The New England Patriots are on to the AFC Championship Game after a dominating performance during their divisional playoff game against the Tennessee Titans. New England blew out the visitors with a final score of 35-17 to advance to its seventh straight conference title game. In the upcoming days, there is plenty to dissect but for now, let's take a look at some initial standout performers up for today's game ball vote:
Candidate: WR Danny Amendola
There is something about Danny Amendola and the playoffs that makes the wide receiver play his best when the lights are brightest. Against Tennessee, the 32-year old played one of its best games in a Patriots uniform and led the team in receptions and receiving yards. Amendola caught 11 passes for 112 yards – both playoff bests for him. Five of his catches came on third down and helped keep drives alive. Amendola did his best Julian Edelman impression versus the Titans as Tom Brady's go-to-guy.
Candidate: CB Stephon Gilmore
New England's defense played an outstanding game against the Titans, limiting Tennessee's potent ground game and registering eight sacks of quarterback Marcus Mariota. Among the standout performances is a player, who registered only one assistant tackle all game long – and for good reason: Stephon Gilmore was in full lockdown mode. The first-year Patriots was targeted four times, did not allow a catch and broke up two passes. Gilmore erased whoever was lined up against him.
Candidate: RB Dion Lewis
By now, Dion Lewis having a spectacular games seems like business as usual: The Patriots' top running back finished the contest versus Tennessee with 168 all-purpose yards as a runner, pass catcher and kick returner. Overall, Lewis carried the football 15 times for a combined gain of 62 yards while also catching nine passes for 79. Furthermore, Lewis registered a 27-yard kickoff return. Another spectacular performance by one of the league's most dangerous weapons.
With all that in mind, who is your choice for this week's game ball?
Poll
Who gets this week's Patriots game ball?
This poll is closed
-
53%
WR Danny Amendola
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8%
CB Stephon Gilmore
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29%
RB Dion Lewis
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8%
Other (name in comments)