5 Qs with Pats Pulpit: Danny Amendola ‘will bring more efficiency to Stafford’s play’

Why did you have to do this, Bob? Things were going so well. I felt comfortable in my own skin. We all did. Then Bob went out and signed this guy.

What the hell, Bob? The Detroit Lions needed a wide receiver and you went out and signed the guy that looks like he could be in one of those Gucci cologne ads that make you say, “That was a cologne ad?” at the end.

In all seriousness, this was a decent little signing for the Lions. They were in need of a slot receiver and they went out and got one. There is the concern that Danny is 33 and will be 34 by the end of the season, but Amendola could possibly add some real production to the Lions passing game if he can stay healthy.

Still, I wasn’t exactly thrilled about this signing, so I needed to get some answers. Instead of getting some from our friends over at The Phinsider, I decided to go with a man that we will continue to talk to every March for the rest of our lives. I’m talking this guy.

That’s right, I’m talking about B-Rian Phillips from Pats Pulpit. We talked earlier this week about Trey Flowers, and I’d bet that we will talk again about another player before the draft. I’d bet that by the time you’re reading this, the Lions will have signed another former Patriot. Let’s see what Brian had to say about Danny Amendola:

POD: Which Abercrombie did Danny stand shirtless outside of in Boston?

PP: “He’s not as handsome as Edelman.”

POD: During his time working at that Abercrombie, he also played for the Patriots. What are your thoughts on his time there?

PP: “Amendola’s time in Foxborough was as unique as any player I can remember. He came in as a high-priced free agent, only to have injuries derail his production. But his willingness to take paycut after paycut and then deliver some of the most memorable, clutch plays in team history, endeared him to Patriots fans forever.”

POD: What are his strengths?

PP: “You know all the Patriots WR cliches. Amendola does nothing to dispel them. He’ll be a nice option in the slot and will provide opportunities for Matthew Stafford to move the sticks. He’s also a willing and capable blocker in the ground game when asked. In a pinch, he can provide sound, smart punt return production as well.”

POD: What are his weaknesses?

PP: “Vertical separation — and carbs.”

POD: Can he be successful away from Touchdown Tommy?

PP: “No question. He’s the kind of receiver that will bring more efficiency to Stafford’s play. And if he doesn’t, I don’t think it will be an indictment on Amendola.”

POD: Earlier you mentioned that Danny with Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay was enough. Do you think Ammendola will play a big role in Detroit in 2019?

PP: “I do. Given the weapons around him, there’s no reason to believe — if he stays healthy — that he can’t grab 60-80 footballs and help keep the chains moving for the Lions in 2019.”

For the second time this week Brian gives us some pretty good news about a Lions signing. I initially believed that Amendola would be brought on for depth and that the Lions would go after a receiver in the draft. I still believe that to a point. But perhaps the Darrell Bevell and the Lions will have a bigger role in mind for the former Patriot.