FOXBORO, Mass. — Starters usually don't play in the fourth and final game of the NFL preseason, but Josh Gordon's situation was unique.
The New England Patriots wide receiver played most of the first half in Thursday night's preseason finale against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium. It was the first time Gordon had played for the Patriots since their Week 15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last December. Gordon was suspended indefinitely by the NFL later that month for violating the terms of his reinstatement. He was reinstated again on Aug. 16.
This game was an opportunity for Gordon to not only get re-acclimated to the speed and physicality of pro football, but also for him to improve his conditioning after he missed most of training camp and the first three preseason matchups.
The veteran wideout was targeted six times and hauled in two receptions for 30 yards in the 31-29 loss to the Giants. He also drew a 35-yard pass interference penalty in the second quarter that helped set up a 35-yard touchdown reception by Demaryius Thomas. Gordon moved pretty well overall, and a good chunk of his yards were picked up after the catch. All 21 of Gordon's snaps came with rookie Jarrett Stidham at quarterback.
"I really thought (Gordon) did some really good things," Stidham said. "Josh is obviously very, very talented. My job is just to get those guys the ball and let them do their thing, and sure enough, we were able to do that a few times (tonight)."
Gordon played in just 11 games for the Patriots during the 2018 season after they acquired him via trade from the Cleveland Browns last September. He made a positive impact, too, tallying 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns. His best game came against the Green Bay Packers in Week 9, when he caught five passes for 130 yards and a touchdown in a 31-17 victory.
Gordon’s ability to make tough, contested catches in traffic and stretch the field as a deep threat gave the Patriots offense another dimension, and several of quarterback Tom Brady’s numbers when the 28-year-old receiver played serve as compelling evidence. Brady's yards per game, yards per attempt and passer rating stats all were better when Gordon was on the field last season compared to when he wasn't.
Gordon’s talent has never been in doubt. He has the ability to be an elite wide receiver and led the league in receiving yards in 2013 — the last season in which he played more than five games. The concern with Gordon is him staying out of trouble off the field. He has been suspended multiple times for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
The Patriots could have one of their deepest and most talented receiving corps in a long time if Gordon, Thomas and Julian Edelman all are able to consistently play this season. Gordon is the biggest wild card of that group given his suspension history, but if the Patriots get a full season out of him, their offense could rival the Kansas City Chiefs as the most potent unit in the entire league.
New England Patriots
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