Browns a different team with Gordon
The Cleveland Browns learned that wide receiver Josh Gordon will be reinstated to the team after a four game suspension.
Number 12 will get a chance to play 12 this year. The Cleveland Browns are set to get their superstar receiver back in week five against the Patriots. It is rare that one player can come in and change the feel of an entire team, but since this news broke yesterday it seems to have done just that.
Gordon is one of the most naturally talented players in the NFL. Time after time when people are ready to write him off, he returns seemingly better than before. When news broke about Gordon returning, the mood about this team changed. Out of nowhere optimism arose from the ashes on a season that many had already declared a lost cause. Though the addition of Gordon will not propel the Browns to any kind of post season play this year, he will help make this offense a must watch. Not only will this offense be more entertaining after week four, but maybe this team won’t be as bad as we all thought. It seems silly to think that one player can make such an impact, but it has that feel.
There were some questions as to whether or not Gordon would be welcomed back to the team if he was reinstated, we kind of got an answer to that today. The Browns addressed the Gordon situation on their official site. Here is a what Sashi Brown had to say about Gordon.
“With the league’s decision to afford Josh the opportunity to resume his career, he will be with us for the start of training camp. At that time, we will discuss directly with Josh the direction of our team, our expectations of our players and a plan to support him on and off the field.”
Sounds to me like Gordon might have a place on this team with this new regime.
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If Gordon can return to his elite level of play, and Corey Coleman becomes the playmaker the Browns believe he will be, then this will be the most talented receiving corps that Hue Jackson has ever coached, and the most talented receiving corps Robert Griffin III has ever thrown too.
With Gordon in the mix now it will not only open up the passing game significantly, but the running game will get a boost too. With so much speed on the field at the receiver position it should keep defenders at bay, not allowing them to load up in the box and key in on the run. This is especially good news for Isaiah Crowell. Where Duke Johnson may be able to make his biggest impact outside the tackles, more running lanes should open up on the inside with the defense spread out. With more room to run in between the tackles Crowell will have a chance to thrive like he did in his rookie season. Johnson will also have a great opportunity to up his numbers from his rookie campaign. With Gordon and Coleman threatening to blow the top off on every play, the defensive backs should be fairly preoccupied. That will benefit Johnson on swing plays that will set up the shifty back with some mismatches against linebackers. The Browns had to find a way to get Johnson in space, and the addition of Gordon will make it that much easier.
The return of Gordon is benefitting a lot of guys on the offense, but it is also benefitting him. Coleman will be the most talented receiver Gordon has had the chance to play opposite of. Griffin III’s skill set might be the best match to Gordon’s skills so far in his young career. Sure Brandon Weeden could probably match Griffin III in the arm strength department, but Griffin III definitely outshines Weeden in accuracy.
The reinstatement of Gordon does not bring wonderful news to everyone. A receiver on the roster will likely lose their job as a result of Gordon’s unexpected return. NFL teams carry normally six receivers on their active roster, sometimes seven. With Coleman and Gordon safe, here are the remaining guys fighting for the final four spots: Taylor Gabriel, Andrew Hawkins, Rashard Higgins, Darius Jennings, Ricardo Louis, Marlon Moore, Terrelle Pryor, and Jordan Payton.
The addition of Gordon will not launch the Browns into the postseason. At best the Browns will win an extra game or two, keep some games a little tighter, and maybe make them a little more fun to watch.
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