This whole experiment with Cordarrelle Patterson in the backfield might not be a novelty after all.
For the second straight week, the Patriots' wide receiver and return specialist has been featured significantly in the Patriots' running game. Last week, it was toss plays and other runs designed to get his blazing wheels to the perimeter quickly. Tonight, the three-time All-Pro was coming downhill in the red zone:
It bears asking -- given the dearth of healthy running backs in New England at the moment, has Patterson emerged as the Pats' most dangerous rushing threat?
And thus begins the latest venture of a Patriots star unexpectedly making significant contributions at a secondary position. Wide receivers Troy Brown and Julian Edelman both saw major time at slot cornerback en route to Super Bowl appearances, while offensive tackle Nate Solder and linebacker Mike Vrabel have both caught touchdown passes as tight ends -- including Vrabel's famous score in Super Bowl XXXIX.
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