NFL playoffs 2018: Biggest difference-maker for each contender
By Ian Wharton
New England Patriots – Cordarrelle Patterson
Trying to choose which random New England Patriots playmaker will unexpectedly be the difference-maker is the ultimate game of pick ’em. The Patriots have made their dynasty by churning production out of castoffs and low-value free-agents. This year’s reclamation project has been Cordarrelle Patterson.
As tempting as it was to go with rookie defensive back J.C. Jackson, who appears to be the next unheralded stud for the Patriots, Patterson has the distinction of a former first-round failure who has been maximized with the Patriots. He’s been productive in limited touches as a runner, receiver, and especially as a return man. He ranks fourth in the league with 633 kick return yards.
Patterson’s explosiveness makes him a terrific gadget player. Though he’ll never be a full-time running back or receiver due to his lack of refinement and reliability at either position, he’s a big-play threat in the open field. The leggy runner is averaging seven yards per-play on 58 touches, meaning he’ll have some team punching themselves for allowing him to rip off a game-breaking play in the postseason.