Scoggins: Vikings' WR Patterson running low on excuses for struggles

Cordarrelle Patterson split out wide left on what proved to be the Vikings' final offensive play Sunday in Chicago. Charles Johnson lined up opposite him on the right side.

Unaware of the actual time because of clock malfunctions, Teddy Bridgewater dropped back and heaved a desperation pass toward … Johnson. Not Patterson, who had failed to gain separation on his route.

The Bears intercepted Bridgewater's pass in the end zone, leaving Patterson with two catches for 24 yards on three targeted passes in the loss.

Patterson's lack of involvement in the offense barely even measured a ripple because that's basically become the story of his season. You hardly even notice him most games.

Wasn't this supposed to be his breakout season? You know, since that ham-handed coordinator Bill Musgrave is no longer calling plays, right?

Speaking of which, here's one man's apology to Musgrave. Sorry, Bill. Patterson's disappearing act wasn't entirely your fault.

We now realize it takes two to tango, and Patterson's production has not magically increased simply by virtue of him being on the field more this season.

Through 10 games last season, Patterson was on the field for 189 plays.

Through 10 games this season, Patterson has been on the field for 507 plays.

His impact in both cases has been minimal.

Patterson already has played more snaps this year than he did as a rookie and yet he has managed only one touchdown catch, compared to four last season.

He has only three more receptions than the dynamic Matt Asiata.

That falls on Patterson. And Bridgewater. And a shaky offensive line. And Norv Turner.

But mostly on Patterson, who is learning the hard way that having off-the-charts physical ability doesn't automatically make someone a reliable receiver.

Patterson declined an interview request in the locker room Monday. Coach Mike Zimmer paused a few seconds before answering a question about Patterson's ineffectiveness.

"He does some very, very good things," Zimmer said, "and then some things that you don't like as much. I don't think disappointed is the right word. I think youth might be right word."

Actually, both words apply.

No one associated with the Vikings tempered preseason buzz attached to Patterson's role in Turner's offense. Patterson earned a Pro Bowl trip and first-team All-Pro honors last season as a hybrid talent — kick returner, receiver, runner.

Everyone just assumed his career would blast like a rocket once he became a full-time player under a different, more accomplished coordinator.

Guess what? The player must do his part, too. That requires being consistent and running precise routes and reacting correctly to coverages and getting open for the quarterback.

Other than a 67-yard touchdown in the season opener, Patterson hasn't displayed the same home run threat that he brought to the field as a rookie. He looked like he would score every time he touched the ball last season.

Now? His burst and braggadocio aren't evident when he happens to get the ball.

Zimmer noted Patterson is playing in his third offense in as many years, which sounds like a nice way of saying Patterson is not always in the right spot.

In reality, Patterson remains remarkably raw as a receiver. Yes, he's big and fast and strong and can be electric with the ball in his hands. But his struggles underscore that it became entirely too convenient to blame the former coordinator for keeping Patterson under wraps.

"I believe that he's going to be a really good player, but everybody is impatient, including me, and I'm sure he is, too," Zimmer said. "It will come. It just may take a while."

Exactly how long depends on Patterson.

Chip Scoggins • chip.scoggins@startribune.com