Pro Bowl Snub: Cordarrelle Patterson
By Adam Carlson
Dec 15, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) catches a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 48-30. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Many fans consider the Pro Bowl to be an absolute joke and the fact that Cordarrelle Patterson isn’t a part of it doesn’t help the league.
Patterson’s numbers as a kick returner are amazing. He is so dynamic at the position that teams intentionally give up good field position by not kicking to him just so they don’t risk the chance of him bringing a kick back to the house. It is that kind of excitement that makes the game of football so exciting.
Dec 15, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles safety Nate Allen (29) during the second quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Here are Patterson’s stats as a kick returner:
- 1342 kickoff return yards (leads NFL)
- 33.6 yards per kickoff return (leads NFL)
- 2 kickoff return touchdowns (leads NFL)
So why isn’t Patterson a part of the Pro Bowl? Because there are no kick returners in the Pro Bowl. That’s right. No kickoffs. Instead, the ball is placed at the 25 yard line and the offense takes control. Doesn’t that just sound exciting?
To clear things up, some will consider Patterson’s omission justified because the position isn’t available in the Pro Bowl, but that doesn’t make up for the fact that the league’s best player at a key position will not be included or honored at the festivities.
Shame on you, NFL.