When the Patriots traded for Josh Gordon, they gave Tom Brady a deep threat and a reliable target for as long as the troubled wideout could stay on the field.
Gordon proved to be productive during his stint in New England, but the 27-year-old's time in a Patriots uniform ultimately came to an abrupt end when he was suspended for violating the terms of his reinstatement. One would think losing a legitimate weapon like Gordon would hurt an offense, but former Pats linebacker Rob Ninkovich believes it actually was a blessing in disguise.
On the latest Ex-Pats Podcast, Ninkovich explained why.
“He helped them when he’s gone,” Ninkovich said. “Guess what? [Brady’s] not forcing it to Gordon in crazy situations. He’s taking what the defense gives him, which is ‘OK, it’s zone. Bang, I go here. OK, backfoot hits, OK, [James] Develin on a wheel. It’s good for 10.’ Like, what quarterback throws to their fullback? Tom Brady because it works and it’s going to be a first down. So instead of saying, ‘I have a freak athlete who looks like God’s gift on the field, superhuman, superhero, let me force it to him. Let me give it to everybody, let me spread the wealth.’ Which is, that’s what you have to do playing against a terrible defense. ”
You can listen to the full episode below (Ninkovich talks about Gordon at the 10:15 mark):
Gordon had 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games with the Patriots. Ninkovich's explanation makes sense as Brady was able to complete passes to eight different receivers in the win on Sunday, but you can bet the Patriots still wish they had Gordon suiting up for them this time of year.
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