Gordon contributes in Patriots debut

Wide receiver Josh Gordon catches two passes, executes a key block and converts a third down by drawing a penalty in Sunday afternoon's 38-7 win over the Miami Dolphins.

FOXBORO – The numbers were rather modest – two receptions for 32 yards while being targeted twice by Tom Brady – but Josh Gordon believes this could be the start of something big.

“It’s awesome, just period, catching a pass from Tom at any point in time,” the Patriots wide receiver said after he’d caught his first two passes from Brady in Sunday's 38-7 romp over the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. “He’s been rooting for me and it’s been awesome to have his support and his love, as well as the rest of the teammates and staff here. Tom’s a passionate guy and I love that, and I love the game of football and I think we’re going to mesh just fine.”

The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder’s contributions in the Patriots' thrashing of the Dolphins actually went well beyond the stat line. The illegal contact penalty he drew on cornerback Xavien Howard on a third-and-seven from the New England 36 extended the second-period drive that culminated with a 55-yard touchdown pass from Brady to Cordarrelle Patterson, making the score 10-0. And his downfield block helped James White dash 22 yards for the TD that widened the team’s second-quarter lead to 17.

“It was an awesome experience,” Gordon said when it was over. “I really enjoyed it and (it’s) a great opportunity.”

It’s an opportunity that presented itself on Sept. 17 when the Cleveland Browns shipped him and a seventh-round pick in next year’s draft to the Patriots in exchange for a fifth-round choice in 2019.

Reporting to the Patriots with a hamstring injury, Gordon was inactive for the Patriots’ 26-10 loss at Detroit, but made his first start with his new team yesterday.

“He’s an unbelievable talent, unbelievable player, we all know that,” Patriots safety Duron Harmon said, “and it’ll just keep coming for him the more and more that he’s in the system so (I’m) excited for that.”

A second-round pick in the NFL’s 2012 supplemental draft, Gordon’s talent has never been questioned.

In 2013, just his second year in the league, he hauled in 87 passes for a league-leading 1,646 yards and scored nine touchdowns in 14 games, but through a cycle of substance abuse problems, suspensions and rehab, he appeared in just 10 games over a span of four seasons with the Browns and was forced to sit out all of 2015 and 2016 during that time.

Gordon’s contributions on Sunday began early, with a 13-yard catch to the Miami 3 to convert a third-and six on the Patriots’ opening possession, one that ended with Stephen Gostkowski converting a 20-yard chip shot for a lead that was never threatened.

“He’s put in a lot of work, a lot of time trying to understand where to line up and what to do, and he came up with some big plays today,” Brady said when it was over. “He kind of got us going in certain areas. Everyone played pretty good who was out there today, so it was great to have him out there.”

The feeling was mutual.

“I have no doubt I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity,” Gordon said. “I’m more than blessed. I’m extremely grateful to be put in this scenario.

“I think the only thing for me to do is take full advantage of it. I’m loving it, I’m enjoying it. The guys here are great, it’s a real home environment and I feel as comfortable as ever here. It’s awesome.”