When Cordarrelle Patterson was drafted in the first round three years ago, the Minnesota Vikings were confident they were getting a true dynamic threat on the field as the envisioned the receiver becoming the No.1 target. However, after two seasons with the franchise that has yet to happen, putting Patterson in a make-or-break position in 2015. The wide receiver is aware that he is playing on thin ice this season, but the coaching staff has spoken out in support of the improvements he has made entering training camp.
Both head coach Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner have been critical of Patterson, especially over the past season when he was benched in favor of other players in the final games. Patterson has been criticized for his lack of effort and knowledge of the playbook as he risks getting released if improvement is not seen. However, Zimmer likes the way Patterson looks at the start of cap.
"I don't know that he's turned a corner yet, but he's definitely rounding one," he said Wednesday, via the Pioneer Press. "So far he's done good. These (three) days he's been impressive. Today's a new day. Hopefully today is just as good as yesterday and yesterday was as good as the day before."
Patterson is fighting for a roster spot at the moment. The Vikings have Charles Johnson entering as their No.1 receiver for Teddy Bridgewater. Following a trade with the Miami Dolphins, Mike Wallace will be the No.2 receiver as he too looks to bounce back this season. Jarius Wright is the favorite for the third spot as a slot receiver while rookie Stefon Diggs appears to be the main competition for Patterson. So far in camp, digs is making positive impressions on the coaching staff and could become the new return man.
"This guy's got a chance to be really good. He runs great routes, he's got excellent speed. He catches the ball as well as anybody I've seen, very, very easily and he's been a model citizen, so that's important. Pretty special for a young guy," Zimmer said.
The Vikings have a lot of expectations this season after the promise that Bridgewater showed in his rookie season. With the quarterback position settled at least in the short-term, the Vikings can turn their attention to improving the rest of the offense. Adrian Peterson and Jerick McKinnon will work in tandem while the wide receivers battle it out for position on the depth chart.
