Patriots Gridiron News: Cordarrelle Patterson catching praise in New England
When the New England Patriots face off against the Minnesota Vikings, it will be the first time Cordarrelle Patterson has faced his former team.
Well, the New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick promised Cordarrelle Patterson that the team was going to make him the player he should be, and they have certainly tried to do so.
In fact, the multiple ways Patterson has been used since joining the Patriots following the offseason trade with the Oakland Raiders, has seen success. Not only has he taken one back to the house as a kickoff returner, the former Minnesota Vikings first-round pick has scored a rushing touchdown and a couple receiving touchdowns.
That ability to contribute in different roles is exactly what Belichick had in mind for Patterson. If any fan or critic were expecting Tom Brady and the Patriots to suddenly transform him into an All-Pro wide receiver overnight held higher expectations than what was realistically possible.
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Quite simply, Cordarrelle Patterson is a playmaker with speed and the New England Patriots have found ways to take advantage of the multiple things he can do on the field.
On Wednesday, Bill Belichick threw praise at Patterson and said the team got exactly what they expected in the player.
"“…he’s been a good player with two different organizations, in the kicking game and offensively, and he’s done a lot of things for the Vikings and Raiders,” Belichick said. “You know, he ran the ball, he caught it, he ran with it, he returned it, he covered kicks, he blocked – he has a lot of skill and he’s a big guy that can run, he’s tough, and he shows up every day.“So, we thought were getting that, that’s what we got and we’ve used him in different ways. He’s embraced it, he’s worked hard to learn and accept different roles and he’s done them well. So, he’s been a pleasure to coach, he’s been a great addition to our team and he’s given us a lot of versatility, and times where we’ve really needed him to step in and help us, and he has.”"
Where Cordarrelle Patterson has really stepped up is stepping in where the team has needed him. Earlier in the season, he filled in catching the ball when the team was short at receiver. He has also filled the running back role when the team was short at running back.
Long story short, that now provides the New England Patriots with a player who can do multiple things on the field and that will make him an X-factor against his former team.
In what could be one whale of a game, it may just take a kickoff return or some kind of unexpected trick play utilizing Patterson’s ability to be the difference in the game. He is definitely a playmaker to watch in the Week 13 matchup.
Tom Brady nicknames Patterson “The Experiment.”
With all the praise Cordarrelle Patterson has received this week leading up the showdown with his former team, he is really embracing the nickname given to him by Tom Brady.
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In praising Patterson’s athleticism, attitude and versatility, Brady revealed his nickname for the multi-faceted playmaker as “The Experiment,” because of everything he is willing to do on the football field.
Patterson, of course, was asked about the nickname. All he could do was gush since it came from the GOAT himself.
"“Oh man, I like any nickname Tom gives me,” Patterson said, via WEEI. “That’s Tom Brady, man. Why not? He can give me any kind of name and I am going to like it. I’m enjoying my time here. I am having fun, as always. No matter where I am I am going to have fun and enjoy myself like it’s my last.”"
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Patterson may have a lot of fun against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. If there is any game the New England Patriots will try to get him the ball in different ways, it will be this one. It could be a big game for a player who prides himself on being a playmaker.