The Chicago Bears entered the 2020 offseason with an objective. That was to find a way to get as many playmakers involved on offense as possible. Most of that was about adding new pieces to the equation. Especially at tight end. However, head coach Matt Nagy appears to have reached the conclusion that he must find a way to better involve those he already has. The biggest probably being Cordarrelle Patterson.
The wide receiver was outstanding in his traditional kick returner role last year, earning All-Pro honors. Beyond that, his role was rather limited. The Bears managed to get him just 28 total touches on offense in 2019. Given what he is capable of with the ball in his hands? That feels remarkably low. The year before in New England he had 64 touches. So Nagy’s thinking is logical. That left only the question of how to get him more involved.
It appears the Bears found their answer. Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported from NFL Network that Patterson was working out with the running backs at the start of training camp. Video has since surfaced via Josh Frydman confirmed the veteran going through drills with that group.
Cordarrelle Patterson was wise to make that switch
The reality is Patterson probably understood what was happening. Chicago made a number of additions to their wide receiving corps this offseason including Ted Ginn Jr. and Darnell Mooney. That put a squeeze on the number of reps he’d likely see as a receiver in this offseason. Conversely, the depth at running back is far more questionable. It’s David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen at the top. After that? Just Ryan Nall and rookie Artavis Pierce.
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Though not a running back throughout most of his career, Patterson is more than talented enough to beat out either of those two for the third spot on the depth chart. While his size (6’4) and lateral quickness can be called questionable for that position, there is no denying the guy makes things happen with the ball in his hands. Imagine Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, and Ted Ginn at receiver with Patterson in the backfield.
Lots of potential with this move.