As of now free agent Mathew Slater is not signed. On Friday he met with the Steelers. Since the Patriots signed Patterson yesterday, there has been lots of talk that Slater is done playing for the Patriots. While there is always the possibility that theory is true, here is why I think it is not.
SPECIAL TEAMS STAR- The Patriots absolutely need a guy to return kickoffs. While having an average player back there would be completely acceptable, why not get a stud? In his 5 year NFL career, he's led the league 3 times and has a career average of 30.2 yards per return. Those 5 touchdowns are also pretty impressive.
In addition to returning kickoffs, Patterson is also a gunner on the kicking team. Yes, that's Slater's specialty and why people are hinting that he might be gone.
Do you know who else is a terrific gunner for the Patriots? Jonathan Jones. As a second year player, Jones had a big hand on both special teams and defense this past season. During the regular season Jones recorded 44 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 sack from his defensive back position. With his role on defense being expanded, Jones is likely going to have his special teams role lessened or eliminated.
In addition to returning kickoffs, Patterson is also a gunner on the kicking team. Yes, that's Slater's specialty and why people are hinting that he might be gone.
Do you know who else is a terrific gunner for the Patriots? Jonathan Jones. As a second year player, Jones had a big hand on both special teams and defense this past season. During the regular season Jones recorded 44 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 sack from his defensive back position. With his role on defense being expanded, Jones is likely going to have his special teams role lessened or eliminated.
WHAT PATTERSON BRINGS TO THE PATRIOTS- After a pretty good rookie season where he had 2020 all-purpose yards, the expectations were high for Cordarrelle. In his first game of the 2014 he did not disappoint with 176 total yards (102 rushing, 26 receiving and 48 yards on 2 kick returns) and a touchdown. Of course with the Patriots next on his plate, Patterson fell into the trap of letting his mouth write a check his body wasn't going to cash against Belichick. Cordarrelle really wanted to have a great game against the Patriots to show them what they missed out on by trading away the 29th pick in the draft. Cordarrelle finished the game with 79 total yards and the Patriots destroyed the Vikings 30-7. From that point on, he was never an integral part of Norv Turner's offense.
Patterson has had his most offensive success playing under Bill Musgrave. Musgrave is an innovative play caller who loves versatile players and lining players up in odd formations. He also likes to get the ball into his receivers hands quickly. With that being the type of offense Cordarrelle has thrived in, he may become a part of McDaniels' offensive plans.
Patterson has had his most offensive success playing under Bill Musgrave. Musgrave is an innovative play caller who loves versatile players and lining players up in odd formations. He also likes to get the ball into his receivers hands quickly. With that being the type of offense Cordarrelle has thrived in, he may become a part of McDaniels' offensive plans.
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