Vikings’ Patterson In Pursuit Of More Knowledge

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Cordarrelle Patterson's rookie year for the Minnesota Vikings produced plenty of reasons to be confident and satisfied.

The flashy wide receiver and kickoff returner has brought some perspective and humility with him for his second NFL season, however.

Patterson said Wednesday his work ethic wasn't good enough last year. He also revealed he took offseason classes at Tennessee, with the goal of finishing his degree in communications. After only one year of major college action, the first-round draft pick had a lot to learn last season and his playing time early in the year was limited because of that.

With yet another playbook to absorb under new offensive coordinator Norv Turner, Patterson has embraced the knowledge challenge, declaring that his primary offseason focus.