Cordarrelle Patterson wants more time at running back

Greg M. Cooper | USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots are spot on when it comes to the “next man up” mentality; and one guy who was emulating that mantra on Sunday night was Cordarrelle Patterson.

In a matchup with the Green Bay Packers, the Patriots found themselves in a bit of a hole at the running back position. With Sony Michel out for the game and no Rex Burkhead or Jeremy Hill in sight, New England turned to six-year veteran wide receiver, Patterson.

The past two games have resulted in running back responsibilities for Patterson. Last week against Buffalo, he had 10 carries for 38 yards. Last night against Green Bay, he rushed 11 times for 61 yards and a touchdown.

“I’m a playmaker. I just try to make plays when my number is called,” said Patterson. “Josh McDaniels, he does a great job getting the playmakers the ball and putting it in their hands.”

When being told that it was just 10 or 11 touches for him on the ground, Patterson jokingly make a public appeal to his offensive coordinator. “I need at least 15. Josh, I need at least 15.”

All jokes aside, Patterson is ready and willing to step up in whatever role he is needed – be it punt returner, receiver, running back, etc. Head coach Bill Belichick even had some kind words to say about his versatility.

"He's worked really hard with the ball-handling, the reads, but boy, he runs hard. He runs fast and he's a hard guy to tackle, so he's done a great job for us," Belichick said. "He gave us some important caries and some big yards. ... He's done a great job for us in a number of areas, doing different roles week to week, and the last couple of weeks carrying the ball and getting some tough yards for us. The touchdown run was a good run. Like a lot of our guys have, they just step in, fill the role that we need for them and help the team win and that's really what it's all about. But yeah, he was tremendous."

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