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Early reviews on St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer are positive, particularly from the players. Danny Amendola joined Steven Jackson and Sam Bradford in talking up their new coordinator.
According to Ross Tucker of SiriusXM, Amendola had high praise for Schotty compared to the team's last two offensive coordinators. Here's what Amendola said:
Rams WR D. Amendola on new OC B. Schottenheimer "I've learned more the last two months than I had in 3 years."Wow.
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) May 30, 2012
Well. Pundits were quick to give his remarks a double take, especially in the wake of the high profile Josh McDaniels' failed experience in St. Louis.
In reality, the comment is probably more talking point than slight. I would read that as Amendola being pleased with the new, rather than embittered at the old. It's a nicety, a swell thing to say about your new coach and another way of proclaiming excitement about the season ahead.
Not that there's anything wrong with that. Amendola and the Rams offense had a month to prepare last season, a month instead of the usual round of spring OTAs where players would have been familiarized with the new playbook. Amendola then went on the shelf after Week 1, save for a brief attempt at an ill-advised comeback.
However you choose to read it, Amendola's remarks echo a similar satisfaction from other players with what's happening at Rams Park.