New England Patriots: Josh Gordon ‘loving’ his new opportunity

Josh Gordon made his New England Patriots debut in the team’s 38-7 beatdown of the Miami Dolphins and says he is “enjoying” his new opportunity with the Patriots.

There was a New England Patriots offense reemergence on Sunday afternoon and it may have had something to do with the debut of Tom Brady’s newest weapon, Josh Gordon.

Hauling in two catches for 32 yards, Gordon didn’t have a great impact, but his presence game the team a jolt and his contribution gave a glimpse of what he can be in this Patriots’ offense.

With both passes coming on third down, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound receiver gives Brady another big target who can break tackles.  In just his first game with the team, he proved that on a nice 19-yard catch late in the game.  In that play, Josh Gordon broke a couple of tackles and came close to doing a lot more damage after the catch.

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Definitely a tease of the possibilities of the Tom Brady-Josh Gordon connection.

"“I mean, it’s awesome, just period, catching a pass from Tom at any point in time,” Gordon said following the game of the 19-yard pass reception.  “He’s been rooting for me, and it’s been awesome to have his support and his love, as well as the rest of the teammates and staff here.  You know, Tom’s a passionate guy and I love that, and I love the game of football and I think we’re going to mesh just fine.”"

It is good to hear Gordon say that because his love for the game of football is what has been in question, primary due to his previous suspensions due to substance abuse.

So far, in New England, his battle staying sober has not been a thing of focus.  The team, players and coaches have done a really good job of keeping Gordon’s situation out of the spotlight.  With the amount of talent he has and what he can bring to the New England Patriots offense, he is always going to be a topic of interest, but the way he is slowly being inserted into the Patriot Way could be what he needs to make the best of his opportunity with the team.

It is a different place than Cleveland.  When winning and the team aspect of the game is the focus, a player like Josh Gordon has a chance to find his comfort and value within a system like New England.

While some critics felt it could have a negative impact on Gordon, so far it is proving to be quite the opposite.  At least in his words.

"“I have no doubt I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity,” Gordon said.  “I’m more than blessed.  I’m extremely grateful to be put in this scenario.  I think the only thing right for me to do is take full advantage of it.  I’m loving it, I’m enjoying it, the guys here are great, it’s a real home environment and I feel as comfortable as ever here.  It’s awesome.”"

Josh Gordon still has a ways to go as far as learning the playbook, but if he does keep his focus, that talent we all have raved about will show up in a major way for the New England Patriots.  It’s just one game, but a very good sign of the type of player Gordon can become catching the ball from Tom Brady.