Gordon draws positivity
Brady, Belichick make note of progress
FOXBORO — Can the Patriots count on Josh Gordon to make an immediate impact?
Thus far, the new receiver has drawn positive reviews from the two most important figures in the Patriots organization.
“He’s really been eager to get in there and learn everything that we’ve been doing, trying to acclimate himself to what the program is,” Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said yesterday.
As expected, Bill Belichick kept his comments brief, but led off by saying, “I think Josh is a smart kid. He’s worked hard. He’s picked up a lot.”
Gordon’s status for tomorrow night’s game at Detroit is uncertain. He’s listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, and has been limited in three days of practice. If he suits up, the Pats will likely have a small package of plays scripted for him.
“It would be impossible to teach somebody everything in a couple of days when other players have had months to learn it,” Belichick said.
But the idea of inserting Gordon for a dozen or so plays seems reasonable. A year ago, the Pats acquired Phillip Dorsett in a cutdown day trade with the Colts. Eight days later, he played 18 snaps in the season opener against the Chiefs. The Patriots needed him, especially after Danny Amendola went down with a concussion. Following Amendola’s injury, Dorsett was elevated to the No. 3 receiver behind Brandin Cooks and Chris Hogan.
The Pats probably aren’t expecting Gordon to play a full complement of snaps right away. They have three healthy receivers in Hogan, Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson, though Patterson has been used almost exclusively on bubble screens and quick throws.
If Gordon can master the basics, he should be part of the plan tomorrow.
“I don’t think (coaches) are going to put anyone out there if they don’t know what they’re doing, if they don’t know what to do on a play,” Brady said. “Now, you could limit a number of plays and try to do that. I think we’ve done that plenty of times. Any time you get new players, that’s what you try to do.”
Gordon did not speak this week. He’s spent plenty of time with Brady, as they are in neighboring lockers. Brady didn’t view locker location as a major deal.
“I try to get along with everybody,” the quarterback said. “So even if you’re next to me or you’re across or down or defense, I think it’s just important to try to get to know everybody in whatever way you possibly can. We’re all here to try to do the same thing. So whether they’re right next to you or across or on your side of the ball or the other side of the ball, I think just having a relationship with those guys is important for all of us. We’re just trying to get on the same page.”
The Patriots could benefit from a quick connection between Brady and Gordon. Through two games when targeting wide receivers, Brady completed 21-of-31 passes for 186 yards. That’s only six yards per attempt, far too low a number.
In theory, Gordon’s downfield playmaking ability should boost that figure. Brady doesn’t want to look too far ahead, though.
“We’re working at it,” he said. “Look, he’s been here for a few days. Every day you try to make improvements. Everybody’s out there working hard, trying to practice, do what they need to do to understand the playbook, understand routes, understand how we do things. So we’re just trying to work at it.”