The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back wide receiver Josh Gordon.
It seems like you can leave the team’s name blank for that sentence above because it has happened multiple times already.
Despite numerous battles with illegal substances, Gordon finds a way to return.
This time, there’s no room for off-field mistakes because the Chiefs are legitimate title contenders.
The Kansas City offense has thrived during the Patrick Mahomes era, even if they don’t have a big target downfield.
Andy Reid adding Josh Gordon to the Chiefs offense. 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/3ag3i70N4N
— Sea of Red Nation (@seaofrednation) October 5, 2021
Tyreek Hill is their primary option, but he is five inches shorter than Gordon.
Meanwhile, Travis Kelce has the height but not Gordon’s speed.
They’ve tried giving Byron Pringle, Mecole Hardman, and Demarcus Robinson significant playing time, but they have yielded modest results.
The Chiefs will be unstoppable if the 6-foot-3 receiver can regain his All-Pro form.
JOSH GORDON IS BACK. AGAIN. HIS HIGHLIGHTS WERE INSANE #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/VxheshJv5S
— JP Sports (@OfficialJPSport) October 5, 2021
Imagine the dilemma of opposing teams that are trying to figure out who to cover.
Putting two defenders on Gordon will free up Clyde Edwards-Helaire to make some catches as well.
But while Chiefs fans are fantasizing about the possibilities, it’s best to set reality straight.
He did play football in 2021, but for the Zappers of Fan Controlled Football.
Johnny Manziel and Josh Gordon’s Zappers have been eliminated from the @fcflio playoffs
They lost 32-6 to the Wild Aces pic.twitter.com/BUzEHtGWc1
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) March 14, 2021
Likewise, his last NFL game was in 2019, before the league bestowed his sixth suspension in seven seasons.
No one knows if he’s ready for another grind or even anywhere close to being in game shape.
Then he has to complete a crash course on Eric Bieniemy’s offensive playbook that features backside slants, Hi-Lo sequences, and several option routes.
Therefore, it’s nice to set a bar for Gordon as he ends his two-year NFL layoff.
First game day w/ #ChiefsKingdom ❤️🔥 Can’t wait for the real thing 😈 #loading
— Flash (@JOSH_GORDONXII) October 3, 2021
If he exceeds those expectations, the Chiefs added another viable weapon for a team-friendly cost.
But if he performs otherwise, his career may end after this season.
Setting The Stakes For Josh Gordon
From a behavioral standpoint, the NFL expects Gordon to maintain his clean act.
One misstep will make it hard for him to return because no team will gamble on him anymore.
The high stakes at Kansas City will help him keep a straight edge because there’s no room for error.
He has no right to complain about not getting enough ball thrown at him either, given the Chiefs’ deep talent pool on offense.
Whole offense got in on the dance.#BudLightCelly | @BudLight pic.twitter.com/OPMvflLPM2
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 3, 2021
But focusing on their Week 5 game, the Chiefs will be facing a strong Buffalo Bills team that has won its last three games.
Their pass defense gives up a league-best 148.8 yards per game, and they haven’t allowed a 100-yard receiver through four games.
In their last game, the Bills had four interceptions and two sacks against the Houston Texans.
Hill will most likely line up against Tre’Davious White while Gordon goes against Levi Wallace, who has one interception in 2021.
Shoutout former Tucson High Badger Levi Wallace for getting his fifth-career interception earlier today against the Dolphins! pic.twitter.com/IXXfHi3mvD
— High School Sports (@HSTucson) September 19, 2021
While expectations can be subjective, it’s best to quantify them based on the Chiefs’ performance through four games.
After all, why fix something when you were a fumble away from potentially being 3-1?
Hill will get the most throws from Mahomes while Kelce is second.
Gordon will be their third option since it takes time to get himself familiar with the jargon.
Time to get to work. 🎯 @Chiefs 🙏🏾
— Flash (@JOSH_GORDONXII) September 27, 2021
Based on the numbers, their third-best receiver averages three receptions for 35 yards per game.
But his height can help him win an additional one or two catches for five yards each.
Therefore, Gordon should have around five catches for 45 yards.
Anything beyond that baseline is impressive, considering his lengthy hiatus.
NEXT: Josh Gordon All Set To Play For Chiefs This Sunday
