The New England Patriots have had some receiver issues lately with Danny Amendola going to Miami and Julian Edelman currently serving a four-game suspension. Chris Hogan has tried his best these first two weeks to step into a WR1 role, but he’s failed to do so. The former lacrosse player has only four receptions in his first two games. Those are not true WR1 numbers. So, they made a move for troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon, acquiring him for a conditional fifth-round pick from Cleveland. The 6’3″ wideout has the ability to change a game, but he’ll no longer be doing so in Cleveland.
GORDON’S IMPACT
People forget that the 27-year-old Gordon was once in the talks of the NFL’s elite WRs. Back in 2013, Gordon amassed 87 receptions, over 1,600 yards, and nine touchdowns on his way to his first Pro-Bowl selection.
Since that 2013 season, Gordon’s played only 11 games. Tom Brady has gotten a much-needed WR1. Gordon not only improves the receiving corps of the Patriots but will also make the people around him better. Defenses now not only having to look at Gronk, they must watch Josh Gordon, who’s a top-10 WR when active. When both of those guys are covered, which is unlikely, Tom Brady can throw to Chris Hogan.
The real fun starts when Edelman comes back. Then, defenses should be very scared.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The only question remaining is if Josh Gordon can honestly play a whole season? Yes, he can. He’s made it known that he wants to play football before it’s too late and has taken the necessary steps to do so.
He entered himself into rehab this past offseason, and he plans on actually playing for the rest of his career. With Tom Brady throwing him the ball, Josh McDaniels calling the plays, and Bill Belichick running the show, it’s not a matter of if Gordon can return to his former Pro Bowl self, it’s a matter of when.