It seemed inevitable that a number of Arthur Smith’s former players would follow him when the former head coach of the Falcons accepted the position of offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh. Van Jefferson, a wide receiver, signed a contract with the Steelers earlier in the offseason. Cordarrelle Patterson, a fan favorite, is now joining Smith in the Steel City.
Last season, Patterson used social media to voice his dissatisfaction with his position in the Falcons offense. But before Arthur Smith had his hands on him, this was a player who was basically a zero on offense.
In addition to catching 52 passes for 548 yards and five more touchdowns in his first campaign in Atlanta, Patterson carried the ball for 618 yards and six scores. All of those marks represented career highs, and in 2022, Patterson managed to surpass his rushing total with 144 carries for 695 yards and eight touchdowns.
But Patterson’s role was significantly reduced this past season when Bijan Robinson joined the Falcons offense. He was reduced to a third-string running back role and only managed 50 rushes for 181 yards. He caught just nine passes for 38 yards in the passing game, thus eliminating him from the game.
I wasn’t sure how much football Patterson had left in him going into his 33rd season, but it’s great to see him get established under Arthur Smith in a setting he is acquainted with. Pittsburgh supporters are going to grow to love this player very quickly. Under Mike Tomlin, his physicality and competitive spirit will be aa fantstic fit.
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