Zimmer pleased with Patterson's offseason work, 'mentality'

[dead_poet]

I always thought he looked incredibly stiff running routes, with a consistent inability to create separation. He's got decent wheels and combine numbers, so I'm not sure what the deal is. I have a hard time seeing how he's going to improve, unless he's in a legit battle with Johnson to be a starter. The Wallace trade should be extra motivation.

[Cliff]

I always thought he looked incredibly stiff running routes, with a consistent inability to create separation. He's got decent wheels and combine numbers, so I'm not sure what the deal is. I have a hard time seeing how he's going to improve, unless he's in a legit battle with Johnson to be a starter. The Wallace trade should be extra motivation.

I always just assumed his brain was slowing down his body. Having to think too much about what he's doing rather than it being second nature ... in other words the raw talent as advertised.

[Mothman]

The hip injury probably just exacerbated that for a while too.

He's got decent wheels and combine numbers, so I'm not sure what the deal is. I have a hard time seeing how he's going to improve, unless he's in a legit battle with Johnson to be a starter. The Wallace trade should be extra motivation.

I always just assumed his brain was slowing down his body. Having to think too much about what he's doing rather than it being second nature ... in other words the raw talent as advertised.[/quote]

I've been assuming the same thing.

Sometimes I think it might be harder for an athletically gifted player, accustomed to making big plays before coming to the NFL, to be patient when learning the nuances of the pro game. From what I saw, and what I've read, one of Patterson's problems last year was that he did too much freelancing and that's certainly the kind of thing that can get a player benched. I think a raw player who has thrived on his ability to improvise probably finds it very difficult to stick with designed routes again and again if he's not getting open because his instinct is likely to make an extra move, break off the route and use his athleticism to escape from the coverage. That's understandable but also verboten.

To Dead_Poet's point (ie: " I'm not sure what the deal is"): I think some of it is youth and impatience. 44crm's point has merit too and I may stand alone on this, but I still think at this point in his career, he was mis-cast as a split end. I understand why the Vikes wanted him to play that spot but I think it makes a lot more sense to put him at flanker or in the slot and keep him off the line.

I really hope the Vikes don't give up on him or bury him on the bench.

[IrishViking]

I think it is exactly that Moth.

He came from a team where he was expected to make something happen. If he didn't he was in trouble. Now he's in a system where he may be running plays that even if it completely breaks down there is never any intention to ever get him the ball. It must be a hard adjustment.

[losperros]

Sometimes I think it might be harder for an athletically gifted player, accustomed to making big plays before coming to the NFL, to be patient when learning the nuances of the pro game. From what I saw, and what I've read, one of Patterson's problems last year was that he did too much freelancing and that's certainly the kind of thing that can get a player benched. I think a raw player who has thrived on his ability to improvise probably finds it very difficult to stick with designed routes again and again if he's not getting open because his instinct is likely to make an extra move, break off the route and use his athleticism to escape from the coverage. That's understandable but also verboten.

To Dead_Poet's point (ie: " I'm not sure what the deal is"): I think some of it is youth and impatience. 44crm's point has merit too and I may stand alone on this, but I still think at this point in his career, he was mis-cast as a split end. I understand why the Vikes wanted him to play that spot but I think it makes a lot more sense to put him at flanker or in the slot and keep him off the line.

I really hope the Vikes don't give up on him or bury him on the bench.

I agree with all the above and I can't see why there would be any doubt about it, given all that Zimmer and even Turner have said. Turner commented on Patterson's lack of experience and the three different systems thrown at him in a row. All of that explains a lot, including his freelancing. I think that's why Zimmer wisely has Patterson being schooled on the NFL basics during the off-season.

We have to keep in mind that in college ball athleticism plays a big role. Heck, I've seen guys become big time playmakers in college ball strictly because they're superb athletes, yet they can't translate the game to the NFL. Patterson's talent is unquestionably there. It's the fundamentals and nuances of the pro game that he's never really had to deal with before...until now. I believe he can do it. And I applaud Zimmer for giving CP another chance.

One last thought here. You're right, Jim, is saying that Patterson was miscast as a split end. He's better at flanker or in the slot. Let's not forget that Zimmer recently pointed out that both Patterson and the coaching have to do a better job getting him the ball. I think that means Zimmer knows the Vikings kind of tried to pound a square peg into a round hole.

[Mothman]

I agree with all the above and I can't see why there would be any doubt about it, given all that Zimmer and even Turner have said. Turner commented on Patterson's lack of experience and the three different systems thrown at him in a row. All of that explains a lot, including his freelancing. I think that's why Zimmer wisely has Patterson being schooled on the NFL basics during the off-season.

We have to keep in mind that in college ball athleticism plays a big role. Heck, I've seen guys become big time playmakers in college ball strictly because they're superb athletes, yet they can't translate the game to the NFL. Patterson's talent is unquestionably there. It's the fundamentals and nuances of the pro game that he's never really had to deal with before...until now. I believe he can do it. And I applaud Zimmer for giving CP another chance.

One last thought here. You're right, Jim, is saying that Patterson was miscast as a split end. He's better at flanker or in the slot. Let's not forget that Zimmer recently pointed out that both Patterson and the coaching have to do a better job getting him the ball. I think that means Zimmer knows the Vikings kind of tried to pound a square peg into a round hole.

I think so too and I also applaud Zimmer for giving Patterson another chance and for going the extra mile to try get him some extra coaching/guidance this offseason that can help him develop his game.

It's been interesting reading through the Jennings thread and seeing the comments about the Vikes WR position. Perhaps I'm mistaken but it sure looks like the majority of fans have already written Patterson off and it also seems like Wright's contribution to the offense, which is not insignificant, gets a bit overlooked. Maybe the Vikes will draft a high profile WR and maybe not but I sure think it's a mistake to overlook Patterson or consider him a lost cause. With an offseason of hard work and a second year in the same pro system, we could see him make a real leap forward next season, especially if they move him around a little more. I still see him as a potential impact player and I'm hoping that's just what he'll eventually become.

[The Breeze]

I can say with certainty that I've been overlooking/writing off CP84 without too much thought toward why. Not so much because I don't think he can or will improve....cause I do. Mostly cause I'll believe it when I see it.

I think Wright could have big year and am kinda surprised at how little he has been mentioned in terms of being a significant piece of the offense....especially now that there is some experienced speed and hands out wide.

[losperros]

I think Wright could have big year and am kinda surprised at how little he has been mentioned in terms of being a significant piece of the offense....especially now that there is some experienced speed and hands out wide.

I agree with you and Jim. In my view, Wright has been one heck of a slot and #3 WR contributor who has made his share of big plays.

Speaking of speed, Wright is a burner, too. Heck, every WR the Vikings have is fast now.

[The Breeze]

I agree with you and Jim. In my view, Wright has been one heck of a slot and #3 WR contributor who has made his share of big plays.

Speaking of speed, Wright is a burner, too. Heck, every WR the Vikings have is fast now.

No kidding.....and with McKinnon and AD in the backfield the whole offense is built for speed.
The offense should just be called Sleipnir or TSE (the sleipnir effect)

[vatusay]

Except Rudolph. He looks as if he is pulling Santas sleigh sometimes haha.

[PacificNorseWest]

I can say with certainty that I've been overlooking/writing off CP84 without too much thought toward why. Not so much because I don't think he can or will improve....cause I do. Mostly cause I'll believe it when I see it.

I think Wright could have big year and am kinda surprised at how little he has been mentioned in terms of being a significant piece of the offense....especially now that there is some experienced speed and hands out wide.

Great point.

I was a big advocate last year of getting Wright more involved. He's an intriguing talent and more than capable of holding down the #3 receiver spot. His re-emergence in the offense last year coincided with Teddy's catapult in play. He can do a little bit of everything.

[mondry]

I've always had high hopes for Wright, I loved the flashes he's shown getting deep and taking the top off a defense. Our 3 starters in wallace / wright / johnson can all get open and all get deep so it'll be interesting to see how dangerous they can be, especially if we get AD back.

It's not that I've written Patterson off, it's just undoubtedly clear now that the guy isn't progressing any where near as quickly as most of us had hoped he would. At this point he's a 4 or 5 year project and by the time he's playing his best ball it will most likely be for a different team after his rookie deal and he gets a shot some where else.

[losperros]

Except Rudolph. He looks as if he is pulling Santas sleigh sometimes haha.

Rudolph is a TE, not a WR. The WRs on this team are fast.

It's not that I've written Patterson off, it's just undoubtedly clear now that the guy isn't progressing any where near as quickly as most of us had hoped he would. At this point he's a 4 or 5 year project and by the time he's playing his best ball it will most likely be for a different team after his rookie deal and he gets a shot some where else.

Unless Zimmer is telling the truth about Patterson's progress during this off-season. If Zimmer is being honest, and I tend to take him at his word, Patterson could start showing steady improvement this year.

[The Breeze]

I've always had high hopes for Wright, I loved the flashes he's shown getting deep and taking the top off a defense. Our 3 starters in wallace / wright / johnson can all get open and all get deep so it'll be interesting to see how dangerous they can be, especially if we get AD back.

It's not that I've written Patterson off, it's just undoubtedly clear now that the guy isn't progressing any where near as quickly as most of us had hoped he would. At this point he's a 4 or 5 year project and by the time he's playing his best ball it will most likely be for a different team after his rookie deal and he gets a shot some where else.

We are of like mind regarding the position and next season.
I agree also about CP's lack of development but have a slightly different look on his future with the team.
I think that bringing in a cat like Wallace takes all the pressure off of CP and Turner to make him fit the system. If Wallace works out it will give Turner the chance to exercise his creativity and play to CPs strengths. Obviously the kid has fundamental work to do, but I'd like to see them take full advantage of what he gives them, both as a dynamic return man and a guy who can play from a few diferent slots on offense.
I think there is a possibility of a strong role for him even if he only comes out as an average route guy.
He's an incredible weapon once thy get past needing him to be something he's not.
Right now this offense has an embarassment of riches on offense in terms of speed and playmaking potential...even before adding Patterson to the equation.
Some cohesion on the line would make it ripe for meeting that potential assuming Norv has the clear vision to stay ahead of the curve with his play calling and design.
So now, to me, the big question is whether or not Norv can get around how predictable his scheme has become league wide.
They have all the elements in place for an elite power running game AND the 'fastest show on turf'.

AD is nutz to not rejoin this team...IMO
---
bit of rant...sorry. coffee and such~

[VikingLord]

I've always had high hopes for Wright, I loved the flashes he's shown getting deep and taking the top off a defense. Our 3 starters in wallace / wright / johnson can all get open and all get deep so it'll be interesting to see how dangerous they can be, especially if we get AD back.

It's not that I've written Patterson off, it's just undoubtedly clear now that the guy isn't progressing any where near as quickly as most of us had hoped he would. At this point he's a 4 or 5 year project and by the time he's playing his best ball it will most likely be for a different team after his rookie deal and he gets a shot some where else.

Or maybe CP84 just had a sophomore slump? If Patterson made no effort to get better I'd be worried. Based on what I'm reading and hearing he is, so I'm very optimistic he's going to improve dramatically this upcoming season.