Patrick Peterson: Great returner, struggling corner

Patrick Peterson has made a name for himself as a punt
returner, as he’s taken four kicks back for touchdowns in
just 11 games as a pro.

However, he was drafted fifth overall because of
his cover skills, and the fact that he has yet to really
show them can be a little concerning.

According to ProFootballFocus.com, Peterson had a
rough day in Sunday’s win against the Rams, allowing six
receptions for 74 yards. Apparently he never came close to
breaking up a pass, and has been picked on all season.

He currently leads all corners in yards allowed with 641.
Peterson is also tied for second in penalties given up
(his eight equals Cedric Griffin and is one behind Brandon
Browner); hardly DROTY material.

Indeed, Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt has
been trumping Peterson as the league’s best defensive
rookie, and for the season Peterson has picked off a
pair of passes while racking up 47 tackles and eight
passes defensed.

Peterson has certainly been thrown to the wolves, so to
speak, often times being asked to cover the opponent’s
best receiver. The former LSU star clearly struggled early
on against the likes of Carolina’s Steve Smith and New
York’s Hakeem Nicks, but seemed to be finding his footing.
Has he slipped and regressed?

Hard to say, and as long as he keeps scoring touchdowns
few will complain. Unless, of course, he keeps allowing
them, too.

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