Arizona Cardinals: Unleashing Patrick Peterson makes perfect sense
By Larry Brake
The Arizona Cardinals are looking to unleash Patrick Peterson in the 2018 season.
Patrick Peterson is well on his way to becoming one of the all time greatest cornerbacks in Arizona Cardinals history. Peterson is regarded as one of the best cover corners in the NFL.
Since the Cardinals have a new coaching staff, it appears like Peterson’s role might be changing.
Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk reported the following:
"Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson‘s job is changing in new coach Steve Wilks’ defense. Peterson still will play some press coverage against the league’s top receivers, but he also will play off the ball and blitz, too…The Cardinals are trying to find a way to allow Peterson to make more plays."
This move makes perfect sense, especially when you have such a talented player. Seems like a risky move move to some but Arizona must have confidence in their secondary.
Peterson is an elite cover cornerback. According to Football Outsiders, Peterson is better than the NFL average against the opponents No. 1 receiver. He allowed 5.9 passes per game for 49.6 yards per game. The NFL average was 7.9 passes per game with 65 yards per game.
Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus wrote the following about Peterson:
"Peterson is good enough, … so much so that he has ranked among the four least-targeted corners in the game four out of the past five years."
Expect the Cardinals to unleash Peterson early and often in 2018. The NFC West has very good quarterback play. This allows Arizona to constantly pressure those quarterbacks into making mistakes.
Rather than letting Peterson have a quiet Sunday afternoon, Arizona is looking for him to make plays. Normally, teams would not throw his way or would throw shallow routes. The Cardinals are going to capitalize on the other teams tendencies.
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After an 8-8 season, Arizona must seize the reigns back in winning the division. Playing conservatively, on defense, will result into another missed playoffs. It should be a fun season watching the Arizona defense.