Super Bowl 49 from A to Z
By Will Osgood
A
Amendola, Danny
Danny Amendola was Bill Belichick’s hand-picked replacement for Wes Welker, though in reality Julian Edelman really took Welker’s spot. Amendola was fabulous for the St. Louis Rams before coming to New England on a deal which could net him up $31 million over the entire deal.
In two years in New England he’s been rather unimpressive, though, catching just 81 passes for 833 yards, including just 27 for 200 this season. But Amendola has enjoyed a slight resurgence in the playoffs, leading the Patriots with two touchdown receptions on six receptions.
With tight end Rob Gronkowski likely to see major coverage from either Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas or Byron Maxwell and/or a linebacker (or all of them, sometimes even at once) Amendola may become the Patriots’ x-factor in the passing game in this contest.
Arizona, State of
Arizona is often thought of primarily for the Grand Canyon, heat and cacti. Those are all fair. But there is more to the state than them. Northern Arizona, for instance provides a much more temperate climate than the Phoenix or Tuscon areas (Arizona’s two largest metropolitan areas). It is littered with mountains and not surprisingly canyons.
The Cardinals have traditionally jettisoned the Phoenix heat for Flagstaff in the north for training camp in late July and August. Arizona is home to 27 American Indian tribes, and much of the state’s culture is seen through the lens of their collective influence.
For more information on the state, especially relating to tourism opportunities, visit http://www.visitarizona.com/.
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