Steelers’ Arthur Smith’s ‘Love Affair’ With Cordarrelle Patterson Faces Scrutiny As It Threatened Ball Security
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 yar
ds.