Cleveland Browns: How Will Josh Gordon Be Used Upon Return?
By Ryan Rosko
Bringing back wide receiver Josh Gordon back into the fold will benefit the Cleveland Browns regardless of his role.
Since become a member of the Cleveland Browns, Josh Gordon has been inconsistent. I phrase it that way because he has not been a reliable option on the field. When he did play, stats racked up fast!
Gordon has been in the NFL since 2012, but according to pro-football-reference.com, he has been away from the team more often than not as he has played in just 35 games. In 2014, Gordon only played in four games and missed the 2015 and 2016 seasons due to suspensions.
That said, during his career per the same website, Gordon accumulated 161 receptions for 2,754 yards, and 14 touchdowns.
The fact of the matter is that Gordon is a very good player when he is on the field. As we have seen the last few seasons without him, his absence has hurt Cleveland’s offense.
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Still, pro-football-reference’s breakdown showed just how much he is missed, which is even more shocking than when we just think about Gordon’s situation during games.
Browns head coach Hue Jackson does wonders with offenses. He has and continues to work to get the most out of his offenses. When Gordon eventually gets reinstated (fingers crossed), he is another great option for what Jackson wants to do.
So with the mindset of Gordon back on the field, how will he be used? In an overview according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Gordon is going to be on the outside.
One note on Josh Gordon, if he returns: #Browns envision Gordon & Kenny Britt on the outside, Corey Coleman working the slot. Lot of talent…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 30, 2017
Most of the time I can and will agree with that. However, with Jackson making the calls, I do not care where Gordon lines up. He is going to get the ball, whether he is on the outside or is moved around accordingly.
Although the plan is for Gordon to be used on the outside, the approach to getting him the ball regardless wherever he lines up should remain the same. Like in the past, expect Gordon to go deep early and often in games upon eventual reinstatement.
Fellow wide receivers Kenny Britt and Corey Coleman are versatile too So, as long as Cleveland can figure out their quarterback position, any way they want to use their wide receivers should end up with plenty of success.
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Of course one thing at a time should be the approach as the offense grows and gels. Yet, one thing is clear and that is opposing defenses should have a heck of a time trying to defend those three wide receivers. Not to mention tight end Gary Barnidge.