I think Patton will be ok this season. I am not his biggest fan, but I think he (and GOB) both suffer from comparison with Briers at a time when we desperately needed a replacement to open up defences. But Briers was very much an off the cuff player who had the ball handling skills and the speed of thought to exploit any weaknesses. I don't believe Patton has that ability but he has lucked out from KB's injury. Not only has he been handed a starting place on a platter, but he is around at a time when Price is just getting into his stride. So now we can see a much more structured attack from the players with lots movement off the ball to confuse the opposition, and the attack is very direct with fast ball handling and set moves. So 'all' that Patton has to do is to fit in with those plays. His partner Austin is more than capable of creating gaps and space for other players as and when he sees the opportunity, which should make the two of them a good combination.
Having said all that I thought Pattons' field kicking was poor for a good 2/3 of yesterdays game. Its pretty essential he sorts that out as you can't give fullbacks like Walker the time and space to run the ball back. So plenty to work on, but I think I am reasonably optimistic after yesterdays showing.
