Whereas many proceed to take a position whether or not the Steelers will add one other extensive receiver earlier than the beginning of the common season, Pittsburgh believes considered one of 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 plenty of positions,” Smith said. “He provides a unique factor. He began his profession as a wideout. He is performed working again for us, simply one other weapon we have now on offense.”
Patterson has finished all of it all through his 11-year NFL profession, dashing 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 probably the most kick returns for a landing (9) in NFL history as effectively.
The 33-year-old confirmed he is nonetheless obtained some fuel left within the tank, too, throughout Monday’s coaching camp observe as he had two runs throughout seven shots and scored on considered one of them.
Head coach Mike Tomlin was not stunned, nonetheless.
“This isn’t his first rodeo, man,” Tomlin said. “He is been round a pair blocks and again, and so I do not suppose any of us are stunned that he is succesful and might swim in these waters.”
What Patterson’s precise function will probably be in Pittsburgh remains to be to be decided, but when the staff does not add one other extensive receiver, it would not be stunning to see him lining up out extensive generally this season.
Smith mentioned he is solely targeted on who’s at present 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 does not exist,” Smith added. “I am going to coach whoever they bring about in right here, however my job is to extra importantly fear concerning the guys which are right here.”
It is unlikely Patterson will abruptly 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 could assist make up for the actual fact they doubtlessly will not have a transparent No. 2 possibility reverse George Pickens this 12 months.
All quotations obtained firsthand until in any other case famous.