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Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson: ‘I’m just out here to play football’

The Falcons brought in All-Pro return man Cordarrelle Patterson over the offseason after Brandon Powell departed in free agency. Patterson, 30, is a proven kick returner but has versatility on offense that allows him to be used in a number of ways.

“My mindset is to just do whatever coach needed me to,” said Patterson. “If you want me playing running back, quarterback, tight end, kick return, punt return, whatever. I’m just out there to help this team win. Whatever coach need me to do, I’m gonna do it.”

Being used as a running back is new territory for the veteran. Up until last season, Patterson saw very minimal snaps at anywhere other than receiver. Then in 2020, he took 146 snaps at running back — the most he played at any position.

“I’m just here to play football, to be honest. Simple as that. I’m here to help this team, do whatever I can to help them win games. No matter at running back, receiver, kick return. I’m just out here to play football.”

Watch Patterson’s full press conference below, as shared by the Falcons’ YouTube channel.

Going into his ninth season, Patterson will have familiarity with offensive coordinator David Ragone after working together in Chicago. Patterson also expressed excitement in playing for head coach Arthur Smith.

“I’ll say this, a new coach is always a different vibe from players, trying to get used to the coach because none of us probably been coached by him before,” stated Patterson after Wednesday’s practice.

“A lot of guys out here want to play for him and he brings that juice every day. He’s fired up and what guy doesn’t want to play for a coach like [Arthur Smith]. So, we come out here with a mindset that this is his first year, so we’re going to try to make our best year.”

Reinforcing accountability has been a staple of Smith’s brief tenure since taking the job in January.

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