How the Patriots use Josh Gordon could decide how successful he is in New England The Patriots have a long history of veteran receivers coming in and having a tough time acclimating themselves to the offense. They haven’t learned the system and haven’t been able to get on the same page as Brady. How do they avoid this happening with Josh Gordon? It’s simple Joe Thuney Jerseys 2019 , don’t make him learn the whole offense. I know the Patriots are all about exploiting mismatches and having every player on the field be able to play every position, but I think Gordon is a special case. If I was in charge, I’d have him basically just try to beat man coverage. Run a few different routes – gos, slants, posts, corners, things like that – and make the defense try to stop him. His immense talent essentially ensures that the defense will have to devote extra attention to him, and that will free up other players. Imagine the Patriots line up Gordon on the left, Rob Gronkowski on the right, Julian Edelman in the slot, and James White in the backfield. How does a defense even begin to think about covering that?The biggest concern for me is getting Gordon on the field and keeping him there. Why try to have him do what so many others have failed to do? Especially since so many of those receivers have had the offseason to prepare to be here. Gordon is coming in week 3, and has no time to get ready for the season. Let him do what he does best and try to get the ball to him a few times a game. Even if he only plays 15-20 snaps a game White Michael Bennett Jerseys , it will be a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators. The addition of Gordon could be a great one for the Patriots, or it could be useless. I’m concerned that if they try to throw the whole playbook at him, that it won’t work out. Of course, based on the many off field incidents he’s had, it may not work out anyway. But I think giving him a niche role in the offense is the best way to ensure that, if he keeps his nose clean, he can be successful here. Pat is the host of the Weekend Warrior Podcast Interact with him on Twitter @wtplane FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — On the day after his 33rd birthday, a newly enriched Julian Edelman was doing what he loves best: practicing with his fellow New England Patriots.“We got something done,” the veteran wide receiver said Thursday after the Patriots concluded an organized team activity on the practice field behind Gillette Stadium. “Business is business, and we’re done with that, and all I know is that we’re here and I’m going to be here for a few more years. I couldn’t be any more happy.”The Patriots gave Edelman a three-year contract extension worth $21 million with an $8 million signing bonus and $12 million in guaranteed money. The new pact should allow Edelman Michael Bennett Jerseys 2019 , entering his 11th NFL season out of Kent State, the opportunity to conclude his career with the team that selected him in the seventh round of the 2009 draft. The Patriots converted him from college quarterback into one of the most effective slot receivers in the league.“I was born here in my football career and I’m going to have a few more years here,” Edelman said. “I love being here. I don’t want to be anywhere else. I’m excited for this upcoming year, and I’m excited about this spring and to work on our fundamentals and mold our team and keep it going.”Edelman enters 2019 with 499 career catches in the regular season for 5,390 yards and 30 touchdowns. Last season, despite serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, he finished with 74 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns. He capped a strong playoff run with a 10-catch, 141-yard performance in the Patriots’ 13-3 triumph over the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl, earning the game’s MVP award.“I’ve accomplished goals in the past, and when you do that, you set new goals,” he said. “I’ve been blessed and fortunate to attain and reach a lot of my dreams White Danny Shelton Jerseys , but I still have a lot of other things that I want to go for. So I’ve got a big chip on my shoulder still, and I’m looking forward to coming out here and to contribute to this team, and working hard each day, helping younger guys and doing what I have to do to contribute.”The Patriots went through the paces of the noncontact workout for about two hours Thursday, acclimating themselves to new teammates and new assistant coaches following an offseason of considerable turnover. Veteran special teams coach Joe Judge has also taken on the responsibility of coaching receivers this season.“Yeah, we’ve had some coaching changes,” Edelman said. “But just like every other team, there’s always turnover. Coaching staff, players . that’s part of this business. Now we’re more focused on who we have here, and who’s here right now, and who’s going to help us.”The Patriots generally take an all-business approach to their practices, but they still were able to show support for another Boston-based team beginning a championship quest. Edelman and several other Patriots wore caps or other attire emblazoned with the logo of the Boston Bruins Danny Shelton Jerseys 2019 , who will start their Stanley Cup Final series with the St. Louis Blues on Monday.“It’s exciting, man,” Edelman said. “The city has just always got some crazy sports vibes going. Right now it’s the Bruins’ turn, and it’s exciting to see a young team, a new team, go out there with some of the older guys that have been around, and compete at the highest level. I’m excited for them and I’ll be at the games.”