ARIZONA CARDINALS

Kevin Spencer: Peterson in a ‘better mindset’

Oct 12, 2012, 11:24 PM | Updated: Oct 13, 2012, 12:41 am

Arizona Cardinal Patrick Peterson isn’t your ordinary punt returner.

Last year, Peterson averaged 15.9 yards per return and tied a single season record with four punts taken back for touchdowns, including a 99-yard return.

However, this year Peterson has not been able to return a single punt for a touchdown and is averaging a mediocre 9.8 yards per return.

Cardinals Special teams coach Kevin Spencer told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf Friday that he thinks Peterson feels he is obligated to take it back every time he touches the ball, and as a result, has been pressing this season.

“We forget, he is still a young kid,” Spencer said. “He might have a superman outfit on under the uniform, but he is still a young man and he is still subject to the different pressures that guys go through.”

According to Spencer, Peterson was close on two of his three attempts in the Cardinals’ last game against the St. Louis Rams. He is also confident Peterson is in a better place mentally.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill speaks at a press conference...

Tyler Drake

Michael Bidwill: Cardinals ‘aligned on getting this thing right’ in 2024

Michael Bidwill believes the Cardinals aren't that far off from really turning things around under Jonathan Gannon and Monti Ossenfort.

16 hours ago

Marvin Harrison Jr....

Nick Borgia

Marvin Harrison Jr. remains Cardinals top pick in latest ESPN mock

With the 2024 NFL draft just around the corner, ESPN's latest mock draft details what could be in store for the Cardinals' first six picks.

1 day ago

Rome Odunze...

Kevin Zimmerman

Peter Schrager’s NFL mock draft has a surprising Cardinals trade-down with Giants

Peter Schrager believes the New York Giants could trade with the Arizona Cardinals, who move down to the No. 6 pick to select Rome Odunze.

2 days ago

Trey McBride works out...

Tyler Drake

Tweaked process, same message: Cardinals begin strength and conditioning program

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon isn't the biggest believer in picking up where you left off, especially on a year-to-year basis.

2 days ago

Rome Odunze high fives a fan...

Tyler Drake

Budda Baker backs Rome Odunze, Marvin Harrison Jr. as top WR prospects this NFL Draft

If Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort was waiting for Budda Baker's thoughts on the top wide receiver prospect this NFL Draft, he's got them.

2 days ago

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White trains...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Kyzir White progressing, ‘feeling pretty good’ with his rehab post-bicep injury

Arizona Cardinals MIKE linebacker Kyzir White is taking the appropriate steps forward in his continued rehab from a torn biceps injury.

2 days ago

Kevin Spencer: Peterson in a ‘better mindset’