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

Marvin Harrison Jr. speaks with reporters after getting drafted at No. 4 overall by the Arizona Car...

Tyler Drake

Marvin Harrison ecstatic to be a Cardinal, Kyler Murray’s newest WR1

Marvin Harrison Jr. is ready to follow in former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald's footsteps.

43 minutes ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. arrives to the 2024 NFL Draft...

Dan Bickley

Marvin Harrison Jr. gets the Larry Fitzgerald seal of approval

The entire state of Arizona was cheering loudly when the Cardinals selected Marvin Harrison Jr., including the great Larry Fitzgerald.

1 hour ago

Darius Robinson...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals take DL Darius Robinson with No. 27 pick in 1st round of NFL Draft

The Arizona Cardinals selected Darius Robinson out of Missouri with the No. 27 pick of the NFL Draft during the first round on Thursday.

2 hours ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. after being selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals at the 2024 NFL Dr...

Alex Weiner

Cardinals’ Marvin Harrison Jr. at NFL Draft: ‘I’m gonna work as hard as I can to earn trust’

Marvin Harrison Jr. said he could not be more excited to be an Arizona Cardinal after getting pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

2 hours ago

Marvin Harrison Jr....

Kevin Zimmerman

Why is Marvin Harrison Jr. nicknamed Maserati Marv?

FOX play-by-play man Gus Johnson coined the nickname Maserati Marv to then-Ohio State wideout and new Arizona Cardinals Marvin Harrison Jr.

3 hours ago

Kyler Murray...

Arizona Sports

Kyler Murray, fans react to Marvin Harrison Jr. becoming a Cardinal

Marvin Harrison Jr. now teams with Kyler Murray after he was the fourth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Murray approves.

4 hours ago

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