Gordon’s goal is to be NFL’s best receiver

Associated Press

BEREA

Josh Gordon’s season went beyond what he or anyone else expected.

Way beyond.

The second-year wide receiver has broken Browns records, set league marks and evolved into one of the game’s top playmakers.

And, he’s done it despite being suspended for two games.

Next year, he has even higher goals.

“Hands down, just be outright the best wide receiver in the NFL,” he said.

Move over, Megatron.

On Thursday, Gordon was unanimously voted Cleveland’s MVP for 2013 by the local chapter of the Pro Football Writers Association. Gordon wrapped up his victory weeks ago, when he went on a four-game tear unlike any the league has ever seen.

He rewrote the record books, becoming the first player to top 200 yards receiving in consecutive games, totaled 649 yards in three games and racked up 774 yards in four. He turned short catches into long gains. He dominated highly regarded New England cornerback Aqib Talib, and the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder gave Cleveland fans a reason to watch the Browns, who fell apart following a 4-5 start and enter the season finale against Pittsburgh on a six-game losing streak and with nine losses in 10 games.

Gordon was virtually unstoppable.

“I think I did pretty well, considering the circumstances and what I wanted to get done,” he said. “I think I met every expectation I could have had. Maybe I could have made a few more plays here or there, little things. I think I did all right.”

With 1,564 yards, Gordon enters the weekend leading Detroit’s Calvin Johnson (1,492) for the league lead. No Cleveland player has ever finished the season on top, and Gordon, averaging 120.3 yards per game and 19.6 yards per catch, would like to add that his growing resume — along with a Pro Bowl trip.

But despite his brilliance, Gordon hasn’t been perfect. By his lofty standards, Gordon’s past two games have been pedestrian.

He had just 67 yards — all in the second half — in a loss to Chicago two weeks ago. Last week against the New York Jets, Gordon dropped two passes, one on a fade pattern in the end zone that cost the Browns a touchdown.

Gordon acknowledged he may have been pressing, trying to make big plays and losing focus. He’s only 22 and still learning that consistency is the key to greatness.