I know what you're thinking. Fool me once, shame on me, but fool me twice...
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson was the poster boy for breakout stars last offseason. Vikings fans were expecting a new and exciting offense with him at the forefront and fantasy owners thought they were getting the steal of the draft. Unfortunately, no one's hopes were met as Patterson failed to make any type of significant impact. I mean, 384 total yards and just one touchdown on only 33 receptions? You got to be kidding me.
Things got so bad at one point that Patterson was replaced on the depth chart by former practice-squad receiver Charles Johnson. That's when you know you've hit your bottom.
Yet despite the disappointment, Vikings decision makers aren't giving up on the 2013 first-rounder.
"He's a unique talent with the ball in his hand," general manager Rick Spielman said to the media on Wednesday. "I know [head coach Mike] Zimmer has put a plan in place, and it's up to Cordarrelle to follow through with that plan. But I think Cordarrelle has all the ability to be a very good receiver in this league. It's going to be on him to take the next step."
I've expressed my appreciation for rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater before. The guy was easily the most impressive first-year QB last season and steadily improved down the stretch. All he's missing to take the next step is a dynamic play-making receiver.
"Spielman believes Patterson could be part of a common trend in the NFL when a receiver breaks out during his third season," Master Tesfastion of the Star-Tribune wrote.
As if personal pride wasn't enough of a motivating factor, Patterson should be aware of the tough financial decisions facing Minnesota down the road. If he wants to ensure a long and lucrative career, he needs to start producing pronto.
"One other thing to keep in mind with Patterson, as Spielman pointed out, is that the Vikings have a slew of decisions to make in the near future about fifth-year options for first-round pick," ESPN's Ben Goessling wrote. "They'll have to determine in spring 2016 if they want to exercise the fifth-year option in Patterson's contract - in 2015, the option on a receiver taken in Patterson's spot would cost $6.8 million - and while that option would only be guaranteed against injury in 2017, the Vikings could decline to pick it up if they don't see improvement from Patterson in 2015. Effectively, there's a real financial incentive for the receiver to shake off a poor 2014 season and get himself back on track next year. Now, we'll see if Patterson takes advantage of it."
Patterson finished his rookie year with two kickoff returns for touchdowns and five rushing and/or receiving touchdowns in the last month of the season, so we know he is capable of making explosive, game-changing plays. The question is: will he make those plays consistently in 2015? Minnesota seems to think so. Of course, they're the ones with the most riding on him.
