Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me? At around this time last year, Cordarrelle Patterson was going to be a breakout performer for the Minnesota Vikings. That didn't happen, but some around the Vikings are singing the same song again this year.
"I'm a big fan of his," says Mike Zimmer. "He has been in better shape coming in, and he is doing a better job of running routes, of competing each and every down."
However, other things have changed since last year. Charles Johnson emerged as a breakout receiver for the Vikings late last season, plus the team traded for Mike Wallace. A year ago Patterson looked like he'd be the No. 1 wideout over Greg Jennings. Now he's essentially looking at the No. 3 job at best, assuming health for the other targets.
Patterson has plenty of talent, but it will be tough for him to emerge as a go-to player in the passing game. Better to let someone else take a chance on him breaking out this season.
--Andy Richardson