallett if a suitor is willing to give a second-round pick or more. Bill Belichick recently praised all three quarterbacks on the Patriots roster, and it seems like things are looking up for Tebow right now.
The New England Patriots rookie receivers have been impressing in training camp, thus making good on the vote of confidence showed by the Patriots after the release of Donald Jones. Aaron Dobson, Josh Boyce, and Kenbrell Thompkins have all been impressive, but it is clear that new slot receiver Danny Amendola is still the best of the bunch. That was the case in OTAs and minicamp, that’s the case in track record, salary, and in overall talent.
In another piece, Volin states that Amendola is “clearly the most polished” wideout on the team, and that’s definitely the case. He has exceptional quickness, hands, route-running, and he is more athletic than Wes Welker. Belichick recently praised Amendola and went into detail on him, implying that the Patriots will be using Amendola on the outside. That looks to be the case, and Amendola has consistently been doing a really good job. Volin sees 100 catches out of Amendola if he is healthy for the entire season, and that’s something I completely agree with; he has that talent and has the opportunity for 100. As long as the Patriots aren’t over-targeting Amendola en route to 100 receptions (too many catches for Amendola would likely mean that the rookies did not pan out, too), then that’s fine. But I’m sure Volin’s point is that Amendola is talent enough to be that kind of guy and put up those kinds of numbers. What stands out to me the most (besides his talent and toughness) is the fact that he and Tom Brady already have a great rapport.