NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Arizona Cardinals vs. Minnesota Vikings: 3 Key matchups to watch

By Joe Kipp

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 20: David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on November 20, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 20: David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on November 20, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive back Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball in the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chicago Bears won 16-14. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive back Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball in the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chicago Bears won 16-14. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

Patrick Peterson vs. Stefon Diggs/Adam Thielen

One of the league’s premiere shutdown corners, Patrick Peterson, will almost certainly be shadowing one of Stefon Diggs or Adam Thielen — though it remains to be seen which of the two the Cardinals coaching staff elects to have Peterson follow. For all we know, it may even be a combination of the two.

Diggs and Thielen have already combined for 84 receptions, 991 yards and six touchdowns in the first five games, and have a strong argument for being the best wide receiver duo in the NFL. On the other hand, Peterson has allowed a passer rating of just 43.6 when targeted in coverage according to PFF (via Mike Jureki on Twitter), and is also currently Pro Football Focus’ (subscription required) No. 3 rated cornerback on the season.

Peterson is arguably the best man-to-man cover corner in the entire NFL, which bodes well for keeping up with the savvy route running and shiftiness of both Diggs and Thielen. Thielen has demonstrates incredible body control and will catch nearly any pass thrown to him, bolstering the argument for him being considered a top five receiver. Whoever Paterson is tasked with covering will be a tough task, but he won’t go down without a fight.

For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.

Home/Minnesota Vikings