Eagles fans might have taken defensive tackle Mike Patterson for granted over the past six years.
Patterson missed just one game in his NFL career since he was the team's first-round draft pick in 2005. And that was only because the starters were given the night off at the end of the regular season in 2010 against Dallas.
On August 3, that all changed as Patterson laid on the practice field at Lehigh University after suffering a seizure as a result of a rare condition called brain AVM which. Patterson only returned to practice on Saturday, but made his preseason debut Thursday night in the 24-14 win over the Browns.
Head coach Andy Reid said that Patterson played about 13 snaps, but it was on the Browns' second offensive series where he made his return known to the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field. With the ball at the Eagles' 18-yard line as a result of a turnover, Patterson sacked Browns quarterback Colt McCoy for a loss of 5 yards which sent the crowd into a frenzy.
"I always get goosebumps every time I hear the crowd especially after I make a play. I loved it," Patterson said. "I'm just very thankful to be out here. I just think that everything is a blessing in disguise. I'm real happy everything worked out the way it did."
Patterson's return was a welcome sight for his teammates. The Eagles allowed only 103 yards of offense in the first half. The Eagles starters outplayed the Browns by a 17-0 margin in a half of action.
"It was great seeing my brother out there," said defensive end Trent Cole, referring to the fact that both players were a part of the Eagles' Class of 2005. "Everything was back to normal. It was so scary because you know what can happen playing this game, how dangerous it is."
After being in the headlines for things not related to football, it's good to see Patterson get noticed for what he's doing on the field once again.
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