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The Patriots are one of the final four teams in a Super Bowl quest for the eighth year in a row. EIGHTH. After a 41-28 dismantling of the Chargers, who posted an 8-1 record on the road before entering Foxborough, the Patriots will take on the AFC’s No. 1-seeded Chiefs on Sunday in Kansas City.
As the Patriots prepare to do battle in mid-January yet again, only God knows what Josh Gordon is thinking. At just 27 years old and five years removed from being named first-team All Pro, Gordon seemed to pump life back into his career in New England. In 11 games this season, Gordon compiled 40 catches for 720 yards with three touchdowns before being suspended indefinitely for violating terms of his reinstatement under the substance abuse policy.
Gordon had to watch Tom Brady carve up the Chargers defense for 343 yards from the comforts of his couch, with no guarantees that he’ll ever wear another NFL uniform again. That is the very definition of FOMO.
But, as evidenced by his Instagram account, Gordon still views himself as a Patriot, the team that ignored the many red flags and took a shot on him.
Via the Boston Globe’s Jim McBride:
Gordon’s post swelled up some emotions in Patriots fans who appreciated the production he brought through 11 games.
— teeeeejjjjjayyyyyyy (@tmajr3) January 14, 2019
https://twitter.com/lakerspats1/status/1084642518598332416
If the Pats end up winning it all, he should get a ring.
— Sicilian (Throwback) 🇮🇹☪️ ☭ (@morriconerosso) January 14, 2019
That’s the first time I’ve felt bad all day. Like Alvin Mack listening to the game at the end of the Program.
— Frank D 🌭🥃 (@FrenchBenefits) January 14, 2019
The shitty thing about the fall of Josh Gordon is that all his issues lie under the surface. He’s not a cocky prima donna. There’s no damning domestic violence footage. He didn’t shoot himself in the leg accidentally. As a Pats fan, it makes it tougher to say goodbye to someone who’s been nothing but advantageous all season, especially for a team that desperately needs a deep threat.
[h/t For The Win]