FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Bill Belichick split up his plays of the week segment, when he recaps key plays after a victory on Patriots.com, into two segments this week. The first is devoted solely to special teams, and as we had a hunch during film review (point No. 3, third quarter), a heady play by punt returner Danny Amendola found its way into the mix.
After Amendola's 13-yard punt return against the Dolphins, Belichick went out of his way to laud the effort on the sideline. Now we know why.
"There was hidden yardage there on the play that ends up being a big factor in the game," Belichick explained.
The Patriots led 31-13 at the time, and Miami was punting at its 26-yard line.
"Amendola is up at the line of scrimmage, backs out of there, and it's kind of a tough catch for him where he turns and takes the ball on the run ... he finds space, split it and gets back up field, giving the offense good field position," Belichick said, highlighting two key blocks on the play by cornerback Malcolm Butler and special teams captain Matthew Slater.
The punt itself was only 35 yards, and with Amendola's 13-yard return, it made it a 22-yard net.
Had Amendola not backed out and caught the punt, Belichick felt it would have been tough for returner Julian Edelman to field the punt, which likely would have bounced, negating the chance for a return.
Two other special teams plays were highlighted by Belichick in his plays of the week segment:
Jamie Collins blocked field goal. Belichick highlighted strong work by defensive tackles Alan Branch and Sealver Siliga for creating the opening for linebacker Jamie Collins to rush through, as he flattened out to block he kick. Also, it was notable how Kyle Arrington and Devin McCourty held up on the outside, putting themselves in position to potentially scoop up any block. "Really a well-designed play by our special teams coaches, Scott O'Brien and Joe Judge," Belichick said, adding that the play was about everyone being alert, specifically Arrington and McCourty.
Another near block. Belichick then showed the Dolphins' next field-goal attempt and how the Patriots almost got a second block, by linebacker Jonathan Casillas.