Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been impressive since returning from his 10-game suspension, except when he hasn't been. If that's confusing, believe me, I understand.
Gordon hauled in eight catches for 120 yards in his season debut and seven catches for 75 yards last week. Yet the Browns offense is still leaving plays on the field as Gordon and his quarterbacks have yet to get on the same page.
Gordon acknowledged that he was "definitely running the wrong routes," in Week 12 and is still working his way back to a comfortable place on the field.
"I know in my mind I'm not where I want to be, because I'd like for it to be just second nature and for me to not have to think about it," he said, per Cleveland.com. "(Before), I'd hear half the play in the huddle and still know what to do. But it's not like that right now so I have to compensate and study a little more than everybody else. I'm playing catch-up. I've got a long way to go to be where I want to be."
Head coach Mike Pettine realizes the difficulty of getting back in the grove after such a long absence. But he's still hoping for some fireworks from Gordon this week against the Indianapolis Colts.
"Until you're out there running it and you see it, it's a world of difference," said Pettine. "Obviously, we still feel it was worth it, and Josh is improving. He's getting better every day on the practice field, and we're looking for big things this weekend (against the Colts)."
ESPN's Browns reporter Pat McManamon also foresees a breakout game for Gordon on the horizon.
"Gordon has been a disappointment, which is weird to say given he has 15 catches and 195 yards in two games," McManamon wrote.
"In the second game, Gordon seemed almost disconnected from the offense. He gave up on a pass, went the wrong way on another and was directly responsible for the first interception Hoyer threw. It's to the point that folks are wondering if Hoyer is focusing too much on Gordon because he seems so disconnected.
"But with Austin out for the season with a kidney laceration, the Browns absolutely need Gordon to contribute. He has special skills, big-play ability and the talent to change a game. I fully expected Gordon to come back energized and motivated, not to atone for the 10-game suspension but to say to the world that he still has it and that what he does means something to him. Instead, he's been ... odd. He has so much talent, though, that even when he's odd or disconnected he has the ability to change a game."
The Colts have allowed an average of 25.8 fantasy points to opposing wide receivers since Week 8. Even if Gordon is unable to bring everything together, his chances of having a productive day are pretty good. If Gordon does somehow manage to get on the same page as Hoyer, watch out.
