Patriots gridiron news: Bill Belichick has plans for Cordarrelle Patterson
New wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson will have a chance to become an impact playmaker for the New England Patriots.
When New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick likes a player and believes in that player, that player usually becomes something very special. Could wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson be the next to enter the group of success stories attached to the future Hall-of-Fame coach?
The 26-year-old receiver will certainly have an opportunity to prove he is more than just a special teams specialist.
Appearing on Good Morning Football Wednesday, Patterson shared his discussions with both Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels following the trade that brought him to New England from Oakland. In that conversation, it was revealed that the Patriots have more in mind for Patterson than just kickoff returns.
"“I went up there the day after I got traded and just talked to Josh about, ‘What am I good at? And how can I help the offense? ‘And I just basically told them, ‘put me on the field. It’ll take care of itself,’” Patterson recalled, as transcribed by WEEI. “That’s something I’ve been doing my whole life, making plays, playmaker. I don’t like when somebody tries to label me as this and that. I just go out there and do what I’m supposed to do and have fun while I’m doing it.”"
So far in his brief career, Cordarrelle Patterson has not translated his receiving and playmaking skills into an offense on a consistent basis. That could change with the Patriots if he improves on his route running skills.
Also, following the trade of Brandin Cooks, Patterson will get an opportunity to be that deep threat the team will once again be looking for. As Patterson shared, Belichick’s focus will be on bringing out his best…if he does his job.
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"“Basically, we get the job done here,” Patterson said in regard to Belichick’s words to him. “‘We’re going to make you the player that you should be.’ That is what he basically said.”"
With the return of Julian Edelman and Malcolm Mitchell, Patterson should compete for the No.4 receiver spot behind Chris Hogan. He certainly has the speed to be special, it is just a matter of him being put in positions to succeed catching the ball from Tom Brady.
Patterson not happy with potential kickoff-return ban
Cordarrelle Patterson may have no choice but to become more of a factor in the offense if the NFL gets their way.
With the league contemplating getting rid of the kickoff return due to safety issues, Patterson defended the play calling such a scenario pretty much insane.
"“That’s just crazy, man. That’s nonsense. They’re just trying to take the fun out of some people’s game,” Patterson also said during his appearance on the show. “Some people only play special teams; that’s what they’re in the league for. Me, I make my bread and butter out of that. …I love the opportunity of being back there. They shouldn’t take it out.”"
Of course, Patterson is speaking as one of the most dangerous kickoff returners in NFL history.
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With a career 30.2-yard average with five touchdowns, eliminating the play would be taking the electricity a player like Cordarrelle Patterson creates whenever he touches the ball on those kickoff returns.