One would think that Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon, who had totaled 29 targets, 15 receptions and 195 yards in his first two games back from suspension, would have produced yesterday against a struggling Indianapolis Colts secondary.
One would be wrong. Gordon disappointed fantasy owners with just two catches for 15 yards. He wasn't even on the field late in the game for stretches at a time.
"Gordon was a near non-factor for the Cleveland Browns in their 25-24 loss to the Colts on Sunday, and even was taken off the field on a lot of third downs in favor of receivers Travis Benjamin and Taylor Gabriel," ESPN's Browns reporter Pat McManamon wrote.
"The guy who led the NFL in receiving yard while playing 14 games in 2013 leaves the field on the most important down for the offense, and loses reps for Benjamin and Gabriel."
So what gives? Last week, some expected Gordon to have a breakout game. Now, he's being taken off the field in critical situations?
"No matter how off Hoyer was or appeared to be, or even if [Johnny] Manziel had started, hearing plenty of criticism re: Josh Gordon. Out of shape," ESPN NFL Insider Chris Mortensen tweeted.
"Point is, regardless of whether it's Hoyer or Manziel, people like our Tom Jackson, among others, say Gordon's poor conditioning is evident," Mortensen wrote in another tweet.
Sitting out 10 games due to suspension can certainly throw a receiver out-of-whack and impede him from getting into game shape, but fantasy owners need immediate production from Gordon right now with the playoffs in full swing. Gordon's lazy route running and missed snaps will not suffice.
The Browns will play the Cincinnati Bengals and their 21st ranked passing defense next week. The Bengals just allowed 117 yards to Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Antonio Brown. Owners should cross their fingers for a similar output from Gordon.
