NFL players poised to break out in their second season

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Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) catches a pass over Detroit Lions cornerback Chris Greenwood (33) during the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Lions 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota Vikings

It’s still a mystery why former head coach Leslie Frazier and offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave refused to involve then-rookie Cordarrelle Patterson in the offense for most of the season, save for the fact that it was one of the least imaginative offenses in the NFL.

Yes, Patterson’s routes were rough and his learning curve was steep but he was also a dynamic playmaker who could have helped an offense which was often bad and at times, disastrous.

This year we have a new head coach in Mike Zimmer and a new offensive coordinator in Norv Turner, who Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com reported back in February had already drawn up ten new plays just for Patterson.

Clearly, Patterson is going to be one of the centerpieces of this offense (the other naturally will be Adrian Peterson) and will continue to be a factor in kick returns (his over 1,300 yards in 2013 was second only to Devin Hester, per ESPN.com).

Patterson has worked hard to improve his route-running and will have Greg Jennings and tight end Kyle Rudolph pulling defenses away from him. On top of it, defenses have to keep an eye on Peterson, so they won’t be able to crowd routes with linebackers and an extra safety for fear Peterson will break lose.

The quarterback situation is a bit of a concern, as we’ve seen Matt Cassel fold under pressure before, but Patterson showed at the end of last season he can succeed with anyone under center.

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