Danny Amendola Stepping Up for Patriots Offense in Julian Edelman's Absence

Danny Amendola is the latest embodiment of the New England Patriots' mantra when it comes to injuries: next man up.  Jerod Mayo out? No problem, as Dont'a Hightower has raised his game to All-Pro level. Chandler Jones misses time? Akeem Ayers has his back. With Julian Edelman—one of Tom Brady's security blankets—out with a thigh injury and concussion, it was Amendola's turn to shine.

His clutch performance in the 17-16 victory over the New York Jets may have saved New England's chance at home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs.

Coming into Week 16, Amendola had only been targeted 24 times, catching 15 balls for 113 yards. He increased his catches and yards by more than 50 percent against the Jets, earning eight receptions for 63 yards on just 11 targets, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

While there may have been some doubters after Amendola's less than spectacular career in New England, No. 80 wasn't among them. "You have a job to do every week. You have a role on the team if you’re suited up. You have something to do within the game plan. You have to do your job. Whatever it is. Never doubt yourself. "

In addition to his contributions in the passing game, Amendola set up New England multiple times with solid returns on punts and kickoffs. While he didn't break any for a touchdown, the change of field position was a boon for New England's flagging offense.

Don't expect Amendola's leading role to last too long. Tom Brady is already looking forward to Edelman's return:

"

He did a great job and he’s been really looking for this opportunity. I thought he did a great job in there in the role that he played. He’s a very good player for us. He did a good job returning some great kicks and punts. It will be good to get [Julian Edelman] back next week. Hopefully, he can get back next week. 

"

While Edelman should certainly return in time for the Patriots' first playoff game—following a first-round bye—his availability for the Week 17 finale against the Buffalo Bills should be the topic of much debate.

New England has wrapped up their first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs due to the Denver Broncos' loss to the Cincinnati Bengals late Sunday night. With the game against the physical Bills nothing but a tune-up, risking Edelman's health seems like an unnecessary risk.

Expect Amendola to get another chance to prove his worth to Brady and Bill Belichick. If Edelman does sit, Week 17 could serve as an audition of sorts for the 2015 season.

According to OverTheCap.com, Amendola has a potential cap number of $5.7 million next year. If he wants to see anything near that—in Foxborough or anywhere else—he will need to continue his strong play next week and well into the playoffs. Whether he is in the slot, at the "Z" receiver, or as a returner, he needs to make an impact.

Amendola's first game as a Patriot was a clutch performance against the Bills. Potentially his last regular-season game might bring things full circle.