WR Josh Gordon, KC (3 Viewers)

[Stinkin Ref]

there wouldn't be as much uproar about this if it wasn't the first week of the playoffs for most.....he would be an automatic plug and play....

but this ain't week 4 or even week 10 when you still have some time to recover your season, and you can just plug him in with no real second thought no matter who the QB is.....every point counts a little more (so to speak) since it's do or die for most.....honestly I was a little surprised to see him ranked so high by FBG's with the likliehood of a guy off the street chucking him the ball.....it's almost as if it wasn't factored in at all....

even if Brandon I love me some Josh Gordon Weeden was 100% healthy most would have to admit they still would have had some concern about NE game planning to take away the #1 option....CLE RB's don't scare NE, nor does Bess or Little.....it's about shutting down Gordon and Cameron....(IMO it was alittle easier to "shut down" a Jimmy Graham type than a Gordon type)

I'd be concerned if it's a dude off the street....but they will still probably be forced to play backyard nerf football every once in awhile and give Gordon a chance to make a play...

if it's not a dude off the street....I'm all in on Gordon.....I think he has the elite talent to accept the challange of NE/Talib trying to shut him down and I think he could demonstrate a little of that old Steve Smith "you can't stop me" attitude and hopefully keep demanding the ball every time he goes back to the huddle....

CLE doesn't have a ton of options here....there going have to throw as NE should put up some points.....he is the best playmaker and will see targets regradless of coverage......

Cameron might be a great play this week

edit to add: I thought tdhartis had a great post (#1466) in this thread....and I agree with almost 100% of it.....it was EXACTLY my original mindset....but after more thought, I just can't see sitting Gordon

 

[Bracie Smathers]

http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2013/12/browns-campbell-cleared-for-practice-takes-first-team-reps/

Browns’ Campbell cleared for practice, takes first-team repsDecember 5, 2013

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jason Campbell took the first-team reps in Thursday’s practice, having been cleared of any potential symptoms through the NFL’s concussion protocol.

Campbell will be officially listed as ”limited,” but is reportedly on track to gain full clearance prior to Sunday’s game in Foxboro against the New England Patriots. Surprisingly, Campbell was backed up by Caleb Hanie on Thursday despite reports that he was out-played a day earlier by Alex Tanney.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

my call is that your entire list of wr who have supposedly torched talib is almost entirely made up nonsense based on your imagination and a bunch of ignorant assumptions made from reading box scores and little, if any, football viewing.

whether or not you start a player is mostly decided by the surrounding players on your roster, so while calvin would be the dominant guy on any roster, gordon was probably drafted low enough that the player might have other options.

I wouldn't be trying to sit anybody who just put up 500 yds in 2 games, but I don't think he's as match up proof as you seem to think, and I wouldn't be that excited about him this week, as I doubt the pats go back to zone, and fully expect them to try and squash gordon, assuming talib's hip isn't too bad.

So your prediction is you wouldn't be excited about him this week because they'll have Talib squash Gordon but you wouldn't sit anyone who almost put up 500 yards in the past two weeks. Gotcha. Way to put yourself out there.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

my call is that your entire list of wr who have supposedly torched talib is almost entirely made up nonsense based on your imagination and a bunch of ignorant assumptions made from reading box scores and little, if any, football viewing.

whether or not you start a player is mostly decided by the surrounding players on your roster, so while calvin would be the dominant guy on any roster, gordon was probably drafted low enough that the player might have other options.

I wouldn't be trying to sit anybody who just put up 500 yds in 2 games, but I don't think he's as match up proof as you seem to think, and I wouldn't be that excited about him this week, as I doubt the pats go back to zone, and fully expect them to try and squash gordon, assuming talib's hip isn't too bad.

So your prediction is you wouldn't be excited about him this week because they'll have Talib squash Gordon but you wouldn't sit anyone who almost put up 500 yards in the past two weeks. Gotcha. Way to put yourself out there.

I understand that there's a certain percentage of fantasy footballers that are nothing more than degenerate slot machine players, but throwing darts in the hope of predicting the future is the hallmark of a losing player.

I'd prefer to have informed opinions on what is known, and play percentages --- for example, from watching all his games since the pats traded for him, I believe talib is an excellent corner, while you, on the other hand, think he's an irrelevant factor based on an imagination fueled by complete ignorance and reading box scores.

maybe the pats decide to play zone, maybe his hip gives out in the first quarter, or maybe even.....as was the case in the antonio brown example you cited, he doesn't play at all -- your dart does have a chance of hitting something.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The concern is that at least the guys that have been throwing to him so far this season were at least good enough to secure a roster spot on an NFL team. The other two options are (a) a guy who doesn't have any NFL experience, and (b) a veteran who has a 3-10 TD to INT ratio, only 116 total passes, and a QBR of 41.6 through this point in his career, and this is his 6th year in the league. Neither of these scrubs were good enough to find a place on an active roster or practice squad this season. They are going to be on an incredibly limited playbook considering it's this first week on the team. On top of that, they will be facing one of the best, if not the best, coaches in the NFL who is known to be very efficient at taking away his oppositions best target, and has a cover corner capable of doing it. He will almost assuredly make it his person goal to make sure if that Pats lose, it's not at the hands of Gordon.

Considering what he has done this season and the last couple weeks it sounds crazy to bench him, but there couldn't be a more perfect storm of ####ty circumstances culminating. If Weeden or Campbell plays, I'm not even thinking about the matchup and am plugging him in. However, I don't think it's wise to blindly plug him in if either of the recent acquisitions starts without at least weighing your other options. I certainly wouldn't blame anyone for starting him since he's a beast, but I would be concerned that this might be one mountain even he might not be able to overcome. I realize this isn't going to be well received by what's essentially a hype train, but just think it's worth mentioning.

As for the Calvin question above? If Calvin were on the Browns, with no rushing threat or other true threats at WR, had Tanney or Haney at QB coming off the street and into the system 6 days before the game, was facing the Patriots in Foxborough with BB game planning to take him out, had the same NFL experience as Gordon currently, and was going against Talib--then yes. I would seriously consider it.

How about vs Jeffrey, Keenan Allen, Riley Cooper, Kendall Wright? Do you like those guys over Gordon? Gordon was a #3 for a lot of owners, played his way to WR1++ numbers the last 2 weeks but that doesn't mean owners don't have options. I think this is a pretty solid post.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Cleveland Browns WR Josh Gordon leads the NFL in average receiving yards per game and ranks second in total receiving yards to Detroit WR Calvin Johnson with 1,249 yards.

I'd say those numbers are pretty good but Josh Gordon isn't one of the top vote gettters for the Pro Bowl.

He has the second best receiving numbers so where does he rate with Pro Bowl votes?

1st? No

2nd? Nope

3rd? Nope

4th? No

5th? No

6th? No

7th? No

8th? No

9th? Come on he must at the very least come in with the nineth most Pro Bowl votes at wide receiver right? No!

10? COME ON he must rate coming in 10th at the wide receiver position since he HAS THE SECOND BEST DAMN STATS AT WIDE RECEIVER, RIGHT? No.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/team/1386210956-838-576/browns-josh-gordon-not-among.html

Browns' Josh Gordon not among top-10 Pro Bowl vote getters at WR

BEREA, Ohio – Browns receiver Josh Gordon is putting up big numbers everywhere – except at the Pro Bowl ballot box.

The record-setting wideout is not listed among the top-10 vote getters in the early Pro Bowl voting results, released Wednesday by the NFL.

WTF does this guy have to do to get credit?

How bout a lil-Pro Bowl luv for Josh Gordon?

The guy deserves to be in the Pro Bowl.

 

[JuniorNB]

my call is that your entire list of wr who have supposedly torched talib is almost entirely made up nonsense based on your imagination and a bunch of ignorant assumptions made from reading box scores and little, if any, football viewing.

whether or not you start a player is mostly decided by the surrounding players on your roster, so while calvin would be the dominant guy on any roster, gordon was probably drafted low enough that the player might have other options.

I wouldn't be trying to sit anybody who just put up 500 yds in 2 games, but I don't think he's as match up proof as you seem to think, and I wouldn't be that excited about him this week, as I doubt the pats go back to zone, and fully expect them to try and squash gordon, assuming talib's hip isn't too bad.

So your prediction is you wouldn't be excited about him this week because they'll have Talib squash Gordon but you wouldn't sit anyone who almost put up 500 yards in the past two weeks. Gotcha. Way to put yourself out there.

I understand that there's a certain percentage of fantasy footballers that are nothing more than degenerate slot machine players, but throwing darts in the hope of predicting the future is the hallmark of a losing player.

I'd prefer to have informed opinions on what is known, and play percentages --- for example, from watching all his games since the pats traded for him, I believe talib is an excellent corner, while you, on the other hand, think he's an irrelevant factor based on an imagination fueled by complete ignorance and reading box scores.

maybe the pats decide to play zone, maybe his hip gives out in the first quarter, or maybe even.....as was the case in the antonio brown example you cited, he doesn't play at all -- your dart does have a chance of hitting something.

You're running your mouth a lot for a guy who's too much of a pansy to even say if he thinks Gordon is a good start. Way to hedge your bets. If he scores and/or goes over 100, you'll say that you said you'd have a hard time sitting a guy who's gone for almost 500 in his last two. If he has a 3 for 40 line, you'll beat your chest because you told us that Talib was the man. Guys like you are a dime a dozen. All wind and no guts.

And I didn't say Talib is no factor at all. I don't think Gordon will come near his stat line of the last two weeks. And a lot of that will be because of Talib. But even half his numbers will still be a great fantasy start.

 

[JuniorNB]

Cleveland Browns WR Josh Gordon leads the NFL in average receiving yards per game and ranks second in total receiving yards to Detroit WR Calvin Johnson with 1,249 yards.

I'd say those numbers are pretty good but Josh Gordon isn't one of the top vote gettters for the Pro Bowl.

He has the second best receiving numbers so where does he rate with Pro Bowl votes?

1st? No

2nd? Nope

3rd? Nope

4th? No

5th? No

6th? No

7th? No

8th? No

9th? Come on he must at the very least come in with the nineth most Pro Bowl votes at wide receiver right? No!

10? COME ON he must rate coming in 10th at the wide receiver position since he HAS THE SECOND BEST DAMN STATS AT WIDE RECEIVER, RIGHT? No.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/team/1386210956-838-576/browns-josh-gordon-not-among.html

Browns' Josh Gordon not among top-10 Pro Bowl vote getters at WR

BEREA, Ohio – Browns receiver Josh Gordon is putting up big numbers everywhere – except at the Pro Bowl ballot box.

The record-setting wideout is not listed among the top-10 vote getters in the early Pro Bowl voting results, released Wednesday by the NFL.

WTF does this guy have to do to get credit?

How bout a lil-Pro Bowl luv for Josh Gordon?

The guy deserves to be in the Pro Bowl.

Maybe they think it's best he stays away from bowls.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

my call is that your entire list of wr who have supposedly torched talib is almost entirely made up nonsense based on your imagination and a bunch of ignorant assumptions made from reading box scores and little, if any, football viewing.

whether or not you start a player is mostly decided by the surrounding players on your roster, so while calvin would be the dominant guy on any roster, gordon was probably drafted low enough that the player might have other options.

I wouldn't be trying to sit anybody who just put up 500 yds in 2 games, but I don't think he's as match up proof as you seem to think, and I wouldn't be that excited about him this week, as I doubt the pats go back to zone, and fully expect them to try and squash gordon, assuming talib's hip isn't too bad.

So your prediction is you wouldn't be excited about him this week because they'll have Talib squash Gordon but you wouldn't sit anyone who almost put up 500 yards in the past two weeks. Gotcha. Way to put yourself out there.

I understand that there's a certain percentage of fantasy footballers that are nothing more than degenerate slot machine players, but throwing darts in the hope of predicting the future is the hallmark of a losing player.

I'd prefer to have informed opinions on what is known, and play percentages --- for example, from watching all his games since the pats traded for him, I believe talib is an excellent corner, while you, on the other hand, think he's an irrelevant factor based on an imagination fueled by complete ignorance and reading box scores.

maybe the pats decide to play zone, maybe his hip gives out in the first quarter, or maybe even.....as was the case in the antonio brown example you cited, he doesn't play at all -- your dart does have a chance of hitting something.

You're running your mouth a lot for a guy who's too much of a pansy to even say if he thinks Gordon is a good start. Way to hedge your bets. If he scores and/or goes over 100, you'll say that you said you'd have a hard time sitting a guy who's gone for almost 500 in his last two. If he has a 3 for 40 line, you'll beat your chest because you told us that Talib was the man. Guys like you are a dime a dozen. All wind and no guts.

And I didn't say Talib is no factor at all. I don't think Gordon will come near his stat line of the last two weeks. And a lot of that will be because of Talib. But even half his numbers will still be a great fantasy start.

I'll give you credit for being consistent, at least

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

The only top tier receivers that Talib has faced this season are Antonio Brown, AJ Green, Julio Jones, and Andre Johnson. A. Brown had 71 yards and a touchdown, Julio had 108 yards, and Andre Johnson had 121 yards. AJ Green was held to 61 yards, but if you remember, that game was played in horrible weather and was 13-6. Brady didn't even thrown for 200 yards.

The Cleveland quarterback is a legitimate concern. Talib is not.

or maybe not even that

 

[JuniorNB]

my call is that your entire list of wr who have supposedly torched talib is almost entirely made up nonsense based on your imagination and a bunch of ignorant assumptions made from reading box scores and little, if any, football viewing.

whether or not you start a player is mostly decided by the surrounding players on your roster, so while calvin would be the dominant guy on any roster, gordon was probably drafted low enough that the player might have other options.

I wouldn't be trying to sit anybody who just put up 500 yds in 2 games, but I don't think he's as match up proof as you seem to think, and I wouldn't be that excited about him this week, as I doubt the pats go back to zone, and fully expect them to try and squash gordon, assuming talib's hip isn't too bad.

So your prediction is you wouldn't be excited about him this week because they'll have Talib squash Gordon but you wouldn't sit anyone who almost put up 500 yards in the past two weeks. Gotcha. Way to put yourself out there.

I understand that there's a certain percentage of fantasy footballers that are nothing more than degenerate slot machine players, but throwing darts in the hope of predicting the future is the hallmark of a losing player.

I'd prefer to have informed opinions on what is known, and play percentages --- for example, from watching all his games since the pats traded for him, I believe talib is an excellent corner, while you, on the other hand, think he's an irrelevant factor based on an imagination fueled by complete ignorance and reading box scores.

maybe the pats decide to play zone, maybe his hip gives out in the first quarter, or maybe even.....as was the case in the antonio brown example you cited, he doesn't play at all -- your dart does have a chance of hitting something.

You're running your mouth a lot for a guy who's too much of a pansy to even say if he thinks Gordon is a good start. Way to hedge your bets. If he scores and/or goes over 100, you'll say that you said you'd have a hard time sitting a guy who's gone for almost 500 in his last two. If he has a 3 for 40 line, you'll beat your chest because you told us that Talib was the man. Guys like you are a dime a dozen. All wind and no guts.

And I didn't say Talib is no factor at all. I don't think Gordon will come near his stat line of the last two weeks. And a lot of that will be because of Talib. But even half his numbers will still be a great fantasy start.

I'll give you credit for being consistent, at least

Still afraid to put it out there, huh? Your official prediction is that Gordon will either be a good start or a bad start, Great contributions.

 

[JuniorNB]

The only top tier receivers that Talib has faced this season are Antonio Brown, AJ Green, Julio Jones, and Andre Johnson. A. Brown had 71 yards and a touchdown, Julio had 108 yards, and Andre Johnson had 121 yards. AJ Green was held to 61 yards, but if you remember, that game was played in horrible weather and was 13-6. Brady didn't even thrown for 200 yards.

The Cleveland quarterback is a legitimate concern. Talib is not.

or maybe not even that

Scroll up, Einstein. I've said that Talib will keep him from another monster, 200 yard game. That doesn't mean he's not a good start. Your reading comprehension needs a bit of work.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

I'm officially going on record that Gordon will be somewhere between good and bad because I dont look at box scores and I have seen Talib play!

 

[Bigboy10182000]

All kidding aside in my PPRF I'm starting Gordon (start 3 WR's) along with AJ Green and Kendall Wright over Shorts and Decker

 

[JuniorNB]

I'm officially going on record that Gordon will be somewhere between good and bad because I dont look at box scores and I have seen Talib play!

LOL. My favorite will be when he comes here Monday and says I told you so.....when all along he hasn't had the sack to make any guess whatsoever what Gordon will do. It takes all kinds. lol

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

I'm officially going on record that Gordon will be somewhere between good and bad because I dont look at box scores and I have seen Talib play!

LOL. My favorite will be when he comes here Monday and says I told you so.....when all along he hasn't had the sack to make any guess whatsoever what Gordon will do. It takes all kinds. lol

dude, don't take it personal

I didn't say you should take the fathead off your bedroom wall

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

Cleveland Browns WR Josh Gordon leads the NFL in average receiving yards per game and ranks second in total receiving yards to Detroit WR Calvin Johnson with 1,249 yards.

I'd say those numbers are pretty good but Josh Gordon isn't one of the top vote gettters for the Pro Bowl.

He has the second best receiving numbers so where does he rate with Pro Bowl votes?

1st? No

2nd? Nope

3rd? Nope

4th? No

5th? No

6th? No

7th? No

8th? No

9th? Come on he must at the very least come in with the nineth most Pro Bowl votes at wide receiver right? No!

10? COME ON he must rate coming in 10th at the wide receiver position since he HAS THE SECOND BEST DAMN STATS AT WIDE RECEIVER, RIGHT? No.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/team/1386210956-838-576/browns-josh-gordon-not-among.html

Browns' Josh Gordon not among top-10 Pro Bowl vote getters at WR

BEREA, Ohio Browns receiver Josh Gordon is putting up big numbers everywhere except at the Pro Bowl ballot box.

The record-setting wideout is not listed among the top-10 vote getters in the early Pro Bowl voting results, released Wednesday by the NFL.

WTF does this guy have to do to get credit?

How bout a lil-Pro Bowl luv for Josh Gordon?

The guy deserves to be in the Pro Bowl.

Maybe they think it's best he stays away from bowls.

 

[LawFitz]

Still afraid to put it out there, huh? Your official prediction is that Gordon will either be a good start or a bad start, Great contributions.

This is some serious pool piss right here.

KAL laid out several decent counter arguments and reasons for concern. That's more helpful than some BS stat line projection without context. And much more welcome than insults and baiting.

 

[Squatch]

Cleveland Browns WR Josh Gordon leads the NFL in average receiving yards per game and ranks second in total receiving yards to Detroit WR Calvin Johnson with 1,249 yards.

I'd say those numbers are pretty good but Josh Gordon isn't one of the top vote gettters for the Pro Bowl.

He has the second best receiving numbers so where does he rate with Pro Bowl votes?

1st? No

2nd? Nope

3rd? Nope

4th? No

5th? No

6th? No

7th? No

8th? No

9th? Come on he must at the very least come in with the nineth most Pro Bowl votes at wide receiver right? No!

10? COME ON he must rate coming in 10th at the wide receiver position since he HAS THE SECOND BEST DAMN STATS AT WIDE RECEIVER, RIGHT? No.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/team/1386210956-838-576/browns-josh-gordon-not-among.html

Browns' Josh Gordon not among top-10 Pro Bowl vote getters at WR

BEREA, Ohio – Browns receiver Josh Gordon is putting up big numbers everywhere – except at the Pro Bowl ballot box.

The record-setting wideout is not listed among the top-10 vote getters in the early Pro Bowl voting results, released Wednesday by the NFL.

WTF does this guy have to do to get credit?

How bout a lil-Pro Bowl luv for Josh Gordon?

The guy deserves to be in the Pro Bowl.

Maybe they think it's best he stays away from bowls.

Classic!

 

[Chaka]

my call is that your entire list of wr who have supposedly torched talib is almost entirely made up nonsense based on your imagination and a bunch of ignorant assumptions made from reading box scores and little, if any, football viewing.

whether or not you start a player is mostly decided by the surrounding players on your roster, so while calvin would be the dominant guy on any roster, gordon was probably drafted low enough that the player might have other options.

I wouldn't be trying to sit anybody who just put up 500 yds in 2 games, but I don't think he's as match up proof as you seem to think, and I wouldn't be that excited about him this week, as I doubt the pats go back to zone, and fully expect them to try and squash gordon, assuming talib's hip isn't too bad.

It doesn't matter who has or has not torched Talib, what matters is who has or has not torched the Patriots defense.

 

[ebsteelers]

lot of excitment in here.

how hard is it to say:

yes i think gordon is a good start (top 24) against the pats

no i dont think gordon is a good start (worse than 24) against the pats.

I'll say: Yes Gordon will be a good start (top 24 wr) against the pats I'll say he will be an excellent start (top 12)

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

my call is that your entire list of wr who have supposedly torched talib is almost entirely made up nonsense based on your imagination and a bunch of ignorant assumptions made from reading box scores and little, if any, football viewing.

whether or not you start a player is mostly decided by the surrounding players on your roster, so while calvin would be the dominant guy on any roster, gordon was probably drafted low enough that the player might have other options.

I wouldn't be trying to sit anybody who just put up 500 yds in 2 games, but I don't think he's as match up proof as you seem to think, and I wouldn't be that excited about him this week, as I doubt the pats go back to zone, and fully expect them to try and squash gordon, assuming talib's hip isn't too bad.

It doesn't matter who has or has not torched Talib, what matters is who has or has not torched the Patriots defense.

that's somewhat true, but only to an extent

for example, it's kind of idiotic to throw antonio brown out there as an example when talib didn't play that game, but is playing this week, and actually plays man on gordon, as that would obviously make a difference.

just like comparing their run d before and after wilfork is kind of pointless.

I don't think pats d is airtight, by any means, and IF all goes well you might get some zone opps towards the end of the 4th, but overall I like their coverage ability on one guy better than, let's say, pitt, unless talib's hip is an issue.

if talib's hip gives out it would probably fall on rookie logan ryan to cover the guy, and I like ryan but that might be a little much.

just bear in mind cle stomped us a couple years ago, and the 2 or whatever win texans took us down to the wire, so you never know how these things play out in the nfl.

 

[Chaka]

my call is that your entire list of wr who have supposedly torched talib is almost entirely made up nonsense based on your imagination and a bunch of ignorant assumptions made from reading box scores and little, if any, football viewing.

whether or not you start a player is mostly decided by the surrounding players on your roster, so while calvin would be the dominant guy on any roster, gordon was probably drafted low enough that the player might have other options.

I wouldn't be trying to sit anybody who just put up 500 yds in 2 games, but I don't think he's as match up proof as you seem to think, and I wouldn't be that excited about him this week, as I doubt the pats go back to zone, and fully expect them to try and squash gordon, assuming talib's hip isn't too bad.

It doesn't matter who has or has not torched Talib, what matters is who has or has not torched the Patriots defense.

that's somewhat true, but only to an extent

for example, it's kind of idiotic to throw antonio brown out there as an example when talib didn't play that game, but is playing this week, and actually plays man on gordon, as that would obviously make a difference.

just like comparing their run d before and after wilfork is kind of pointless.

I don't think pats d is airtight, by any means, and IF all goes well you might get some zone opps towards the end of the 4th, but overall I like their coverage ability on one guy better than, let's say, pitt, unless talib's hip is an issue.

if talib's hip gives out it would probably fall on rookie logan ryan to cover the guy, and I like ryan but that might be a little much.

just bear in mind cle stomped us a couple years ago, and the 2 or whatever win texans took us down to the wire, so you never know how these things play out in the nfl.

Why do you think Talib will be playing man exclusively on Gordon?

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

Why do you think Talib will be playing man exclusively on Gordon?

I don't have a crystal ball, or any pipeline to belichick, but it seems like the thing to do, and seems like something belichick has done in the past.

I'll admit I thought the same about andre johnson going into that game, too, and they came out in a lot of first half zone before adjusting back to more man in the 2nd half, and andre did almost all his damage against the zone.

but if you look at cle what else is there to worry about besides gordon?

and one thing belichick has always hated is giving up the big play.

when we played atlanta you'd think julio is the main threat, but talib switched over to white occasionally, who you'd have to acknowledge was also a concern at the time -- I don't think little, or whoever, is as much a consideration.

I have no way of knowing if this was bs or not, but if you remember revis defending tampa's decision to play him in zone earlier in the year --- he said he just wasn't physically in shape to handle the man coverage at the time.

so, for all we know talib's hip is slowing him down a bit, and they're working on alternatives.

like I said, I don't have a crystal ball, and this stuff always comes up with haden, revis, sherman, et al every year, so you just have to make a decision based on your alternatives and your situation, like every week.

 

[amnesiac]

over 80 yards and 1 TD.

no, i haven't watched the pats this year, but i've seen several Browns games.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2013/12/browns-campbell-cleared-for-practice-takes-first-team-reps/

Browns’ Campbell cleared for practice, takes first-team repsDecember 5, 2013

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jason Campbell took the first-team reps in Thursday’s practice, having been cleared of any potential symptoms through the NFL’s concussion protocol.

Campbell will be officially listed as ”limited,” but is reportedly on track to gain full clearance prior to Sunday’s game in Foxboro against the New England Patriots. Surprisingly, Campbell was backed up by Caleb Hanie on Thursday despite reports that he was out-played a day earlier by Alex Tanney.

Phew. Feel a lot more comfortable with a middling-to-poor starting NFL QB than an off-the-streets backup (Hanie) or a complete unknown (Tanney) who has never seen the field in a regular season game.

 

[Tool]

in the league i have him i have some really good options. so i may bench him. might change my mind though.

 

[RBM]

I'm thinking 5-70

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

I thought long and hard about plugging in Shorts over Gordon in one league, but I just couldn't do it. Hoping it doesn't bite me.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Why do people think Talib can manhandle Gordon so easily? Gordons a BEAST

 

[donkshow]

How often does a pretty good corner shut down an elite WR?

Gordon doesn't seem too worried.

http://www.ohio.com/sports/browns/browns-wide-receiver-josh-gordon-convinced-patriots-cornerback-aqib-talib-won-t-stop-his-pursuit-of-record-1.450046

“I’m pretty sure he’ll make some plays,” Gordon said Thursday. “But I’m definitely going to make more plays.”

 

[domvin]

Im living and dying with gordon in the playoffs. You are overthinking if you are benching him.

 

[Chaka]

Why do you think Talib will be playing man exclusively on Gordon?

I don't have a crystal ball, or any pipeline to belichick, but it seems like the thing to do, and seems like something belichick has done in the past.

I'll admit I thought the same about andre johnson going into that game, too, and they came out in a lot of first half zone before adjusting back to more man in the 2nd half, and andre did almost all his damage against the zone.

but if you look at cle what else is there to worry about besides gordon?

and one thing belichick has always hated is giving up the big play.

when we played atlanta you'd think julio is the main threat, but talib switched over to white occasionally, who you'd have to acknowledge was also a concern at the time -- I don't think little, or whoever, is as much a consideration.

I have no way of knowing if this was bs or not, but if you remember revis defending tampa's decision to play him in zone earlier in the year --- he said he just wasn't physically in shape to handle the man coverage at the time.

so, for all we know talib's hip is slowing him down a bit, and they're working on alternatives.

like I said, I don't have a crystal ball, and this stuff always comes up with haden, revis, sherman, et al every year, so you just have to make a decision based on your alternatives and your situation, like every week.

Fair enough. I don't see Talib on Gordon all game so Josh will have his opportunities. I also don't think Talib is quite up there with Haden, Revis or Sherman. Particularly not on a bum hip.

Gordon is due for a down game but he seems like a lock for 10 targets so I just can't justify benching him.

 

[zftcg]

Summary of the last five pages of this thread: Everyone agrees that Gordon is a) probably due for a comedown after the last two weeks, and b) unbenchable.

You're welcome.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Jason Campbell (concussion) was cleared to practice Thursday and is tentatively on track to start at Foxboro. Campbell has hardly been a world beater, but at least gives Cleveland a better shot at generating offense than practice squadder Alex Tanney or in-season pickup Caleb Hanie. Twice in his career Campbell has faced a Bill Belichick defense, completing 46-of-75 passes (61.3%) for 541 yards (7.21 YPA) with a 2:3 TD-to-INT ratio. Belichick's 2013 unit is playing top-ten pass defense. Avoid Campbell in two-QB leagues. ... Campbell's target distribution on the year: Josh Gordon 40; Chris Ogbonnaya 25; Davone Bess 23; Greg Little and Jordan Cameron21; Fozzy Whittaker 13; Willis McGahee 4. ... These are Cameron's stat lines in Campbell's four 2013 starts: 4-81; 1-4; 6-29; 3-32. The Pats are 20th in fantasy points allowed to tight ends, leaving Cameron on the TE1 borderline. ... With early-season shutdown corner Aqib Talib continuing to battle hip problems, New England is showing vulnerability to enemy No. 1 wide receivers. Andre Johnson touched up the Patriots for 121 yards on eight receptions in Week 13, and Demaryius Thomas finished the game before with a 4-41-1 line, converting his touchdown in Talib's coverage. Gordon has more than earned a WR1/2 start in the first round of fantasy playoffs with a league-high 623 receiving yards over the last three weeks.

per: Evan Silva (rotoworld)

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Play him as your flex if that makes it feel less risky

Never understood the Flex mentality.

The Flex player is still a starter....and every position counts. Esp. in the playoffs. If anything, I like to make my Flex the player with the highest floor...highest ceiling... Pretty much I want him as productive as any other player in my lineup.

I'm pretty sure he was joking, but I agree about the flex thing.

I don't know why people trivialize it as a 'what the heck' flex -- it's a starting spot just like any other.

let me put it this way then...play him as a WR 3 with WR 1 upside

 

[fbelange]

Play him as your flex if that makes it feel less risky

Never understood the Flex mentality.

The Flex player is still a starter....and every position counts. Esp. in the playoffs. If anything, I like to make my Flex the player with the highest floor...highest ceiling... Pretty much I want him as productive as any other player in my lineup.

I'm pretty sure he was joking, but I agree about the flex thing.

I don't know why people trivialize it as a 'what the heck' flex -- it's a starting spot just like any other.

let me put it this way then...play him as a WR 3 with WR 1 upside

He is my WR3 behind Demaryius and Marshall. But beat writers are saying both missed/were limited in practice and are questionable. Hope its nothing major, or I could be looking at an early round exit

 

[smapdi]

Why do people think Talib can manhandle Gordon so easily? Gordons a BEAST

I'm a little shocked by this sentiment myself...

Have you guys seen Josh Gordon or how he plays football??

He is 6'3" and 227 LB

Talib is 6'1" and 205 LB (one of the biggest CB's in the NFL) and Gordon still has him by over 20 pounds and a few inches. And that's IF Talib is on him every single snap (i doubt it); most CB's are significantly smaller then Talib (< 200 LB).

Gordon isn't just going to give up when he gets jammed. It's an almost an advantage for a guy with his size and speed. He can break free with his size and he is behind you with 2 strides.. gone.

This isn't 2003 anymore; BB just doesn't flick a switch and the best player in FF just gets shut down automatically.

 

[maf005]

Why do people think Talib can manhandle Gordon so easily? Gordons a BEAST

I'm a little shocked by this sentiment myself...

Have you guys seen Josh Gordon or how he plays football??

He is 6'3" and 227 LB

Talib is 6'1" and 205 LB (one of the biggest CB's in the NFL) and Gordon still has him by over 20 pounds and a few inches. And that's IF Talib is on him every single snap (i doubt it); most CB's are significantly smaller then Talib (< 200 LB).

Gordon isn't just going to give up when he gets jammed. It's an almost an advantage for a guy with his size and speed. He can break free with his size and he is behind you with 2 strides.. gone.

This isn't 2003 anymore; BB just doesn't flick a switch and the best player in FF just gets shut down automatically.

Agree mostly with the sentiment but Talib is really good at jamming WRs at the line. Clean releases are basically impossible without a pick. He frustrated D Thomas (who has comparable size/speed) quite a bit a few weeks ago

 

[JuniorNB]

Why do people think Talib can manhandle Gordon so easily? Gordons a BEAST

I'm a little shocked by this sentiment myself...

Have you guys seen Josh Gordon or how he plays football??

He is 6'3" and 227 LB

Talib is 6'1" and 205 LB (one of the biggest CB's in the NFL) and Gordon still has him by over 20 pounds and a few inches. And that's IF Talib is on him every single snap (i doubt it); most CB's are significantly smaller then Talib (< 200 LB).

Gordon isn't just going to give up when he gets jammed. It's an almost an advantage for a guy with his size and speed. He can break free with his size and he is behind you with 2 strides.. gone.

This isn't 2003 anymore; BB just doesn't flick a switch and the best player in FF just gets shut down automatically.

Agree mostly with the sentiment but Talib is really good at jamming WRs at the line. Clean releases are basically impossible without a pick. He frustrated D Thomas (who has comparable size/speed) quite a bit a few weeks ago

And then Thomas frustrated him with a touchdown.

 

[smapdi]

Why do people think Talib can manhandle Gordon so easily? Gordons a BEAST

I'm a little shocked by this sentiment myself...

Have you guys seen Josh Gordon or how he plays football??

He is 6'3" and 227 LB

Talib is 6'1" and 205 LB (one of the biggest CB's in the NFL) and Gordon still has him by over 20 pounds and a few inches. And that's IF Talib is on him every single snap (i doubt it); most CB's are significantly smaller then Talib (< 200 LB).

Gordon isn't just going to give up when he gets jammed. It's an almost an advantage for a guy with his size and speed. He can break free with his size and he is behind you with 2 strides.. gone.

This isn't 2003 anymore; BB just doesn't flick a switch and the best player in FF just gets shut down automatically.

Agree mostly with the sentiment but Talib is really good at jamming WRs at the line. Clean releases are basically impossible without a pick. He frustrated D Thomas (who has comparable size/speed) quite a bit a few weeks ago

Talib is talented, no doubt about that. It should be one hell of a battle to watch between those 2.

I just feel like Gordon has risen to the elite tier of NFL WRs. He is one of the very few guys that can be compared to Calvin Johnson @ this point. Yes, hes a little smaller then Mega but he has comparable speed.

Guys in that tier just dont usually get shut down completely by anybody. Gordon truly can be a good start after just one catch with his propensity for 40+ yard TDs

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Why do people think Talib can manhandle Gordon so easily? Gordons a BEAST

I'm a little shocked by this sentiment myself...

Have you guys seen Josh Gordon or how he plays football??

He is 6'3" and 227 LB

Talib is 6'1" and 205 LB (one of the biggest CB's in the NFL) and Gordon still has him by over 20 pounds and a few inches. And that's IF Talib is on him every single snap (i doubt it); most CB's are significantly smaller then Talib (< 200 LB).

Gordon isn't just going to give up when he gets jammed. It's an almost an advantage for a guy with his size and speed. He can break free with his size and he is behind you with 2 strides.. gone.

This isn't 2003 anymore; BB just doesn't flick a switch and the best player in FF just gets shut down automatically.

Agree mostly with the sentiment but Talib is really good at jamming WRs at the line. Clean releases are basically impossible without a pick. He frustrated D Thomas (who has comparable size/speed) quite a bit a few weeks ago

Talib is talented, no doubt about that. It should be one hell of a battle to watch between those 2.

I just feel like Gordon has risen to the elite tier of NFL WRs. He is one of the very few guys that can be compared to Calvin Johnson @ this point. Yes, hes a little smaller then Mega but he has comparable speed.

Guys in that tier just dont usually get shut down completely by anybody. Gordon truly can be a good start after just one catch with his propensity for 40+ yard TDs

slants and curls all day long ...then BOOM ...he busts a long TD ....10 catches for 110 yards and one 60 yard TD...(i hope )

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

Why do people think Talib can manhandle Gordon so easily? Gordons a BEAST

I'm a little shocked by this sentiment myself...

Have you guys seen Josh Gordon or how he plays football??

He is 6'3" and 227 LB

Talib is 6'1" and 205 LB (one of the biggest CB's in the NFL) and Gordon still has him by over 20 pounds and a few inches. And that's IF Talib is on him every single snap (i doubt it); most CB's are significantly smaller then Talib (< 200 LB).

Gordon isn't just going to give up when he gets jammed. It's an almost an advantage for a guy with his size and speed. He can break free with his size and he is behind you with 2 strides.. gone.

This isn't 2003 anymore; BB just doesn't flick a switch and the best player in FF just gets shut down automatically.

Agree mostly with the sentiment but Talib is really good at jamming WRs at the line. Clean releases are basically impossible without a pick. He frustrated D Thomas (who has comparable size/speed) quite a bit a few weeks ago

And then Thomas frustrated him with a touchdown.

how big is antonio brown?

 

[JuniorNB]

Why do people think Talib can manhandle Gordon so easily? Gordons a BEAST

I'm a little shocked by this sentiment myself...

Have you guys seen Josh Gordon or how he plays football??

He is 6'3" and 227 LB

Talib is 6'1" and 205 LB (one of the biggest CB's in the NFL) and Gordon still has him by over 20 pounds and a few inches. And that's IF Talib is on him every single snap (i doubt it); most CB's are significantly smaller then Talib (< 200 LB).

Gordon isn't just going to give up when he gets jammed. It's an almost an advantage for a guy with his size and speed. He can break free with his size and he is behind you with 2 strides.. gone.

This isn't 2003 anymore; BB just doesn't flick a switch and the best player in FF just gets shut down automatically.

Agree mostly with the sentiment but Talib is really good at jamming WRs at the line. Clean releases are basically impossible without a pick. He frustrated D Thomas (who has comparable size/speed) quite a bit a few weeks ago

And then Thomas frustrated him with a touchdown.

how big is antonio brown?

Is Gordon a good start this week in fantasy?

 

[JuniorNB]

Why do people think Talib can manhandle Gordon so easily? Gordons a BEAST

I'm a little shocked by this sentiment myself...

Have you guys seen Josh Gordon or how he plays football??

He is 6'3" and 227 LB

Talib is 6'1" and 205 LB (one of the biggest CB's in the NFL) and Gordon still has him by over 20 pounds and a few inches. And that's IF Talib is on him every single snap (i doubt it); most CB's are significantly smaller then Talib (< 200 LB).

Gordon isn't just going to give up when he gets jammed. It's an almost an advantage for a guy with his size and speed. He can break free with his size and he is behind you with 2 strides.. gone.

This isn't 2003 anymore; BB just doesn't flick a switch and the best player in FF just gets shut down automatically.

Agree mostly with the sentiment but Talib is really good at jamming WRs at the line. Clean releases are basically impossible without a pick. He frustrated D Thomas (who has comparable size/speed) quite a bit a few weeks ago

Talib is talented, no doubt about that. It should be one hell of a battle to watch between those 2.

I just feel like Gordon has risen to the elite tier of NFL WRs. He is one of the very few guys that can be compared to Calvin Johnson @ this point. Yes, hes a little smaller then Mega but he has comparable speed.

Guys in that tier just dont usually get shut down completely by anybody. Gordon truly can be a good start after just one catch with his propensity for 40+ yard TDs

slants and curls all day long ...then BOOM ...he busts a long TD ....10 catches for 110 yards and one 60 yard TD...(i hope )

I don't know about that, Kool Aid Boy says Talib will shut him down. But he should still be started.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

@MaryKayCabot: #browns Campbell is probable. Has been cleared to play. Will start vs patriots

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

Is Gordon a good start this week in fantasy?

here you go, jr

 

[JuniorNB]

Is Gordon a good start this week in fantasy?

here you go, jr

In other words, you got nuthin'. Be we all knew that anyway. Good contribution. Bwahahaha

You should make that Kool Aid yellow.

 

[Faust]

Josh Gordon vows to 'make plays' against Aqib Talib

By Marc Sessler

Around the League Writer

Cleveland Browns pass-catcher Josh Gordon wasn't named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week. That award went to Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker, just days after Gordon broke an NFL record with 200-plus receiving yards in back-to-back weeks.

Maybe a third consecutive titanic outing will do the trick?

No receiver in football owns a higher yards-per-game average than Gordon's 124.9. That will be tested Sunday against the New England Patriots, who haven't allowed a wideout to haul in more than 121 yards all year.

After frying Pittsburgh's Ike Taylor and a Jacksonville secondary that starts three rookies, Gordon won't have it so easy against New England cornerback Aqib Talib.

"I'm pretty sure he'll make some plays, but I'm definitely going to make more plays," Gordon said Thursday, per The Plain Dealer.

"NFL cornerback is a hard position to play, and (Talib's) doing a great job right now for that defense. He's a real physical, scrappy player. But I'm going to come out there and do the same, go out there and make plays myself and try to make sure that nobody can stop me."

Said Talib: "(Gordon) reminds you of those names, the Calvin Johnsons, the Andre Johnsons, it's bigger guys with little-guy speed and quickness. He can turn an 8-yard curl into a touchdown in a heartbeat."

Gordon, only 22, needs just 41 receiving yards to top the Browns' single-season franchise record (1,289), set by Braylon Edwards in 2007. That's a dire testament to the dearth of wideout talent on this team dating back to the days of Webster Slaughter and Reggie Langhorne, but Gordon has the tools to be better than any of them.

In an era when the air attack is blowing up, fans are being treated to a new wave of young pass-catchers. We talked this week about Alshon Jeffery in Chicago; Keenan Allen is shaping up as a Rookie of the Year favorite for the Chargers; and Gordon -- as we hoped -- has made the leap.

Just imagine if he had a quarterback.

The latest "Around The League Podcast" debates the Seahawks' Super Bowl chances and asks "Who do you trust?" as the playoffs approach.

 

[Chaka]

It wasn't too inflammatory but I still hate it when guys say things like that.