Time for Vikings to convert Patterson to Running Back
Minnesota Vikings’ wide receiver and kick return specialist, Cordarrelle Patterson, has earned and deserves more playing time than what he’s been getting. The few times he has touched the ball in 2016, Patterson has picked up nice yardage and has been close to breaking it big while also coming down with difficult grabs in key situations.
His skill set is not the issue. The third year wide receiver has the ability to take it for six each time he touches the ball. His route running has significantly improved since his rookie year and there is evidence to prove it. He has strong hands and could be an excellent deep threat with his speed and advantage in 50/50 ball situations. He has also been a dynamic special-teamer, cementing himself as the best kick returner in the NFL.
Why isn’t he getting a greater opportunity? The answer is unclear. Stefon Diggs serves as the Vikings best pure offensive weapon. He is surging his way to becoming a top receiver in the league. On the other side however, Minnesota has plenty of options to choose from. Charles Johnson has been starting but hasn’t seen nearly the targets or impact that Diggs has. Patterson could be the additional spark plug and weapon the Vikings need on offense.
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Patterson’s greatest asset is his versatility. He can be deployed in any number of ways. With the NFL defenses of today, offensive coordinators need that secret weapon to keep opposing defenses off balance and coordinators off of their game plan. Patterson should not be limited to only the wide receiver position; his skillset dictates he has the ability to play out of the backfield as well. Obviously, Jerick McKinnon is the feature back but why couldn’t Patterson find a role and contribute as well?
Patterson is the type of weapon that can be moved all around different formations. He could occasionally take a hand-off, whether it be on an end around or from the basic running back position and make a dynamic impact. The Vikings could spot him six to ten carries a game which is not all that unreasonable. Add that with his receiving opportunities and the Vikings have a special and dynamic offensive weapon on their hands. With Patterson there is always the possibility that he makes a huge play that changes the game.
The negative notion around Patterson is that he doesn’t work hard enough. Well, Vikings32 is here to dissolve that rumor. He has worked extremely hard on his craft to become a complete wide receiver. Although his playing time doesn’t reflect it, Coach Mike Zimmer spoke well about Patterson’s improvement and concentration during training camp. So far into the season, he has had little opportunity but it is easy to see how his hard work is paying off. Patterson is already making plays on special teams and even got into Sunday’s victory over the Panthers as a gunner on punt coverage.
Bottom line, there are too many reasons for Patterson not to be more involved. Leaving the offensive weapon, that Patterson has become, on the bench is unforgivable. The Vikings need to use him and use him early and often. He has the offensive firepower to take pressure off of other play makers such as Sam Bradford, Stefon Diggs and Kyle Rudolph.
One thing is certain, the more opportunities number 84 gets, the better he is. Patterson is the spark plug the Vikings are looking for to continue their early success. Moving him to running back will only put the ball in his hands more often and create greater opportunities for Patterson to impact the game. When he touches the ball there is always a chance for six.
Austin Erwin writes for cover32 and covers the Minnesota Vikings. He can be followed on Twitter @austin_erwin. Like and follow vikings32 on Facebook and Twitter.
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