Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson might be seen in a different role in the upcoming season than he had last year. The Falcons drafted Texas running back Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he is expected to serve as the franchise's RB1.
The Falcons also have Tyler Allgeier in the backfield, and he will most likely see more snaps than Patterson at right back. According to reports, Patterson, who was a first-round pick in 2012, will play a much bigger pass-catching role for the team.
In this article, we will talk about the impact the new role could have on the 32-year-old RB's performance and also on the Falcons.
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Cordarrelle Patterson had a similar role in 2021
Cordarrelle Patterson took on an expanded pass-catching role for the team in 2021, and he excelled at it. He had 52 receptions for 548 yards and five receiving touchdowns that season. During the same season, he rushed for 618 yards on 153 attempts, scoring six touchdowns.
In comparison, last season, the veteran running back had just 21 receptions for 122 yards and no touchdowns. Due to injuries, he played a bigger role in the running scheme and had 695 yards on 144 carries and eight rushing touchdowns in 13 games. With Bijan Robinson being the RB1 for the Falcons, Patterson would be a luxury in the pass-catching role.
He will undoubtedly be a big red zone threat for the Falcons and can ease the load on Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Mack Hollins. Patterson is already 32 years old, and at his age, the franchise would benefit from maximizing his output on the field with his pass-catching abilities.
Cordarrelle Patterson will be critical in Bijan Robinson's development
Bijan Robinson is considered an early favorite to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He was arguably the best college player last year and coming into the draft, was one of the most talked-about running back prospects in recent years.
Despite this, he requires the assistance of a veteran in the NFL. As a result, a player like Cordarrelle Patterson will serve as the ideal guide for him as he embarks on his new journey on the big stage. Patterson has been in the NFL since 2013, and he will undoubtedly help Robinson's development into one of the league's best players.
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