Brandon LaFell, Danny Amendola Failing to Live Up to Expectations with Patriots

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is no stranger to turning lesser-known receivers—think Wes Welker, Jabar Gaffney and Julian Edelman—into household names. Through two games in the 2014 season, he hasn't been able to work his magic with Danny Amendola and Brandon LaFell.

Amendola, once thought of as the heir to Welker, has followed his injury-riddled 2013 campaign with just three catches for 16 yards. He could earn over $3.3 million this year, according to OverTheCap.com. 

The relatively underpaid Edelman overshadows everything that Amendola has to offer. Edelman is a better punt returner. Most of all, he is Brady's most reliable receiver, catching 12-of-16 balls thrown his way. Patriots fans envisioned a duet of virtuousos, creating harmony with their quick, precise routes. Instead they've largely seen a solo act.

The latest member to join the orchestra has picked up plenty of instruments, but he has failed to play a note. LaFell signed a three-year contract this offseason and will earn $4 million this year including a $3 million signing bonus. In exchange, he has rewarded the Patriots with a whopping zero catches despite six targets, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

The aura around LaFell hasn't always been so negative. During training camp, his stock seemed to be on the rise, according to ProFootballTalk.com:

"

“He expects you to be exactly where he wants you to be on every route,” LaFell said of Brady. “Not a yard off. Not a yard too deep. Not a yard too short. He expects you to be exactly where he wants you to be, because he’s going to put the ball placement exactly right.

“I’m feeling way more comfortable. Just being in the huddle with Brady, hearing him call the plays and stuff like that. I’m way more comfortable.”

He’ll have to catch the ball consistently to stay in Brady’s good gracces, but for now, the Patriots sound pleased with an under-the-radar acquisition.

"

Three catches. Sixteen yards. One hundred and fifty-seven snaps. What is behind the under-performance of Lafell and Amendola?

Part of the reason lies with Tom Brady. His affinity for Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman is well known and crops some of the other receivers out of the picture. That may explain the low target count, but it doesn't account for the lack of relative production.

One key to Amendola's success will be the development of Aaron Dobson. As he is reintegrated into the offense—Dobson played just 31 snaps against the Vikings—the room in the underneath and intermediate areas should increase as he draws safety help.

With LaFell, the road to production is less clear. Once Tom Brady stops looking your way—LaFell wasn't targeted in Minnesota—it is tough to earn his gaze again.

The Oakland Raiders loom on the horizon and perhaps will be a cure-all for Amendola and LaFell's woes. Their porous pass defense has given up 37 completions on 47 attempts.