Here’s a bold prediction for you.

With the NFL implementing significant changes to kickoff dynamics this season—including everything from how it looks to its rules and strategies—how is Cordarrelle Patterson feeling about it?

Patterson, who became part of the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent this past March, shared with YSL News Sports, “If I can get past that first line, it’s game over. They better have a solid strategy to contain us because I know we’re coming in hot. I’m hoping we can score five or six touchdowns this year.”

Now that’s an optimistic outlook!

But Patterson’s confidence isn’t unfounded. As a veteran of 13 seasons, he holds the record for the most career kickoff-return touchdowns (nine) and the longest kickoff return (109 yards) in NFL history. His career average of 29.26 yards per return ranks third all-time and is the highest since Gale Sayers’ record of 30.56 from 1965-71.

Despite these accolades, the NFL’s revamped “dynamic” kickoff may pose challenges, even for someone as accomplished as Patterson, as he tries to adapt to a new style of play.

<p“He’s an incredible player,” remarked Danny Smith, the Steelers’ special teams coach, during an interview with YSL News Sports. “But he’s going to see different types of kicks this year. Those easy fly balls? Forget it. Now we’re all waiting until that ball bounces before we move.”

“Patterson will have to adapt to catching the ball in all kinds of scenarios—first due to the new rules and second because teams will make sure he doesn’t get a free shot at it.”

Smith understands the threat Patterson poses; he has previously advised Steelers kickers against giving Patterson chances to return kicks. With the new rules now in play, if kickers don’t target returners in a specific “catching zone” between the goal line and the 20-yard line, offenses will start at the 30- or 40-yard line.

This change was born out of the fact that kickoff returns had reached an all-time low in 2023. New preseason stats indicate that the changes are beginning to yield results as 70.5% of kickoffs were returned (296 out of 420), up from 54.8% the previous preseason. The average starting position for drives has also improved to the 28.8-yard line compared to 24.2 in 2023, and while there were no kickoff return touchdowns, there were 18 returns of at least 40 yards—up from just nine last year.

There’s still a lot to learn for everyone involved.

“We’re figuring things out,” Smith continued. “He’ll improve as we go along, and I need to get a couple of touchdowns on his record. He’s got to help me shine too.”

Patterson, now 33, recognizes that he may spend a lot of time digging the ball out of difficult catches before hitting his stride in returns, but he welcomes that challenge.

<p“It’s wild,” he admitted. “There are so many rules for the coverage units. They can’t just kick however they please.”

He also reflected on a rough previous season: “Last year wasn’t great for me on returns,” he acknowledged, noting that during an injury-plagued season, he had a career-low average of 21.9 yards on just seven returns. “So, maybe they’ll think, ‘He’s 33; he’s lost it.’ I hope they underestimate me a bit.”

If Patterson can bounce back, it will significantly benefit the Steelers. Known for his versatility, he is listed as a running back but is also primed to play as a wide receiver, giving the Steelers a valuable asset as they seek to boost their offense with new quarterback Russell Wilson after last season’s playoff run.

Patterson is now with his sixth NFL team, having entered the league as a first-round pick with the Minnesota Vikings in 2013. The decision to join Pittsburgh was influenced by Arthur Smith, the new offensive coordinator, with whom Patterson has a history from their time together at the Atlanta Falcons.

<p“I get asked this all the time: How will Arthur utilize me?” Patterson quipped. “He better handle me like he did in that first year in Atlanta—or we might have some issues.”

<p“Just kidding, he’s a great guy. That’s really the main reason I chose to come here. I trust his vision and knowledge; he’s one of the smartest around.”

The mutual understanding is evident.

“We’ve been together long enough to be like an old married couple,” said Arthur Smith, sharing his thoughts with YSL News Sports. “We can poke fun at each other, be best pals, and everything in between. I truly like CP.”

However, it’s unlikely Patterson will have the same substantial role he enjoyed under Smith in 2021, where he played about half of the offensive snaps, achieved a career-high 153 carries, matched his best with 52 receptions, and scored a personal best of 11 touchdowns. Last season, he only participated in 19% of the offensive plays.

Currently, he is projected to be the number one Behind Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, Patterson has shown that he still possesses some speed, as highlighted by his impressive 31-yard touchdown run during the preseason finale in Detroit. There’s a chance he could also get significant playing time as a receiver, either in the slot or lined up wide, which would mean he might participate in various meeting rooms throughout the work week.

“CP is a one-of-a-kind player,” Arthur Smith explained. “He has been in numerous meeting rooms with us in the offense. He understands my expectations across different positions.”

Patterson may have the opportunity to be the first Steeler to officially handle the football during the kickoff return to start the regular season on September 8, in Atlanta. This would hold significant meaning. During the three seasons Patterson played under Smith, the Falcons had a record of 7-10 each year.

“We shared some great moments,” Patterson reflected. “But we also faced tough times because we couldn’t achieve success for the city of Atlanta. If anyone had doubts, we did everything we could, week after week, to help the team win a championship. Unfortunately, we just couldn’t get it done. But I’m excited about being here. It’s a wonderful chance.”

Especially if he can surpass the initial defense line.