Tag Archives: Josh Gordon

FLASHback to 2007’s Offense

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COMPARING THE 2007 SEASON TO THIS YEARS TEAM OFFENSIVELY

In 2007, New England was a juggernaut on offense. As far as regular seasons go, well, the Patriots went undefeated. Of course, this season won’t be perfect, the offense could look quite familiar. Josh Gordon recently picked up by New England, has many fans very excited. First and foremost, he is not Randy Moss 2.0. I want to make that clear.

However, if Gordon can fall in line, keep his nose in the playbook and contribute all season, then we could be in for quite the show. The comparisons this year to the undefeated regular season are fair, hear me out.

Let’s compare Offenses

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

DIFFERENT NAMES – SAME GAME

New England’s offense in 2007 was unstoppable, mainly because of Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Other key players had their roles as well, only one player remains – Tom Brady. 2007 will go down as one of the best complete football teams of all time, if not the best. Here is what the offense looked like.

Starting off is Tom Brady, who has seemed to have gotten better with age. As he admits himself, “I feel like I’ve played better the last eight years then I did my first ten.”

Next, let’s look at the running game. Laurence Maroney handled the heavy workload. Patriots HOF’er Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris as the 3rd down change of pace backs. Heath Evans was the fullback.

Jumping ahead to this season, SB hero James White, Rex Burkhead, and rookie Sony Michel can all either be RBs or receivers in the slot or split out wide. In today’s NFL, I’d give the slight edge to this season’s RB core, as moving the ball through the air is more important than ever. Defenses can’t tell whether it’s a run or pass play when any of these players step on the field. Also, James Devlin is used at FB to open up running lanes and catch the ball as well.

SB hero James White

Photo Courtesy of Sports Illustrated

PASS CATCHING COMPARISONS

Randy Moss is in the HOF, Josh Gordon is not Randy Moss. However, if Gordon is the best version of himself, he will fill the Moss role, which is taking the top off the defense with his size and speed. Brady hasn’t had this since Randy Moss, with the obvious edge going to Moss, with one caveat – the rest of the pass catchers overall compared to this year.

With Gordon attempting to do his best Moss impersonation, Brady now has a real deep threat. His targets also include Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, and Philip Dorsett with special teams ace, Corderelle Patterson, being involved in some packages each game.

Josh Gordon opening up the field for these receivers will not allow defenses to double. If they do, Brady will find one of the open players. Looking at this year’s pass catchers and 2007 receivers, it’s the same concept with similarly skilled players except for Moss. Now, 2018 now has a beast like him plus Rob Gronkowski. That alone is scary for opponents.

JE11 in the slot

Edelman will be back in the slot, with Gordon opening up the field. Just like Welker did in 2007

Patriots offensively in 2007, besides Randy, had an aging local legend in Troy Brown, another Patriot HOF player, along with Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth, and Jabar Gaffney. They didn’t have a huge part of this comparison in Rob Gronkowski. Ben Watson was good along with Brady, but it’s not close to Gronk alone.  2018 also adds Hollister in the mix. So, can this year’s team look anything like the 2007 Patriots?

IN CONCLUSION, WHERE DOES THIS SEASON’S OFFENSE STACK UP?

Going through it by positions was interesting, and all these comparisons depend on one player, who’s never been dependable. In the event Josh Gordon does click with Tom Brady, this year’s Patriots team will do some serious damage. As I see it, this years RB group can be better than 2007.

Pass catchers; if everything goes to plan, will put up eye-popping numbers. Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon and Chris Hogan with the RBs will keep defenses up at night.

No, this season won’t be as prolific as the undefeated team but will have a similar feeling to it. As always, health will play a factor as well of the offensive line.

Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are still here, with players comparable or better to the 2007 team. Still, it’s too early to tell what will happen next.

No Tom Brady led offense will ever be as good, but this year is the closest it will get. Imagine all of this coming after the recent WR drama throughout the last few months.

Tom Brady Appears Questionable About Josh Gordon

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Tom Brady speaks about Josh Gordon

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady seems questionable about the trade the Patriots made for Josh Gordon. Josh Gordon has had his troubles on and off the field. Gordon told GQ in November that his ritual before and after games was drinking, smoking, and partying.

“We would stay at the team hotel and then players are allowed to go back home, get what they need, and then go to the game. So I’d leave the hotel early morning, go home, eat breakfast, do my little ritual, whatever it may be, some weed, some alcohol, and then go to the game. And then, I’d definitely be partying after every game, win or lose. Every game.”

Brady hasn’t had a big name receiver since Randy Moss

Tom Brady hasn’t really had a deep threat since Randy Moss. Moss was different because he never was into hard drugs off the field or in trouble with the law. Brady told Westwood One yesterday

“I hate to make projections and expectations, That’s not fair. I’ve never met Josh, personally — just like I hadn’t met some of the guys who have come in the last couple of weeks. We’ll see how it goes this week. Hopefully, he can work hard, put the team first, and end up helping us in any role that he can find for himself on the team.”

It doesn’t seem too promising, but Brady realizes at this point the Patriots are desperate and needed to do something at the position.

I can see why Brady would be questionable about the move. Gordon could be just like Chad Ochocinco or have a great season as Moss did. Belichick doesn’t put up with the distractions or the nonsense, so if Gordon does miss a meeting you can expect to see Gordon off the team quickly. Gordon is quick and can get open which is what the Patriots need especially with Edelman out until October.

No Need to Panic About the Patriots

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New England Patriot fans should not panic over the loss to Jacksonville. Every year the Patriots seem to have a hiccup or two in September, and every year people are in panic mode. 2018 has started the same way three particular seasons have started, but ended in February.

No need to panic

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Patriots Start Slow and Finish Strong

Let’s look back to September 7th 2014 against Miami. In Week 1 the Dolphins took it to the Patriots, holding the offense to zero points in the second half. New England dropped the first game of the season 33-20 to start 0-1. After that first game people were concerned, it wasn’t until Week 4 until panic set in throughout New England.

Monday night football against the Chiefs was a complete nightmare for fans, and a celebration across the country that the dynasty was finally over. New England was embarrassed on national TV, losing 41-14 leaving them 2-2 to start the season. Bill Belichick’s famous line, “we are on to Cincinnati” was repeated to every postgame question. Panic had set in by this point, all for nothing. New England didn’t panic. They went to Cincinnati and dismantled the Bengals 43-17. As the season went on the Patriots only lost two games after that, ending 12-4 to go on to win their first Super Bowl in ten years.

Two Years Later No Need to Panic Again Right?

In 2016 the Patriots got shut out at home 16-0 by the Buffalo Bills, again a bad loss in the first four games. Unlike 2014 the panic wasn’t as high, but there was concern. Just as it happened in 2014, New England started with an early loss, yet they only dropped one other game, ending the season 14-2. With a great playoff run, Patriots fans were once again in panic mode during the Super Bowl. Down 28-3 with just minutes left in the 3rd quarter, once again this team showed why they shouldn’t be doubted and how they Never panic. Another nail-biting situation, the Patriots went on to make the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history beating Atlanta in overtime.

Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports

Last year Patriots fans were in shock, more panic than ever

2017 started out with some reconstruction to the stadium, making room for a fifth banner. Fan’s were in a state of euphoria, as the Patriots had just won two Super Bowls in three years. Opening night had arrived, the circus was in town like Bill Belichick has said about banner games since 2001. Something else had arrived that night at Gillette, the Kansas City Chiefs. After all the fireworks and celebration, New England came out looking confused on defense. History was about to repeat itself once more in 2017. Kansas City embarrassed the Patriots on national TV again, beating the defending champs 42-27.

Again New England started the season 0-1, but it got worse as the defense couldn’t figure it out for the first four weeks, losing in Week 4 to the Carolina Panthers 33-30. Another 2-2 start to the season led fans to start getting worried again, just like usual the Patriots only lost one other game that year. Ending the season 13-3 and getting back to the Super Bowl again. Only this time the Patriots didn’t win the final game of the year, but it just goes to show, this is just what happens with the Patriots. They start off a little slow, not showing all their cards, still figuring things out. So should fans be worried about starting 2018 1-1? No, the answer is written in history. Especially this season with so much turnover from last year.

New England is going to take the first four games to figure everything out like they have been for years. September is an extension of the preseason for the Patriots to try different things, while they might start off slow fans should know by now they always finish strong. New England is on to Detroit after a familiar September loss, with a new WR and rookie RB Sony Michel. I’m here to say to anyone who is worried. Look at the recent timeline of events, there is no need to panic.

Bill Belichick Still Won’t Talk About Josh Gordon

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Bill Belichick Silent on Josh Gordon

The Patriots signed Josh Gordon, however, Belichick won’t talk about it. It’s not even known if Gordon is even in Foxborough yet for his physical. With Gordon’s very bad history of staying in the league due to his substance abuse issues, Belichick could be smart and not announce the acquisition yet. Again, Gordon is a higher risk than Randy Moss with off-field issues with substance abuse. New England isn’t the Cleveland Browns- they actually care about winning here.

Gordon Has Played in 41 Games and Caught 16 Touchdowns in His Career

Bringing in troubled players off the field has been a recipe for Belichick. However, is Gordon the worst out of the bunch? Let’s look at Corey Dillion, who had his troubles with the law from DUI’s to domestic violence arrests. In three years with the Patriots he rushed for 3,180 yards and 37 touchdowns. Albert Haynesworth didn’t have the work ethic on the field to keep up with the Patriots. His off-field issues were not as bad as substance abuse, but he did owe lots of child support. Chad Ochocinco couldn’t get the Patriots offense at all, which could be a concern for Gordon down the road.

As for Belichick’s conference call this morning he’s playing it smart. What if something happens and he fails his physical. Now Gordon can’t play on Sunday and could get released before he even steps onto the field. It probably is also the reason why Brady was a little skeptical of the troubled wide receiver too. Tomorrow is practice and Belichick will meet the media. By then Gordon should’ve already had his physical all set and ready to practice with his teammates. Also, the press conference will be a must watch. Again, the Browns aren’t the Patriots. One mess up and you’re gone.

Bill Makes his Move

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News broke on Monday about a potential blockbuster trade (for the Patriots at least). The trade will send All-Pro and troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns to the New England Patriots. This just proves that good things come to those who wait. Patriot fans have been clamoring for reinforcements for the pass catching corps since before the start of training camp. The final straw in the Josh Gordon fiasco was drawn when reports that the team felt that he was less than truthful in regards to an injured hamstring he suffered. Cleveland’s GM John Dorsey decided that enough was enough.

A Rocky Beginning

Josh Gordon’s time in the NFL has been fraught with suspensions and substance abuse. Suspensions from the Baylor football team for various marijuana-related offenses led to declaring for the Supplemental Draft in 2012. The Cleveland Browns selected him with a second round bid. He instantly became one of the most talented individuals to ever be selected that high. But great talent comes with great responsibility. As the accolades and NFL receiving records piled up, so did the arrests and suspensions. Then it all came crashing down with a season long punishment in the 2015 season. Gordon had racked up over 2700 yards and 14 touchdowns in less than 3 full seasons of play. The Browns franchise went 16-32 and actually flirted with a .500 record in the 2014 season. Since then they’ve won four games, count them 1 – 2 – 3 – 4.

 

With alternating news of a new drug violation, reinstatements and rehab stints it appeared that a corner had been turned. Was Gordon ready to fulfil his potential and become a dominant force on the field? The news just prior to the 2018 camp was that he was going to miss the beginning weeks due to an ongoing need for addiction recovery therapy. Once he showed up he appeared to be ready to help the Browns make some noise in the rugged AFC North. If he could regain the form that led to the nickname of “Flash”, the Browns could perhaps rack up some wins under John Dorsey’s leadership. Alas, it was not to be. In a quick, but confusing series of events, Josh Gordon suffered a hamstring injury. This quickly led to accusations of untruthfulness and breaches of trust. Finally, the Browns announced that they would be releasing him unless they could find a suitable trade.

The Patriots Wade In

 

When the 2018 training camp broke and the season began, the Patriots wide receiver position was unsettled to say the least. Injuries, retirements, suspensions and plain ineffectiveness all contributed to a huge unknown at that position. The first two games of the season did nothing to assuage nervous fans. With under 200 yards receiving to all wide receivers through two games, Bill Belichick made his move. It is reported that the Pats are sending a 5th round pick to the Browns in exchange for Josh Gordon and a conditional 7th round pick. They have officially thrown their hat into the circus ring that is this mess.

The Outlook

Color me cautiously optimistic. This is a low risk move. The fifth rounder is peanuts and the conditions attached to the seventh are most likely attached to the number of games played. Gordon is making a very low salary for the next two seasons due to the suspensions. He has to know he is on his very last NFL lifeline. If he messes up here it is highly unlikely that anyone will take the smallest chance on him again. A successful tenure with the high profile Patriots and a Tom Brady led offense will set him up for his first payday. Either with the Patriots or not, he can rehab his image. And maybe, just maybe set himself up for catching the winning pass in a Super Bowl.

 

All photos courtesy of Getty images unless noted otherwise.

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Rising from the Ashes: Josh Gordon’s Return to the Gridiron

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Anyone who pays attention to the NFL knows that Josh Gordon’s return is a pretty big deal. The Cleveland wide receiver’s well-known battle with substance abuse has kept him off the field since 2014. Back when this all began, the fans couldn’t comprehend how someone so talented could throw it all away for a quick high. We put athletes on pedestals, forgetting sometimes that they are human. No one is immune to addiction and the effect it has on their life, as well as those closest to them. Gordon was no exception.

Free-falling

It is important to recognize the issues he had early on with drugs and alcohol. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Gordon admitted to raking in roughly $10,000 a month from selling marijuana while he was in college. Now, some will say ‘student athletes can’t receive gifts or money so… he was just supporting himself by any means’. First of all, drugs are never the answer. Secondly, this highlights his dependence on marijuana, namely as a source of income throughout college. Oh, and another thing to remember: people who sell drugs are also more likely to abuse them and Gordon was no different. In his interview with GQ, he admitted to getting high or drinking before every NFL game. It became an unhealthy ritual that eventually caught up to him:

  • Two game-suspension in 2013 for violating the substance abuse policy of the NFL
  • Arrested for DWI in the summer of 2014
  • Suspended for the entire 2014 season but was able to get it reduced to just 10 games
  • Suspended for the entire 2015 season
    Embed from Getty Images

Working Towards Sobriety

Josh Gordon was offered reinstatement in 2016 under special circumstances; he passed. Instead, he was able to find the strength and courage he needed to go back to rehab. The most amazing part about his story is that he finally decided that his life was worth living. He didn’t decide to get sober for his career or the money. This young man decided to do it for HIMSELF. By continuing to choose sobriety, he is choosing himself and his family over the drugs and alcohol. Gordon was a lost and reckless young man who took life for granted. In the time he spent recovering, he has grown in more ways than one. I hope others who are struggling can use his story as a source of strength, and become inspired to change their lives for the better.

Tune in to watch the Gordon take the field for the first time since 2014 when the Browns visit the Chargers on Sunday. I believe he’ll have no trouble settling in. Let’s blow that 2013 season out of the water!

Also, if you haven’t already, check out his interview with GQ.

He opens up about a lot of personal experiences that have led him to where he is now. Great read!