Patterson To Learn Third New Offense In Three Years

Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) celebrates his touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Lions 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Recently, The Viking Age has put a lot of praise on Cordarrelle Patterson.  He has earned all that praise and more on the field as a wide receiver, running back, and kick returner.

One of the major knocks on Patterson out of college was that he would need a lot of time to learn the offense.  Although reports of him being a fast learner in camp contradict that, it is a situation that Patterson will have to face once again, now that he has a new head coach and offensive coordinator.

"“It’s going to be difficult,” Patterson said. “Coming in as a rookie, learning an offense and the next year, your head coach gets fired. Maybe other guys will get fired, so it’s going to be a whole new offense. It’s going to be different, but it’s my job. I’m going to pick it up. It really don’t matter how they use me. I know the head coach and the receivers coach are going to do a great job using me like they did this year. So I know nothing is going to change there, so I’m just ready for the offseason to get ready.”"

Dec 15, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) eludes Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Trent Cole (58) on a pass play in the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 48-30. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Patterson’s remarkable season still isn’t enough for him.  A lot of players would rest on those laurels and get a big head about it.  But not him.  He is already prepared to get better next season and do whatever it takes to improve.

"“Looking back on film, it could have been a better season for me; just the little things, the little mistakes I made,” Patterson said. “But next year, hopefully it will be a better season for me.”"

With the changes coming on offense, Patterson has to mentally and physically prepare for learning and executing a new gameplan, his third in three years.  Any changes can be difficult, but Patterson sounds ready for the challenge.

"“You can’t say it’s going to be harder and you can’t say it’s going to be tough,” Patterson said. “The offense we had this year, I liked it a lot. So, I’m going to go into the offseason and probably the whole offense is going to change. It’s going to be kind of difficult, but this is our job. I’ve got to learn a whole new offense so I’m ready for it and I’m prepared.”"