Cordarrelle Patterson didn't make a leap in his second season. Instead he crashed to earth in a disappointing 2014 that saw him lose his starting gig.
The 24-year-old receiver understands he's embarking on a pivotal season with the Minnesota Vikings.
"This year is going to make me or break me, and I hope I step up and have a good role in this offense," Patterson said Monday, per the Pioneer Press.
The self-awareness is a positive step for the dynamic athlete, whom general manager Rick Spielman said has "grown up a lot" this offseason.
The Vikings need Patterson not only to grow up off the field, but on it. The wideout said he's worked this offseason on his route running, something he's struggled mightily with his first two seasons in the league.
"Growing up, I was always athletic and could just do anything," Patterson said. "I'm in the NFL now, so I just have to focus on my craft and just work at route running, getting in and getting out of breaks and stuff like that."
With the addition of Mike Wallace and emergence of Charles Johnson, Patterson could be relegated to irrelevance or part-time gadget player and return specialist if his route running doesn't improve. The Vikings could also select a receiver high in this week's draft, which would put Patterson's job in even further jeopardy.
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