The Minnesota Vikings are one of the more intriguing teams to keep an eye on as the 2015 continues to draw closer. They have a very talented roster, but also have some question marks on both sides of the football. Offensively they feel very good about their core in Teddy Bridgewater, Adrian Peterson, and talented young receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.
Patterson is without question the X-Factor for the Vikings’ offense, and has the potential to completely change the outlook for the Vikings in 2015.
During the 2014 season with the Vikings, Patterson ended up catching 33 passes for 384 yards and one touchdown. He possesses the type of speed and quickness to make plays no matter where he lines up, and that will give Norv Turner a very dangerous weapon now that he has a capable quarterback under center. Patterson isn’t a superstar, but he is a receiver that is capable of turning into one as he continues to figure out his role.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 29: Cordarrelle Patterson #84 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of the game on December 29, 2013 at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
What can the Vikings and their fans expect to see from Patterson during the 2015 season?
At just 24 years old, Patterson has already had two seasons of experience under his belt and is ready to take the big leap that the Vikings have been expecting from him. Playing alongside Christian Ponder and Matt Cassel as his quarterbacks hasn’t been easy, and it gives him a bit of an excuse. Being young and figuring out the speed of the NFL is another reason that he has yet to break out like he was expected to.
Heading into the 2015 season, Patterson is going to be used much more than he has in recent years. Quite a few comments have already been made about the Vikings wanting to get the football into his hands more in open space.
Fans will likely see him used as a deep threat, possession receiver over the middle, in the screen game, and also sometimes out of the backfield. Any way that the Vikings can get him the football, they are going to be trying it this year. Patterson isn’t going to have to suffer through inconsistent usage, which will improve his numbers immediately.
Predicting Patterson’s numbers certainly isn’t easy, especially due to the inconsistent seasons that he has had to this point in his career. Despite that fact, Minnesota is without question going to get big production out of him. It would be reasonable to expect at least 60-65 receptions for 1,200 yards or more while adding in six or seven touchdowns.
Even though those are the reasonable predictions for him, he could end up blowing past them or coming up short. It all depends on what type of role he is given heading into the season. Minnesota certainly sounds like they’re ready for him to become one of their offensive stars, and Patterson is definitely ready for that kind of a chance.
