It’s been roller-coaster season for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon. It started in training camp when he was suffering from patellar tendinitis that he used as an excuse to “coast” in practice. He drew the ire of his coaches for continuing to “practice lackadaisically” at Browns camp. Gordon was scolded multiple times by coaches for “not finishing plays” and failing to run after the catch, and that he was “frequently the last receiver into position drills” and has never worked with the quarterbacks and other receivers after practice.
It’s worth saying this because Gordon has shown he clearly is one of the game’s best receivers when he’s at his best, but not working hard in practice will prevent him from ever becoming that on a consistent basis. Talent can only get you so far in the NFL, and the great ones typically have a level of work ethic that meets or even exceeds their talent level.