ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cardinals coach on Patrick Peterson’s play against Calvin Johnson: ‘I thought it was outstanding’

Sep 16, 2013, 9:06 PM | Updated: 9:06 pm

LISTEN: Bruce Arians, Cardinals Head Coach

By the numbers alone, it might appear that Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson had a better day on offense (one completion for 17 yards and one reception for 17 yards) than on defense (gave up six catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns to Detroit wide receiver Calvin Johnson) in the team’s 25-21 win over the Lions.

But outside of Johnson’s 72-yard touchdown reception in the first half, head coach Bruce Arians came away rather impressed with the two-time Pro Bowler’s performance against one of the league’s most-talented wideouts.

“I thought it was outstanding,” Arians told Arizona Sports 620’s Bickley with Marotta. “Just the fact that he wanted to [cover Johnson]. Most guys would shiver at that thought.

“They don’t see man-to-man very often. I think it throws Matthew [Stafford] off when they’re not double-teaming Calvin [Johnson], like where do I go with this football if he’s not open?”

With the help of Peterson, who limited Johnson to two catches for 20 yards after halftime, the Cardinals’ defense pitched a shutout over the final 30 minutes of play, forcing three 3-and-outs, a fumble and a turnover on downs in the process.

While the lack of a pass rush (one sack in two games) — at least on paper — appears to be a bit of a concern in 2013, Stafford’s lack of production in the second half (8-for-16 for 70 yards and no touchdowns) was enough to convince Arians that things are just fine when it comes to the unit’s ability to put pressure on the quarterback.

“We were able to pressure them,” said Arians. “The sacks are a bit of a false security thing. As far as having one sack, we got after him a bunch of times.”

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Desmond Ridder runs the rock against Houston...

Tyler Drake

Desmond Ridder eager to remind fellow Cardinals QB Clayton Tune about college wins

Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder may not know Kyler Murray just yet, but he and Clayton Tune go way back.

14 hours ago

LSU's Malik Nabers, a top NFL Draft prospect...

Kevin Zimmerman

NFL Draft: Malik Nabers to visit Arizona Cardinals after LSU pro day, per report

Top NFL Draft receiver prospect Malik Nabers will reportedly visit with the Arizona Cardinals after the LSU Tigers' pro day.

17 hours ago

Desmond Ridder looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

QB1 or not, Desmond Ridder keeping starter mentality with Cardinals

New Cardinals QB Desmond Ridder is focused on using the good and the bad from his first two seasons rather than listening to outside chatter.

1 day ago

Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray look on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray’s ‘best football is ahead of him’

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will continue taking the necessary steps forward with a full offseason of work.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray chats with Jonathan Gannon...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals will face ‘really good’ AFC opponent for joint preseason practices

The Arizona Cardinals expect to hold joint practices in the preseason against a really good AFC opponent, in the words of Jonathan Gannon.

2 days ago

Patriots and Cardinals kick off return in 2020...

Associated Press

NFL owners approve new kickoff rules for 2024

NFL kickoff rules will take on a hybrid approach similar to the XFL. League owners approved the new measures Tuesday.

2 days ago

Cardinals coach on Patrick Peterson’s play against Calvin Johnson: ‘I thought it was outstanding’