Jets vs. Browns: How Can the Jets Slow Down Josh Gordon?

Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is having a monster season. He is averaging over 122 receiving yards per game. Prorate that to a sixteen game season, and you have over 1,900 yards. Even after missing two games to suspension, he leads the NFL in receiving yards. He is also a big play threat, averaging just a shade under 19 yards per catch. Oh, and his quarterbacks have been Brandon Weeden, Brian Hoyer, and Jason Campbell. There were rumors the Browns were looking into trading Gordon early in the year. While it is unclear how serious the Browns were about making a deal, one thing is certain. They are probably happy they did not make a trade.

Gordon is the kind of guy who can wreck a game. At 6'3" 225 pounds, he is a big and strong target. He also has good speed. Facing the Jets' secondary is a scary thought for New York fans.

The Jets almost have to dedicate their defensive game plan to figuring out ways to neutralize Gordon. It might call for some creativity. Maybe the Jets take advantage of their stout run defense and Cleveland's suspect run game by using an extra defensive back. Double teams, different coverages, and rotating the man covering him to keep looks fresh might all be on the table. It probably means leaving everybody else on the back end exposed one on one and hoping the defensive line can get home quickly enough.

The days of just saying, "That's your man, Darrelle," are a memory. The Jets have to focus their energy on containing the future All Pro.