Welcome to the 2016 NFL Preview. Every weekday from now until opening night, we will preview the 2016 NFL Season. This week’s remaining schedule: San Diego (Wednesday), Dallas (Thursday), Jacksonville (Friday).
In a surprising development, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Josh Gordon yesterday, making him eligible for the upcoming season. Gordon will serve a four game suspension, and is eligible to return to the gridiron in Week Five. He has not played a full season since 2013, having been suspended for all of last season and for 11 in 2014.
What does Gordon have left in the tank? This is the big question. He was originally suspended for all of the 2014 season, only to have it cut to 10 games. Gordon played five games down the stretch, averaging 12.6 YPR and 0 touchdowns. He looked pedestrian at best. In his defense, Johnny Football was throwing him passes, and he can make even world class receivers look awful. Not all is lost though, because with the three headed monster of Brian Hoyer, Jason Campbell, and Brandon Weeden in 2013, Gordon averaged 117.6 yards per game en route to a 1,646 yard season. So he can be an elite receiver in the NFL. Why does the QB matter?
What does RG3 have left in the tank? This is why the QB matters. Robert Griffin III officially busted out of the Nation’s Capital, not even suiting up for the Redskins in 2015. Washington moved on, and Griffin signed a 2 year, $15 million deal with Cleveland. He will enter camp in a battle with Josh McCown. Since his rookie year, Griffin has not shown any growth at the position. He has not mastered the footwork or the skills to be an efficient pocket passer, so he has to again rely on his legs. This will definitely be his last chance, but coach Hue Jackson is putting in the work.
Nobody watches preseason games You should if you are in Cleveland. There will be a QB battle between McCown and RG3. Josh Gordon is allowed to play in preseason games, and if the Browns are smart, they will put him out there. Both to get him in game shape, and to make him show that he still has it. I would play him in the second half with the third stringers to make sure he earns his way back into the fold. Another reason is to scout the fourteen draft picks the Browns grabbed in the draft. They won’t all hit, but if 4 of them do, that’s a great haul for a draft class.
Fantasy Focus Cleveland looks to again be a fantasy wasteland, but every team has players that can help your fake squad. Gary Barnidge came out nowhere last year with a 1,000 yard 9 TD season. He carried many teams (mine included) to fantasy glory. His worst games last year were with Manziel at the helm, so he should put up solid numbers no matter who the QB is. Gordon is the ultimate wild card in fantasy this year. He’s a guy that can swing a league, it’s just a matter of how big of a gambler you are. To secure him, you probably need to take him no later than the sixth round. If he has a big pre-season, that could jump up. Stick with SFTB for fantasy updates as the pre-season moves along. Gordon is one of many players I have an eye on.
Season Prediction: It’s tough to find wins on the Browns schedule this year. If everything goes right, they’re still lucky to get to six wins. There’s a lot of mess to clean up in Cleveland, hopefully Hue Jackson gets the time. 3-13