Lost in all the excitement about a healthy Allen Robinson, a developing Anthony Miller, and young playmakers Javon Wims and Riley Ridley is WR Cordarrelle Patterson, who joined the Chicago Bears as an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Maybe it’s because Patterson has never been known as an elite wideout, or perhaps it’s a result of his reputation as a special teams player and gimmicky offensive weapon.
He’s never had more than 469 receiving yards in a season, and that was back in 2013 as a rookie.
But his fit in Matt Nagy’s offense may finally be what he needs to come full circle and live up to the expectations that came along with his first-round stature.
According to ESPN, Patterson is a great breakout candidate in 2019.
WR Cordarrelle Patterson
Patterson is versatile but he’s never put up big numbers, except as a kickoff returner, where Patterson earned Pro Bowl honors in 2013 and 2016. The Bears plan to use Patterson in multiple roles on offense — receiver, runner and perhaps occasionally as a passer. Bears coach Matt Nagy is very creative on offense, so Patterson figures to be in good situations with favorable matchups. It would not be a surprise if Patterson tallied 650-plus all-purpose yards on offense in 2019.
If Patterson emerges as a legitimate weapon in the passing game, then yes, his chances to break out this fall are better than any player on the team. But until he proves capable of being a player who can create his own touches as opposed to a guy who needs touches schemed for him, his ceiling is limited.
Regardless, the Bears don’t need Patterson to be a superstar. They don’t even need him to be a starter. And that’s the beauty of this team in 2019.
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