Gordon, Brady connect
Pats WR producing big results
FOXBORO — When Tom Brady has thrown in Josh Gordon’s direction these past few weeks, the connection has been automatic.
Gordon has caught 100 percent of his targets since the bye week, quietly emerging as a difference-maker in the Patriots offense.
No, he’s not racing past secondaries like Randy Moss. He’s not routinely catching bombs from Brady.
After his remarkable 34yard touchdown against the Colts, a crucial play in which Gordon leaped over two defensive backs, pulled in the catch, and unleashed a thunderous spike into the Gillette turf, Gordon hasn’t delivered regular highlight moments.
But there’s no question he’s been productive.
“I think (I’ve) just remained focused and locked in on what I want to get done, and how I can contribute in my opportunities to do so,” Gordon said yesterday at his locker. “(I’m) really just making sure I capitalize when those times present themselves. Fortunately enough, I’ve been able to catch the targets that’s been given.”
A quick recap of Gordon’s past two outings: He’s caught all eight targets for 128 yards and a touchdown. The lone score was a 24yard hookup against the Vikings, as Gordon broke his route to the inside and found a vacancy in Minnesota’s zone coverage. Earlier in the drive, Gordon easily shed the tackle of Vikings cornerback Marcus Sherels, turning a short hitch route into a 24-yard gain.
And on the next series, Gordon drew a 20-yard pass interference penalty, then nearly scored on a quick-hitting throw to the perimeter. Brady fired the ball to Gordon immediately after the snap, giving the 230-pound Gordon a chance to go oneon-one with Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes at the Minnesota 10-yard line. Unsurprisingly, Rhodes needed reinforcements.
Gordon stepped through Rhodes’ tackle, spun away from linebacker Ben Gedeon, and finally was dragged down at the 2-yard line by safety Anthony Harris.
He popped to his feet and signaled for a first down.
There was much of the same two weeks ago against the Jets, when Gordon dove to secure the ball for a 17yard gain on a third-and-10 comeback route along the sideline.
Six of his eight receptions in Weeks 13 and 14 generated first downs. One other, a 16yard gain on a deep comeback versus New York, rescued the Patriots on a firstand-18.
The reason for Gordon’s extreme efficiency of late? Perhaps it’s somewhat related to his health.
Gordon was nursing a hamstring injury when he arrived via trade from Cleveland, but he’s been in top condition for weeks.
“It’s night and day,” Gordon said. “Huge difference. Coach (Moses) Cabrera and the strength staff have been amazing, patient with me, helped me out through my injuries. Training staff, as well, bringing me along to where I’m safe and mobile. I think I’m as good as I’ve been.”
Gordon made his Patriots debut in Week 4 against the Dolphins, catching two passes for 32 yards. Miami coach Adam Gase recognizes Gor- don has come a long way since then.
“He’s more comfortable,” Gase said. “He knows the offense better than what he knew at that week. He seems like he’s healthy. I don’t know … I’m sure everybody in the NFL is banged up a little bit, but I know he was coming off an injury at that time. He’s a tough guy to defend. He can catch the ball at all levels. He can stretch the field. He can work underneath. He can win in the quick game. He makes some incredible catches.”
Gordon’s chemistry with Brady has been a factor, too. The quarterback and receiver clearly weren’t on the same page against the Titans, when Gordon caught only four of 12 targets. There’s been noticeable improvement in recent games.
Gordon, whose locker neighbors Brady’s, has embraced the opportunity to spend extra time with the future Hall of Famer.
“You know, I came in with the idea of he was a hard working guy,” Gordon said. “And he’s done nothing but shown that continuously and consistently. He’s a family man, loves his family. He wants to spend time with the kids, which I can relate to with my family and my kids. He enjoys that game and everything that comes with it. It’s good to be able to be in such close proximity and learn from it. I look up to the guy and he’s doing everything right, so I just enjoy the time around him.”
Although he hasn’t been destroying defenses vertically, Gordon ranks fifth in the NFL at 17.8 yards per reception, ahead of speedsters like Tyreek Hill and Brandin Cooks. Gordon’s unique run-after-the-catch ability — he’s a load to bring down at 230 pounds — certainly tacks on a few yards to that number.
He’s confident that he’s returned to full speed, as well.
A week ago, Patriots receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, perhaps the fastest player on the team, suggested he and Gordon race each other for the rights to the “Flash” nickname.
Gordon seems all for it. “CP’s got a mistake, and that’s for sure,” Gordon said, smiling. “He represents Barry Allen the Flash, as opposed to Flash Gordon. Different character. … Either way he knows I’m ready to race.”