All Eyes Are On Vikings' Cordarrelle Patterson
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Five. That's how many times the Vikings' biggest weapon touched the ball on offense against the Saints.
Out of Minnesota's 54 offensive plays, Cordarrelle Patterson was targeted on only six.
"They matched up with him with who they (the Saints) feel is their best corner," Vikings Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner said. "So that tells you how they feel about him."
The Vikings' top quarterback, running back and tight end are all on the shelf. That puts the focus on Patterson, and as we saw in New Orleans, the person defenses will focus on stopping the most.
What the Vikings need to do is find ways to get him the ball anyway.
"Cordarrelle is in a different situation than he was a year ago," Turner said. "He's drawing. Teams are matching with him, and are concentrating on him. We've got to continue to work to get ways to get him the ball, but obviously get the ball spread around."
Through three games this year, Patterson has a total of 15 touches -- an average of five per game.
Increasing that number has to be a priority. And Patterson would welcome the work load.
"I feel like I'm getting more touches," Patterson said. "It's just a matter of time. I can't rush it. I've got to trust in the offensive coordinator and everybody else on the staff."
In the two games without Peterson, Patterson's number of touches have been four (vs. New England) and five (vs. New Orleans) -- fewer than the six he had in the season-opening win in St. Louis.
"I feel like everybody wants to be the guy to get the ball in their hands," Patterson said. "You can't be selfish. This is a team sport. I just have to wait on my time. You really can't rush anything. Like I said, I trust what coach Turner's got going on, him and the whole staff, so I'm just waiting patiently."
The Vikings take on the Atlanta Falcons Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Kickoff is at 3:25 p.m.