Patriots Gridiron News: Josh Gordon puts the flash in Pats’ offense

Points, points and more points!  The New England Patriots offense has been a scoring machine since the acquisition of Josh Gordon.

Okay, the return of Julian Edelman has played a major role in the New England Patriots offensive attack over the last few weeks, but let’s give some love to the impact of Josh Gordon please.

That shouldn’t be so hard given the fact that much of Patriots Nation would love for Gordon to succeed in a Patriots’ uniform.  So far, he is succeeding both on the field and on the field.

After Sunday afternoon’s 100-yard receiving game, the talented wide receiver is showing more and more how he has gained Tom Brady’s trust and is becoming a major factor in an offensive attack that has put up 38-plus points in four consecutive weeks.

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He had one huge, Madden-type catch on a fourth-down conversion and a 55-yard catch early in the fourth quarter that showcased the type of flash he adds to the New England Patriots offense.

Well, sorta.

As Josh Gordon spun away from two Chicago Bears defenders to make it down to the 5-yard line, it was apparent he was out of gas.  But, he is allowed to be human, isn’t he?  Following the game, Gordon talked about his biggest play as a member of the Patriots.

"“Unfortunately, I got a little tired at the end of that 96-yard drive,” Gordon said following the team’s 38-31 victory.  “It was fun, it was great, and I’m glad I got a good touch on the ball and able to make something happen.”"

Coming into the Week 7 matchup, the Patriots needed someone to step up in the absence of Rob Gronkowski and Josh Gordon was one of the players who made a big contribution.  Sure, Tom Brady had the ever-reliable Julian Edelman and James White, but the big play ability of Gordon made Gronk’s absence less impactful.

What it all means at the end?  The chemistry of Tom Brady and Josh Gordon is growing by the game.  That showed on that particular play and also on that Madden-like back-shoulder catch that is going to be a staple of the quarterback and outside wide receiver connection.

"“I think we just worked on that play, worked on that connection from last week – and having that miss – some adjustments,” Gordon said.  “And this week I kind of had a better look at it, better timing I think with Tom.  And having the week of practice helped, and I was able to make a play on it.”"

The further the season goes alone; the more Josh Gordon is looking like that guy in 2013 who tore up the league.  He doesn’t exactly need to be that guy in this New England Patriots offense, but any flash of it makes them lethal.  It has showed the past four weeks.

No Gronk, no problem

The New England Patriots offense showed once again that life can go on without Rob Gronkowski.

Along with Julian Edelman and James White, both Josh Gordon and Chris Hogan stepped up to pick up the slack.  Most importantly, the team made the right adjustments to get the most out of the personnel that was on the field.

Following the team’s fifth victory of the season, Tom Brady acknowledged Josh McDaniels for the adjustments he made.

"“I think there were a lot of adjustments that were probably challenging for Josh especially, as the play caller,” Brady said of his offensive coordinator.  “I give him so much credit never to lose his poise and Gronk just not feeling up to it – Josh kind of manipulating everything with the gameplan that he needed to do in order to put us into a position to do well.”"

McDaniels also had to adjust within the game when the team lost running back Sony Michel to a knee injury.

Michel was off to a fast start prior to the injury and looked as though he was going to play a key role in the offensive game plan both on the ground and catching the ball out of the backfield.