By Nick Catlin
Through the first three weeks of the NFL season, the New England Patriots sit at an abysmal 1-2 record, its their divisional rival, the Miami Dolphins, are one of three teams still undefeated.
New England ranks 26th out of 32 NFL teams in passing through the first three weeks of the season. Some of the struggled pass play falls on the receiving core.
To improve the roster, the Patriots traded a 2019 fifth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for wide receiver Josh Gordon, and a 2019 seventh-round pick.
Gordon is most notable for his off-field substance abuse issues. Despite that, Gordon has been Cleveland’s best performing receiver since being drafted in the second round of the supplemental draft. When Gordon is on the field, he’s proved himself.
In 2017, Gordon played in more games of the games since the 2014. From 2012-14, he caught 87 passes for 1646 yards and scored 9 receiving touchdowns.
2014 was the breakout sophomore season he had hoped for, but the last four seasons, Gordon simply hasn’t been on the field.
After that breakout season, having Gordon on the field in only ten of a possibly 64 games made some Cleveland fans feel robbed of their much-needed star.
The main question: which Josh Gordon will play for New England?
Will it be the same off-field problem child, or will it be a rallied, vaunted playmaker who can sturdy a shaky receiving core, and give the two-time defending AFC Champions a much-needed open field spark and boost of momentum?
If the Patriots can help Gordon’s continued off the field struggles to get him on the field, the New England will not only find their true number-one wild receiver, but they will be true competitors for the Lombardi Trophy come playoff time.
Edited by Garrett Jones | [email protected]