The Pittsburgh Steelers made sweeping offensive changes during the 2024 offseason, including hiring new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith. Like most coaches who have been in the NFL for years, Smith has many players with whom he has developed relationships. It isn't unusual for coaches to want to bring players they are comfortable with onto their new roster. That is true of Smith. Multiple Steelers previously played for Smith, including Scotty Miller, MyCole Pruitt, Van Jefferson, and Cordarrelle Patterson.
Patterson is probably the most notable because he holds the record for the most kickoff returns for a touchdown with nine. He set that while playing for Smith with the Atlanta Falcons. So far this season, Patterson has played in nine games with varying degrees of involvement. At 33, Patterson doesn't have the same zip in his step that he used to, and fans are questioning why he sees so many snaps.
Brian Batko from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently fielded several questions about Patterson in his popular chat column. One fan asked Batko why "Smith seems so infatuated with Patterson."
"They have a professional history and a real connection on and off the field," answered Batko. "Both have spoken very highly of each other. I've been fairly critical of what's been an over-usage of Cordarrelle Patterson in my mind, but he's had his moments, to be fair. In Indy, first of all. And then even just last week in Cincy. Just seems like they might need to pick their spots better and less could be more with a guy his age."
Patterson hasn't been the kick return threat he once was. While he was billed as a solution to the new kickoff rules, he has shared those with running back Jaylen Warren. Patterson has six returns for 116 yards.
His run game has been hit or miss, as he shares snaps with Warren and Najee Harris. He isn't as consistently explosive as the other two, but as Batko mentioned, he has had his moments. He has had a few longer runs of 12 or 14 yards at critical moments, such as against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Patterson's Week 14 win against the Cleveland Browns felt like a miss. It seemed as if something went wrong every time he handled the ball. He fumbled once and then carried the ball four times for three total yards, with his longest run being four yards. Batko agreed that the fumble was frustrating, coming just as the Steelers were about to clinch the win.
"Yeah, that was a rough one for Patterson, who hasn't been a big fumbler in recent years," added Batko. Ball security has been huge for Najee Harris closing out games since he got here. I'd continue using him in that role."
Smith was likely trying to get extra creative since wide receiver George Pickens was out with a hamstring injury and worked Patterson in a bit more. However, using Patterson doesn't make sense when they have a player as reliable as Harris on the roster.
The Steelers, who are currently 10-3, will need to minimize any errors like Patterson's fumble if they will finally beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the City of Brotherly Love for the first time since 1965.
Steelers Made A Big Mistake With Najee Harris
Headed into the 2024 season, the Steelers chose not to accept the fifth-year option on Harris' contract, making him a free agent when the season ends. While Harris has been a polarizing figure in Pittsburgh since he was selected in the first round in 2021, many believe the Steelers made a mistake.
The cost of keeping Harris for another year is under $7 million, and he and Warren are well-partnered. Harris rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first three seasons in the Steel City and seems to be on pace to do that again in 2024. Now Harris will be free to sign with another team and the Steelers will need another back in 2025 if he's not brought back.
