Patriots are threatened in the AFC race without a dominant Josh Gordon | Bleacher's report

Paul Sancya / Associated Press

The New England Patriots are missing something. But their problems can be solved at a glance if receiver Josh Gordon comes back to form to cover the many problems encountered in the team's poorly constructed list.

This is a big if, although.

Gordon has not been a dominant player since the 2013 campaign. Instead, a series of tests and drug suspensions have failed, which has prevented him from participating in all but 11 matches over the past year. four previous seasons.

Despite this, the Patriots' organization still decided that his natural gifts from another world were well worth sending a fifth round pick to the Cleveland Browns for his services. Yet New England coaches have decided to do it inactive for the 26-10 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Ford Field. This is the first time the Patriots have lost two consecutive games since the 2002 campaign, according to Illustrated Sports& # 39; s Albert Breer.

Gordon's presence has never been more important in Cleveland, as the Browns have never experienced the same level of expectations. Despite that, relying on the 27-year-old has cost Cleveland several seasons in hopes that he could finally reach his full potential. The Browns have accompanied him through diet changes.

A zero tolerance policy eventually led to the aforementioned trade. According to Cleveland Plain DealerMary Kay Cabot, the Browns finally decided to make the move after Gordon arrived late to the building the previous Saturday and seemed "not himself".

How did the Patriots get to the point where their season rests on a troubled and untrustworthy receiver, though extremely talented? Simple. New England is desperate.

Before going any further, everyone wishes the best to Gordon in his fight against addiction. It's something that he has tried to overcome for years. Eventually, he must show that he can once again dominate the field or that he will eventually run out of opportunities, especially if he does not succeed in Bill Belichick's program.

The Patriots have already reached a critical point with a 1-2 and the Miami Dolphins (3-0). The previous success of New England means absolutely nothing when it lacks key elements to stay competitive.

The wide receiver, in particular, is a disaster.

Chris Hogan led the way on Sunday with three receptions for 31 yards. Phillip Dorsett's 12 receptions for 110 yards lead the team's receivers over three weeks, even though he did not manage a single pass against Detroit.

The Patriots simply can not compete by leaning so heavily on the fin Rob Gronkowski and the running back James White in the passing game. Of course, Gronkowski should be the focal point of the project, but he needs help so that the defenses do not restrict the space in which he works.

Rick Osentoski / Associated Press

Quarterback Tom Brady has teamed up with his All-Pro winger four times for 51 yards. Obviously, Gronkowski can still be effective even if its overall use is not maximized.

Brady, meanwhile, has not completed a single pass for more than 19 yards. In a pass-first league where coin games are crucial to creating a consistent offensive, New England does not have a legitimate field stretcher on the outside. Finally, Gordon will fill the role and make the midfielder less compelling.

However, he must overcome a twisted hamstrings while trying to absorb the elaborate offensive system of the Patriots.

"Josh worked hard," said Belichick during his pre-match interview on 98.5 The Sports Hub (via Mike Reiss and Michael Rothstein from ESPN.com). "He has a long way to go, we will take him here day after day."

The patriotic staff must rush the process. A limited Gordon running in a simplified package can always be effective. The target of 6 "3", 225 pounds scored an impressive touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, although they found themselves at the end of training with a limited training time and did not not be shaped like football, as below:

Once Gordon enters the lineup, the defenses will have several decisions to make on a downward basis.

Security will probably be removed from the box to account for Gordon's deep speed. The current game should become more efficient. The Patriots can be a top notch team, but Brady can count numbers in the box and enjoy it if / when opponents are afraid of a legitimate vertical option.

The decision to play safely becomes a choice in itself. The defenses will not be able to automatically cover Gronkowski's sides with Gordon also in the field.

As a result, base zone covers to take both into account will certainly become more prevalent, allowing Brady to distinguish opponents as he has done for years.

Paul Sancya / Associated Press

In addition, the defense should benefit once the Patriots string together successful offensives and build tracks. At the present time, New England seems slow and un athletic, and Lions have pushed them everywhere on the ground. Coincidentally, Detroit's Kerryon Johnson became the first 100-yard Lions shot since the 2013 campaign with 101 yards.

Physically, Gordon is tied with any wide receiver in the NFL. He is tall, fast and dynamic with the ball in his hands.

A fully engaged and healthy Gordon can become something never seen before. Take a moment and realize that he has not even scratched the surface of what he may become. The first team of the 2013 All-Pro team gave the NFL its 13th best season with 1,646 yards receiving quarterbacks Jason Campbell, Brandon Weeden and Brian Hoyer.

"He was then a monster, and he's still a monster now," said linebacker From Hightower, according to Reiss. "He's a terrific athlete, a great catcher, happy to have him."

Now imagine Brady building a relationship with this recipient. The pace is simply too much, although it's not entirely rooted in reality. Nobody knows if Gordon can even play at an elite level after missing so much time.

"Look, he's been here for a few days, so we're working on it every day, and every day we try to make improvements," Brady said Friday.

The Patriots made the right choice by investing in exceptional talent. The decision may or may not work in favor of the team, but it is definitely worth a chance since Brady and Co. can not compete in the AFC today without a difference maker at the company. wide receiver.

Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for the whitener report. Follow him on Twitter: @brentsobleski.