NFL 2018 Week 2 Review - 7 Points & Plays Everyone Is Talking About
1. Josh Gordon To New England
Fresh off the hype gained in HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’, Josh ‘Flash’ Gordon is finally ready to compete in the NFL again, but this season it will be with Tom Brady in New England.
Gordon is a conundrum and poses one of the hardest questions that NFL teams face: do personal problems overcome talent? Gordon is a lightning quick acrobatic deep route runner, and showed the depth of skill in his return to the Browns last week with a stunning touchdown. Suspicions grew in the Browns camp that something wasn't right when Gordon reported to the team he had an unexplained injury after training perfectly all week. As a result, Gordon was left off the team transport and the Browns finally had enough.
Gordon has been suspended several times for drug violations during his career and the Browns finally felt this issue could not be managed. The 6ft 3in receiver led the league in 2014 in his second year with 1,646 yards and 9 touchdowns highlighting how explosive he can be. Since his record breaking season he has only played a handful of games.
New England have taken a gamble, but have clearly identified that Gordon’s skill is worth the risk. A trade for a 5th round draft pick appears to be a good deal if Gordon can rediscover his early form. The pick is also dependent upon Gordon's play time, and if he is active for less than 10 weeks in the season, the draft pick will become void. This is smart business by the patriots and may be a direct move in the wake of the defeat at the hands of the Jaguars.