Tom Brady on building relationship with Josh Gordon: 'We're working on it'

FOXBOROUGH — When it comes to getting Josh Gordon up-to-speed in the New England offense so far, it sounds like it’s a bit of a work in progress.

Tom Brady said Friday they have worked with each other, and when it comes to building chemistry with New England’s newest wide receiver, they continue to plug away as the weekend approaches.


“I think we’re working at it,” the quarterback said after practice on Friday. “I mean, look, he’s been here for a few days, so we’re working at it every day and every day you try to make improvements.

“Everyone who’s out there is working hard, trying to practice (and) doing whatever they need to do to understand the playbook, to understand routes (and) understand how we do things. So we’re just trying to work at it.”

Brady did say Gordon has “looked like an NFL receiver” and has “really been eager” when it comes to learning the playbook and getting acclimated. One thing they have had to deal with is a nagging hamstring issue that limited Gordon throughout the week.

“I think different players are on different work portions of practice,” explained Brady. “Whoever’s in there, I’m trying to work with. And any player that’s limited, I’m going to try to throw it to whoever’s in there. So if they’re in there with me, great. If they’re in there with someone else, they’ve got to get their work in. But we’re just trying to get prepared to play.”

One thing that should help -- at least in theory -- is that Brady and Gordon are lockered next to each other. The team placed Gordon in the empty locker stall next to the quarterback after Gordon was acquired earlier this month. But Brady seemed to hint that locker location isn't that big a deal. He's looking to build a relationship with all his teammates, not just the ones on either side of him in the locker room.

“I try to get along with everybody,” Brady said. “Even if you’re next to me or you’re across, or down, or defense, or … I think it’s just important to try to get to know everybody in whatever way you possibly can, because we’re all here to try to do the same thing. So yeah, whether they’re right next to you, or across, or on your side of the ball or the other side of the ball, I think just having a relationship with those guys is important for all of us. We’re just trying to get on the same page.”