Cordarrelle Patterson Failing To Meet High Expectations

Expectations for second year wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson were extremely high entering this season. Fans got a glimpse of some of his big play ability last year, including kickoff returns, nice catches, and big runs. Sadly, “Flash” has come nowhere near meeting fans expectations.

In 2014, Patterson has played 10 games so far, starting 7 of those. His stat line is definitely disappointing considering how big of a role he was expected to have in the offensive system of the Vikings. Here are Cordarrelle Patterson’s stats through week 11:

Oct 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

28 catches

332 receiving yards

1 receiving touchdown

8 carries

113 rushing yards

1 rushing touchdown

averaging 24.4 yards per kick return

zero kickoff return touchdowns

It’s hard not to be disappointed in Patterson this year. After what the Vikings traded to move up in the draft to get him and his well documented ability to make defenders miss when he has the ball, it really makes fans wonder what why the dynamic young pass catcher isn’t setting the football world on fire.

Sure, Patterson has dealt with some injuries this year. He has fought through both hip and ankle ailments throughout the year that could have had an impact on his play. But there’s also the possibility that Patterson’s head is spinning from trying to learn another offensive system. And Norv Turner’s offensive systems can be complex.

Despite all this, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer says that he’s not disappointed in the young wide receiver. According to an article from the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Zimmer is still as optimistic as some of the fan base is.

"“He does some very, very good things,” Zimmer said, “and then some things that you don’t like as much. I don’t think disappointed is the right word. I think youth might be right word. I believe that he’s going to be a really good player, but everybody is impatient, including me, and I’m sure he is, too. It will come. It just may take a while.”"

The jury is still out on whether or not Cordarrelle Patterson can turn the corner on his career and become the player that both the Vikings and their fan base hope he can be. Even if it does happen, it may take some time for the young wide receiver to find his role with the team. Hopefully, if fans are patient enough, that will happen.

More from The Viking Age

Home/Minnesota Vikings News