Cordarrelle Patterson: Vikings, WR need reality check

Second year Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson recently did an interview with Akbar Gbajabiamila (say that three times fast) of NFL Fan Pass. A number of things were covered in the interview. Everything from small talk and nicknames to Patterson‘s expectations for the year – which are apparently pretty high, even for someone who made the pro bowl in his first year as a specialist.

Gbajabiamila asked Patterson, in most basic terms, if he would be a good pick as the top receiver for his fantasy team. Patterson skirted the question and then responded that he may not be a top 5 WR in the league, but he will for sure be a “Top five playmaker.”

A lot of writers, including many from Fansided, piggybacked this and are predicting Patterson to have a breakout year during his sophomore campaign in Minnesota. Fansided’s own Mike Dyce discussed how even Matt Cassel has noticed a difference in Patterson with his improved route running and recognition – two traits that come naturally with experience.

There’s no doubt, “Flash,” as Patterson has been dubbed, is electric. He can make plays like this out of the backfield:

And plays like this out of the slot:

Now, for a dose of realism fantasy owners:

Yes, Patterson is electric. Yes, he could have a breakout year. Yes, he could earn you points, so on and so on. NO. You should not take Patterson with your first WR (maybe even 2nd depending on your league size) spot.

As Patterson said in the interview, he is going to be “showcased” more in the offense this year, which is great. The Vikings coaching staff has hinted at the same thing. The problem(s): Adrian Peterson is the star of the offense, the main “showcase” if you will. Greg Jennings is still the best receiver that whoever the hell wins the starting quarterback job – which is the biggest problem in itself – will be throwing too. And, if he is to be such a featured receiver, Patterson will most likely see his special teams and rushing attempts decrease, which is where a number of his touchdowns came from last season.

Continuing on down the pathway of realism, Patterson did have a great rookie season last year, no one is trying to deny that. However, he was just the 5th best, statistically speaking, receiver in the class. Keenen Allen, Deandre Hopkins, Ace Saunders and Marlon Brown all had more receptions and yards than did Patterson.

Expanding on that, Patterson was just the 56th ranked – again, by receptions and yards –  receiver among all wideouts. These numbers are by no means poor, but to say that he will be a “Top five playmaker” seems a bit silly. There are 55 receivers ahead of him who I think would like to argue, not to mention a group of running backs who may not be pleased as well.

Let’s give Patterson – because he seems like a nice guy – the benefit of the doubt. Maybe, he meant just plays in the open field?

Would you really put him above guys like T.Y. Hilton, DeSean Jackson, Dexter McCluster (who I think could really have a breakout year in Tennessee), Wes Welker, Eddie Royal, LeSean McCoy, Jamaal Charles, Chris Johnson…. have I named five yet? That’s of course, just talking about wide receivers and running backs as playmakers.

In the previously mentioned interview, Patterson had this quote about something his coaches passed along. He said, “You gotta have that mindset, you got to have that dog mindset. Like my coach always tells me, they want Rottweilers and pit bulls, they don’t want no Chihuahua, they want dogs.”

The one thing he should be careful with, as a pit bull and not a chihuahua is that his bark is not a larger than his bite.

Live Feed

Blogging Dirty

If fantasy owners were drafting on who could make the best play in the open field, or who could make a safety look silly with a dip move, draft Patterson. However, owners draft on points. Who is going to get targeted the most, who is going to catch it the most, and who is going to score it the most. In my opinion, that just isn’t going to be Cordarrelle “flash” Patterson.

Now, don’t mistake my negativity for disbelief in his ability. Patterson could have a “breakout” year. He is incredibly skilled. But don’t pick a player for your team, or just expect to much as a fan in general for a player who could have a breakout year. Even if he does, statically he more than likely will pale in comparison to the “big time receivers” and playmakers.

If he is there after the first few rounds, TAKE the former volunteer. They’re bound to be games where Patterson lights up the scoreboard, but constancy is key. I look for him to greatly improve on the 627 yards and seven touchdowns he received and rushed for last season, but wouldn’t count on him to carry your team. If you are looking for a great flex play, maybe a stretch 2nd receiver type – you’ve found him, but for now… no more than that.

Another thing supporting his fantasy case, he did not fumble one time last season; don’t we all hate negative points?

There is a great Ayn Rand quote that comes to mind about Patterson and his breakout year: “Reality confronts man with a great many “musts,” but all of them are conditional; the formula of realistic necessity is: “You must, if ” and the “if” stands for man’s choice.”

Don’t be so quick to say that someone “must have a breakout” season. Patterson’s formula for success is going to depend greatly on men around him. Can Jennings create space? Can Peterson stay healthy enough and keep the passing game honest? Can whomever is taking the snaps for the Vikings deliver the ball? The certainly is a formula for Patterson to have a huge year, but it certainly calls for a dose of reality as well.