SEC football: Top Five players in 2019 NFL Conference Championships

(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
sec football
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Cordarrelle Patterson proved to be a dual player for the Patriots in Sunday’s game. However, it was his special teams work that earned him a spot on the list.

On offense, the 6-2 228-pound Tennessee alumni had two catches for 18 yards. He also returned the ball three times for 80 yards averaging 26.7 a return.

More from Southbound and Down

During New England’s second drive of the game, Patterson caught a 15 yard over the middle pass that set up first and goal.

Despite the clutch catch, the Patriots ended up turning the ball over with an interception in the end zone.

However, Patterson able to set up the Patriots final fourth-quarter touchdown drive. He returned the ball 38 yards allowing New England to start on the 35-yard line. If it wasn’t for his return, New England might not have been able to drive down the field and score.

Before the fourth quarter drive, another notable return for Patterson was his return on the opening kickoff of the game. He returned the ball for 25 yards which set the tone for New England to score on its first drive of the game.

Without Patterson on special teams, the Patriots wouldn’t be on their way to Atlanta for their third consecutive Super Bowl. Field position is a crucial part in football, and he was able to give the Patriots the right field position at the right time throughout the game.