Cordarrelle Patterson has garnered much attention during the 2014 offseason and has plenty of expectation entering the season. He can now add one more publication to his growing bandwagon. Sports Illustrated named the 23-year-old to their list of Rising Stars, joining the likes of Andrew Luck and Patrick Peterson.
Pioneer Press's Chris Tomasson asked Patterson about being named to the list following Wednesday's practice:
*"If they say it, of course I'm going to agree with them,'' Patterson said Wednesday at training camp. *
*It's anticipated by many Patterson will break out in his second season. Last year, he led the NFL in kickoff returns as a rookie with a 32.4 average but had more modest receiving stats with 45 catches for 469 yards. *
*As he has gotten better, Patterson has talked a bigger game. But he does so not in a braggadocious way, and always with a smile on his face. *
*"(There's) always a way to stop someone, but I feel like when I get the ball, just get out of my way,'' Patterson said Wednesday. "Just let me get in the end zone, please.'' *
While Patterson hasn't proved much, many predict a huge year for the former Vol. With Norv Turner guiding an offense with Adrian Peterson, Kyle Rudolph and Greg Jennings, Patterson should get plenty of opportunity to get the ball with some open field in front of him.
You can view Sports Illustrated video feature of Patterson here.
Quick Hitters
- Star Tribune's Matt Vensel writes that a lighter may make a heavier impact.
- Tim Yotter of Viking Update explains that the preseason will weigh heavy on the quarterback position.
- 1500 ESPN's Derek Wetmore details Captain Munnerlyn's return to the practice field.
