Local NFL players roundup: Patterson has best game in over a year
Northwestern’s Cordarrelle Patterson must have exhaled and smiled widely at some point after the Minnesota Vikings’ 24-10 win over the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.
The Vikings improved to 4-0 and Patterson had his best game in well over a year, making five catches for 38 yards, carrying the ball once, returning a kickoff for 29 yards and also running as the lead gunner on special teams punt coverage. “Flash” was a very busy guy Monday.
“I was just excited to be out there,” Patterson said afterward. “It felt good.”
The fourth-year receiver made 78 catches in his first two NFL seasons combined, but fell out of favor with offensive coordinator Norv Turner last season, making just two grabs in 2015. But to Patterson’s credit, he never badmouthed the coaching staff or publicly expressed the frustration he undoubtedly felt.
According to the Vikings team web site, coach Mike Zimmer alerted Patterson earlier in the week that he’d be included in the offensive game plan, but that it was up to the Rock Hill native to make the most of it. He played 49 percent of the offensive snaps available Monday night, the most in a very long time.
“He keeps working hard. I think that’s good for all guys to see,” Zimmer said. “If you work hard, good things come. You keep fighting, you keep working and you get your opportunity and you take advantage of it.”
Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo Bills- South Pointe grad made one tackle as the Bills impressively blanked New England 16-0. Gilmore played all 56 defensive snaps in the winning effort.
Jonathan Meeks, Buffalo Bills- Meeks, from Rock Hill High, played 14 snaps on special teams for the Bills against the Patriots.
Johnathan Joseph, Houston Texans- Northwestern’s Joseph made five tackles and defended a pass during Houston’s 27-20 win over Tennessee.
Jadeveon Clowney, Houston Texans- with defensive line superstar J.J. Watt sidelined, Houston is relying on Clowney for increased production. He had two tackles, two QB pressures and a sack in a solid performance Sunday during the Texans’ win over Tennessee.
This story was originally published October 4, 2016 at 7:23 PM with the headline "Local NFL players roundup: Patterson has best game in over a year."