ARIZONA CARDINALS

Arizona Cardinals’ special teams coach: Patrick Peterson playing ‘outside of himself’

Nov 10, 2012, 12:17 AM | Updated: 12:40 am

For Arizona Cardinals’ Patrick Peterson, his sophomore campaign has been a trying one. As a rookie, Peterson was a dynamic force on the field and made his presence known early and often. But as his performance elevated, so did expectations.

This season, the Cardinals’ cornerback and punt return specialist has struggled to find his groove, and seemingly has been pressing to try to make a play happen.

Special teams coach Kevin Spencer said he’s aware of his opponents’ approach when it comes to covering Peterson and he’s trying to make adjustments accordingly.

“I know what people are trying to do so what can we do a little bit more effectively, whether it be technique or scheme to try to get a crack to get him going,” Spencer said.

Spencer said he’s not dwelling on the past and instead evaluating ways the team can get their promising young star back on track.

“I think it’s just we’ve got to move forward and again I think [Peterson] is just trying too hard,” Spencer stated. “When have you ever seen a game where he put two balls on the ground? I think he’s just trying so desperately to make a play that even he is playing outside of himself.”

Arizona Cardinals

Max Melton runs the 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Draft Combine...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals rookies on cusp of writing new chapter in their football journeys

While the NFL Draft marked the end of one journey, it along with rookie minicamp kicking off Friday signaled the beginning of another.

6 hours ago

Xavier Thomas celebrates midgame...

Tyler Drake

Arizona Cardinals sign Xavier Thomas, 3 other rookies to 4-year contracts

The Arizona Cardinals signed four rookies from their 2024 NFL Draft class to four-year contracts on Thursday.

7 hours ago

Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. announces on his social media he will be wearing...

Bailey Leasure

Marvin Harrison Jr. announces his Cardinals jersey number

Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. announces on his social media he will be wearing No. 18 for the team.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals runs onto the field before the game against the Seattle Se...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals schedule to release on May 15, per report

The Arizona Cardinals already know what teams they will be playing and where, just not when. That date is soon approaching, per a report.

2 days ago

Trey Benson celebrates...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals questions post-NFL Draft: Who takes over at RB2 behind James Conner?

Two names who could make a case to lock down the Cardinals' RB2 role include rookie Trey Benson and veteran Michael Carter.

2 days ago

Markus Bailey celebrates after a play...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals sign ex-Bengals linebacker Markus Bailey to 1-year deal

The Arizona Cardinals signed former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Markus Bailey to a one-year deal, the team announced Tuesday.

2 days ago

Arizona Cardinals’ special teams coach: Patrick Peterson playing ‘outside of himself’