Josh Gordon is officially back with the Cleveland Browns following a suspension and according to most, he plans to "tear this league up." Gordon finished 2013 as one of the best wide receivers in the league despite missing two games and plans to pick up right where he left off. That sounds good to quarterback Brian Hoyer who is excited to have the top target back on the field for the final push of the season.
"Athletically, no one is going to question Josh Gordon," Hoyer said, via The Cleveland Plain Dealer. "He's a freak, but I think as far as this game, it's not basketball. You don't just go out and shoot hoops. There are plays. It's a team game. He has to be able to show that he can do that, and I thought it was a good first step today."
Gordon agrees with the assessment that he will tear things up upon his return on Sunday. The Browns are preparing to face the Atlanta Falcons on the road and after a stumble against the Houston Texans, a win is necessary to keep pace in the playoff race. Gordon told the media that he realizes just how quickly football can be taken away and he plans on playing that way.
"I'd definitely tailor it to the fact that the game can be taken away from you at any point in time, tomorrow, you never really know,'' said Gordon. "So cherish every moment, we all know how short of a lifetime, career span you have in the NFL. The fact that we get to do something that's never been done before for the city of Cleveland, it's hone in on that, focus on the city and focus on this team, what we're doing in the locker room.''
Gordon led the league in receiving last year finishing with 1,646 yards in just 14 games. There are a lot of expectations that he will continue those numbers this season. The Browns have said they plan on working Gordon back into the offense slowly, but Hoyer can see the eagerness from the receiver to get back on the field and make an impact.
"Yeah, no doubt," Hoyer said. "I think he was excited to be out there. You could tell he was amped up. The adrenaline was definitely flowing, and I think it was good for all of us to have him out there - so much hanging over our heads with that."
Gordon is a must-start in fantasy. He will certainly be taking targets away from Andrew Hawkins, Taylor Gabriel and Miles Austin regardless of how slow the team tries to work him in. The absence of Ben Tate puts pressure on everyone, especially Isaiah Crowell and Terrence West, but the receiving game should see more action in the coming weeks.
