Captain Munnerlyn first saw Cordarrelle Patterson on Oct. 13, 2013.

He looks like a completely different guy since then.

On that Sunday, Patterson was a Vikings rookie wide receiver in his fifth NFL game. He caught a meager two passes for three yards, giving him eight catches for 85 yards on the season.

Munnerlyn that day was a Carolina cornerback. He had a solid game as the Panthers clobbered Minnesota 35-10 at the Metrodome, one that included forcing a fumble.

Munnerlyn earlier this year signed with the Vikings. When he lined up against Patterson in spring drills, it was a different story.

“The time we played them, he was nothing like he is now,” Munnerlyn said. “I told him, ‘The time we played you, I’m glad we caught you early.’ Because if we hadn’t have caught him early, he was tearing people up at the end up the year. He’s really growing as a receiver, and I’m seeing it with my own two eyes.”

Patterson closed last season strong, having an eight-catch game at Green Bay and a breakout five-catch, 141-yard showing at Baltimore. He was impressive all season on kickoff returns, leading the NFL with a 32.4 average, but lining up from scrimmage is where Patterson really made strides.

Patterson also developed late last season as a running threat. He had 10 carries for 156 yards and three touchdowns in the final five games after having just two carries for two yards in the first 11.

Now, Patterson has been showing off his receiving skills to Munnerlyn during practices, and talking about it.

“I’m up 2-0 on him because I beat him one-on-one twice and he hasn’t gotten me yet,” Patterson said.

If Patterson gets too cocky, though, Munnerlyn still can bring up last October’s walloping.

“I always remind him of the game we beat them because when it comes to real football I’m still up on him,” Munnerlyn said. “But he’s been running some good routes on me. One I should have picked off, and he still got it. I really see him growing.”