Win Probability Added: +16.25
NEP: +6.51
There’s a reason highly-drafted players stay on rosters for as long as they do, even when they have major struggles: the potential that they have outweighs the benefits of an open roster spot. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson has been nothing but upside (literally) since being selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. At times, he’s flashed tremendous playmaking upside unlike any skill position player in this generation. At other times, he’s looked completely lost on the field.
It’s moments like these that you keep those frustrating players, though. Patterson was back to return the opening kickoff of the second half from Arizona Cardinals kicker Chandler Catanzaro. The Arizona kicker booted it high into the end zone, but not out the back for a touchback -- not a winning strategy when the returner is 6’2”, weighs 220 pounds, and runs a 4.42 40-yard dash. Patterson simply did what he does best, and cut through the entire kick coverage team on his way to a 104-yard touchdown return to start the second half.