If the Cleveland Browns are going to start winning games, they need their key playmakers to really step up. As Rob Chudzinski continues to rotate quarterbacks on the field, it is time for some of the younger stars to act like veterans. That is the message running back Willis McGahee is sending to Josh Gordon as the receiver faces uncertainty with his future in Cleveland.
"Josh is a good kid," McGahee said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "He just needs that other veteran receiver to show him to see how things go. Just throwing names out there like Andre (Johnson). If he had a guy like Andre (Pro Bowler, Houston), he would see how he works."
McGahee is an 11-year veteran to Gordon's two years in the league. He is well-aware what it means to step up when a team is struggling. Gordon is the top receiver for the Browns. With the starting quarterback changing once again to Jason Campbell, McGahee believes Gordon will figure out how to help.
"Yeah, he's going to get it,'' said McGahee. "Everybody gets it. It just depends on when. I didn't get it until my fourth or fifth year. And I was like, 'all right, I gotta start eating right and gotta start doing this.' That's part of life. That's part of growing. He has the talent. You can see it in him. He's going to put it together in a minute."
Gordon first must get past the upcoming NFL trade deadline that could see him departing from Cleveland sooner rather than later. Other than Hakeem Nicks, Gordon is the biggest name being tossed around as many teams are in need of a receiver after injuries. Gordon has said that he is tired of hearing the talk surrounding him and McGahee understands that it can be bothersome for a young player.
"I would think it would bother him,'' said McGahee. "From what I've seen, I think he wants to be here. I'm hoping he wants to be here. When you hear you're about to get traded your spirits change a little bit, but the only thing I can tell him is that it's a business and anybody is expendable. Just got out and do your job. ... Don't let people see you all bent out of shape and things like that."
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that multiple teams have called Cleveland about a deal involving at least one high draft pick and another player in return for Gordon. While the Brown's coaching staff continues to deny they are shopping Gordon, people are certainly picking up the phones.
Gordon appears to not be hurt on the field while all of these rumors are going on. Despite one down week, the receiver still has 324 yards off 20 catches. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner believes the young star will only get better if he eliminates the distractions.
