The Curious Case of Cordarrelle Patterson

Dec 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) tackles Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Detroit won 16-14. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

When the 2014 season was beginning, big things were expected out of Cordarrelle Patterson. Between kickoff returns, catching passes and taking the ball out of the backfield, Patterson scored touchdowns in each of the final six games of the 2013 season, and looked like someone who was getting comfortable in the NFL. In the preseason, Matt Cassel hit him for a long touchdown against Kansas City. At 6’2″, 220 lbs, he has the looks of a star receiver. Everyone from Pete Prisco of CBS Sports, Michael Fabiano on NFL.com, to Matthew Berry of ESPN.com and many others all expected a breakout campaign from Patterson after his play making and otherworldly athletic ability had been on display for his entire rookie campaign.

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Then?

Well, no one outside of the Minnesota Vikings locker room is really sure what happened with Patterson this season. He did not return any kickoffs for touchdowns this year, after having two run backs for scores last season. In fact, Patterson only found the end zone twice all season in 2014. Let’s take a look at what happened, what needs to happen next, and try to predict how it all shakes out.

Next: What Went Wrong?