Dealing Cards: Peterson excels off the field, Bynes and Williams step up

TEMPE, Ariz. – On the field, cornerback Patrick Peterson is among the best at his position. Off the field, he ranks right there near the top as well.

Peterson and his wife, Antonique, are heavily involved in the community plus have a presence internationally. Last May, they visited Haiti as guests of Mission of Hope.

For his efforts, Peterson was named the Arizona Cardinals/Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. It’s the second time in three seasons he’s been so honored with the award that recognizes a player for outstanding community service activities off the field and as well as excellence on the field.

Peterson called the recognition both a privilege and an honor.

“Just want to continue being a positive role model throughout the Arizona community,” he said, standing next to team president Michael Bidwill who was on hand for Friday’s announcement.

Peterson hosts a number of events each year—including “Shop with a Jock”, “Celebrity Golf Challenge”, “Show and Tell” and “Celebs and Steaks”—to benefit his “Foundation for Success” which was created in 2013 to help provide low-income and inner city youth with opportunities and resources.

Peterson is one of 32 nominees for the league’s national Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, which will be announced the night before the Super Bowl. Larry Fitzgerald and the Giants’ Eli Manning were co-winners last year.

Peterson’s impact off the field is matched only by his impact on the field.

This season, Peterson is once again playing at a Pro Bowl-level.

“He’s a guy that goes out and covers the best guy on the perimeter each and ever week, and has done it at an extremely high level for a long period of time,” defensive coordinator James Bettcher said.

According to Pro Football Focus, Peterson is the only cornerback with 400+ snaps played that has been targeted fewer than 50 times in 2017.

Opposing quarterbacks have thrown in his direction just 43 times in 12 games, completing 18 pass attempts for 270 yards and only two touchdowns. They have a 68.9 passer rating against Peterson.

“I won’t say my peak, I’d probably say my prime. I believe I’m just getting started,” he said.

“Coming off that 2014 season (and being diagnosed with diabetes), it just really helped put things in perspective and I really believe that’s when I really started to turn the corner as a football player. I became a much smarter defensive back. Got myself mentally prepared better for games. So, definitely, feel like I’m in my prime right now, for sure.”

And Peterson insists he’s ready to go this week against Tennessee even though the Cardinals have officially listed him questionable with a hamstring injury.

“I’ll be ready to go Sunday for sure,” he said.

Earning playing time

The Cardinals’ defense is getting healthier.

Dollar linebacker Deone Bucannon, who missed last week’s game with an ankle issue, is expected to play on Sunday. His return likely means less playing time for someone else, though head coach Bruce Arians made it clear earlier in the week it won’t be Josh Bynes.

“Josh will be on the field,” Arians said. “He’s played well enough to make sure he’s getting snaps.”

It was Bynes who came off the bench to replace Bucannon early in the game against Jacksonville, and finished with a team-best eight tackles. Bynes also had eight tackles last week.

“I’m just taking it week to week and doing what I’m asked to do because every week is a different week. You never know what is going to happen this week or next week and being undrafted, it’s hard in this league,” he said.

“I really, really appreciate that (Arians’ comments) but we’ll see what happens on Sunday.”

More Kerwynn Williams

With running back Adrian Peterson having already been ruled out for this week, Kerwynn Williams is expected to make his second straight start.

Against the Rams, Williams nearly finished with 100 rushing yards despite playing hurt.

“Tough guy,” offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin said. “To play running back and have, what a couple of broken ribs or whatever it may be—not necessarily broken but bruised ribs—he did a great job.”

As far as an update on Peterson, he missed a full week of practice for a second consecutive week because of a neck issue.

“It’s something that he and the doctors are working through,” Arians said.

Jared Veldheer questionable

After not practicing for two days, left tackle Jared Veldheer was a limited participant on Friday. He’s been bothered by an elbow injury.

“He practiced good today,” Arians said. “The strength is back in his arm, so he looks like he’ll be ready to go.”

Four other players are considered questionable: Peterson, defensive lineman Josh Mauro (ankle), wide receiver J.J. Nelson (knee) and defensive lineman Corey Peters (ankle).

Follow @CraigAZSports