Patriots’ Super Bowl 53 Odds Unaffected by Josh Gordon Stepping Away
- New England Patriots receiver Josh Gordon announced that he is stepping away from football to focus on his mental health
- Gordon was facing an NFL suspension for violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy
- The odds on the Patriots winning the Super Bowl remain unchanged despite this development
As news broke that wideout Josh Gordon would be leaving the New England Patriots and halting his NFL career to focus on his mental health, the first thought as always was for his well being.
If u have any experience w/loved one that struggles w/mental health/addiction, u know just how difficult it can be to overcome & control. My heart breaks for Josh Gordon on a basic human level. The hell w/football. I’m talking about the man. Never quit fighting @JOSH_GORDONXII
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) December 20, 2018
But the reality is that Gordon had become a key piece of the offensive puzzle for the Patriots, and how his absence will impact their chances of reaching a third consecutive Super Bowl is still a legitimate question to pose.
Despite his departure, the Patriots’ odds to win Super Bowl 53 remain unchanged.
New England Patriots’ Odds to Win Super Bowl 53
| Team | Odds to win Super Bowl 53 |
|---|---|
| New England Patriots | +700 |
*Odds taken 12/20
Sportsbooks also currently situate the Patriots as their fourth betting choice to win Super Bowl 53.
Gordon A Key Contributor
Gordon offered the Patriots a reliable second option at wide receiver after Julian Edelman, and much-needed speed to stretch out defenses.
New England was 8-3 with Gordon in the lineup.
In his absence, the Patriots will need more significant contributions from wideouts Chris Hogan, Corradelle Patterson, and Phillip Dorsett.
Josh Gordon Stats In Wins vs Josh Gordon Stats In Losses
| 3 | Touchdowns | 0 |
| 30 | Receptions | 10 |
| 3.75 | Receptions Per Game | 3.33 |
| 524 | Receiving Yardage | 196 |
| 65.5 | Receiving Yards Per Game | 65.3 |
The Patriots could opt to go with more two tight end sets, lining up either Jacob Hollister or Dwayne Allen on the opposite side from Rob Gronkowski.
New England also is blessed with an overabundance of talented ball-carriers, and could utilize a two running back formation with increased frequency. James White and Rex Burkhead are both adept at catching balls out of the backfield, and rookie Sony Michel has proven to be a solid runner.
Should You Still Stand With The Pats to Win Super Bowl 53?
The Patriots have lost their last two games and three of their last five games. Their No. 1 threat to snare a deep ball just departed.
Is all hope lost?
If you think that’s the case, then you really haven’t paid attention to the New England dynasty.
Josh Gordon is facing a potential suspension for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement under the NFL's drug policy.
He has had quite the journey so far. pic.twitter.com/W7tTvYtUew
— ESPN (@espn) December 20, 2018
The Patriots are like the villain in a horror flick.
You think they’re finished, only to see them rise up again and continue to cut a swath through everyone. Even when you are certain they are dead and all done, they come back for sequel after sequel.
Over their nearly two-decade run of success, the Patriots have continually replaced parts and kept winning. As long as their two constants – coach Bill Belichick and QB Tom Brady – remain on top of their games, count New England out at your own peril.
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
