Whereas many proceed to invest whether or not the Steelers will add one other large receiver earlier than the beginning of the common season, Pittsburgh believes one among its latest additions is being ignored.
In April, the Steelers signed veteran specialist Cordarrelle Patterson to a two-year deal. Many thought that his arrival was due partly to the NFL asserting its new kickoff guidelines simply hours earlier than, however offensive coordinator Arthur Smith says Patterson will play a task on offense, too.
“He is performed loads of positions,” Smith said. “He provides a distinct aspect. He began his profession as a wideout. He is performed operating again for us, simply one other weapon we’ve on offense.”
Patterson has executed all of it all through his 11-year NFL profession, speeding for two,511 yards and 22 touchdowns whereas additionally reeling in 298 catches for two,795 yards and 16 touchdowns. To not point out, he has essentially the most kick returns for a landing (9) in NFL history as properly.
The 33-year-old confirmed he is nonetheless acquired some fuel left within the tank, too, throughout Monday’s coaching camp follow as he had two runs throughout seven shots and scored on one among them.
Head coach Mike Tomlin was not shocked, nevertheless.
“This isn’t his first rodeo, man,” Tomlin said. “He is been round a pair blocks and again, and so I do not assume any of us are shocked that he is succesful and might swim in these waters.”
What Patterson’s precise position might be in Pittsburgh continues to be to be decided, but when the group would not add one other large receiver, it would not be stunning to see him lining up out large generally this season.
Smith stated he is solely centered on who’s at the moment within the constructing and that features Patterson.
“All I fear about is who I’ve. Everyone would like to have an ideal roster. That simply would not exist,” Smith added. “I will coach whoever they bring about in right here, however my job is to extra importantly fear in regards to the guys which might be right here.”
It is unlikely Patterson will out of the blue flip into an elite receiver in his twelfth season within the league, but when he forces the Steelers’ opponents to think about one other issue on offense, it might assist make up for the very fact they doubtlessly will not have a transparent No. 2 possibility reverse George Pickens this yr.
All quotations obtained firsthand until in any other case famous.
