Vikings coach Leslie Frazier was unequivocal Monday when talking about rookie receiver Cordarrelle Patterson. The big receiver with big-play potential needs to play more. And he will.
"We're going to get that rectified," Frazier said in his regular Monday news conference. "He definitely deserves to be on the field more. He's shown that in the first few snaps he's gotten in these first two ballgames. Hopefully, everything being equal, that should be a part of the conversation [this] week."
The 6-2, 220-pound Patterson got only five offensive snaps in the season opener, catching the only pass thrown his way for a 10-yard gain. Sunday he was in for only six offensive snaps, catching both passes thrown his way for 14 yards. He also returned the opening kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown.
"We want to get him on the field," Frazier said. "He's one of our explosive players for sure. … We've got to find a way to get him on the field. We're well aware of his talents."
Not special enough
Bears return man Devin Hester might be the NFL's gold standard. But Frazier said that doesn't excuse what happened Sunday, when Hester broke his franchise record with 249 kickoff return yards.
"We did not do a good job covering kicks, bottom line," Frazier said. "We thought we had a good game plan. Obviously, it didn't work. … It's something we'll have to take a look at as we get ready for our next opponent."
The sloppy field prevented Vikings kicker Blair Walsh from being able to plant hard and get enough leg into the ball to kick it through the end zone.''
Two-week review
Adrian Peterson has gained 193 yards on 44 rushes through two games. But, after running for a 78-yard touchdown on his first carry of the season, Peterson has gained 115 yards on 43 rushes. Frazier was asked to assess Peterson's progress.