Raiders WR Patterson Aims For Significant Role
While his position classification may read wide receiver/kick returner, the Raiders want Cordarrelle Patterson to have one moniker: Big-play threat. A throwback to the Al Davis prototype at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds and a sub 4.3 40-yard dash time, Patterson has what former NFL/CBS TV analyst Gus Johnson classifies as “getting’ away from the cops” speed. That speed, combined with his vision and size have Raiders coaching staff salivating at the possibilities.
““Really excited about ‘CP’, he’s a gifted athlete, once he touches the ball he can score from anywhere,” Jack Del Rio said during the NFL owners meeting.”He’s excited about what we plan on doing with him in our offense, and in our special teams. He’s not just a special teams guy, we’re going to integrate him into our offense and I think he’s a dynamic playmaker.”
Big talk for a player who has never eclipsed the 500-yard receiving mark in his four-year career. Statistically, Patterson’s best season was 2013, hauling in 45 passes for 469 yards and four touchdowns. Plus, he carried 12 times for 158 yards and three more TD. Yet, there’s his bread & butter, kick returns. Patterson exploded for 1,393 yards and two more scores. Last season, Patterson snared 52 passes for 453 yards and two TDs. In addition to gaining 792 yards and a score on kick returns.
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Like Del Rio, Downing maintains high hopes for the speedster.
“Guys like that, you just find a way to get them the rock and let them do the rest of the work,” Downing told Bay Area He’ll make me look good. I’ll call a simple play and he takes it the distance and all of a sudden it’s like I did something special. Hopefully you guys are writing about that this fall.”
It’s certainly plausible. With a big-armed and accurate quarterback and clear-cut No. 1 and 2 wide receivers, Patterson will have room to work. Lining him up at tailback and running behind a beast offensive line could prove extremely fruitful. And, if he doesn’t develop into an offensive weapon, there’s no denying Patterson’s ability as a kick returner. He puts the “special” in special teams. All of a sudden, the Raiders employ capable return men.
In the long run, Patterson may function as a gadget play/return guy. As long as he produces, teammates, coaches and fans will rejoice. Although he’ll never live down his underachiever status in Minnesota, Oakland grants him new life.
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