Browns-Patriots inactives for week 14
December 8, 2013MLB Rumors: Indians Matt Albers could be the next member of bullpen to leave
December 8, 2013As a local market representative and league manager of one of 16 teams invited to be a part of Crown Royal’s inaugural Fantasy Football League dubbed “First and Crown,” I will be using this spot every Sunday before the Browns kick off against their respective opponent to tell you who we’ll be watching during this week’s contest.
This Week’s Spotlight: Josh Gordon, WR
@WFNYScott @CrownRoyal Josh Gordon. Only Brown worth watching #ReignOn
— Jeff Hoffman (@Jeff_Hoffman816) December 8, 2013
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While there was some consideration for some unnamed defensive players who will be tasked with stopping two of Tom Brady’s favorite targets, this week’s Spotlight player—who could very well own this spot from this point forward—is the only player deserving of recent accolades amidst the embarrassing output provided by the other 50-plus men who wear the same uniform.
What Josh Gordon has provided this Cleveland Browns offense is nothing short of remarkable considering who has been throwing—do we want to call it throwing?—the football in his general direction over the course of the last two weeks. Though his 237 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers was fueled by a bit of garbage time, Gordon’s first quarter in what was ultimately a loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars paved the way for an insane 10-catch, 261-yard performance that instantly put his name in the record books.
Though having missed the first two games of this season with a suspension, Gordon is third in the NFL in receiving yards (1,249), first in yards per reception (19.5), and second in yards after catch (512). Gordon is undeniably the most talented wide receiver to wear a Cleveland Browns jersey since the team came back in 1999. While his off-field issues are well documented, his ability to combined size and speed with raw, pass-catching talent (that seemingly improves week after week) is something that Browns fans can be proud of.
Gordon will likely draw New England’s Aqib Talib, a physical cornerback who, despite having hauled in four interceptions, has allowed over 14 yards per reception. Talib stands a 6-foot-1. He was born in Cleveland, OH. He neutralized Denver Pro Bowl receiver DeMaryius Thomas and rendered New Orleans’ Jimmy Graham an afterthought. But as Gordon put best earlier this week, “I’m pretty sure (Talib) will make some plays, but I’m definitely going to make more plays.”
Previous Spotlight Players:
Josh Gordon, WR
Barkevious Mingo, OLB
Brandon Weeden, QB
Jabaal Sheard, OLB
Paul Kruger, OLB
D’Qwell Jackson, ILB
Jordan Cameron, TE
Joe Haden, CB
Brandon Weeden, QB
Image via Candice Vlcek/WFNY