Cardinals’ Peterson talks traveling around the world, Wilks’ new defense
Jun 12, 2018, 8:51 AM | Updated: 5:00 pm
Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson (21) stretches during the NFL team's organized team activity Wednesday, May 23, 2018, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson has been taking advantage of his offseason.
Peterson traveled around with his wife, and this wasn’t just a trip to the east coast or the western parts of Europe.
“We went to Bali, Dubai, Hong Kong and the Maldives,” Peterson told 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s Doug & Wolf.
He’s not done, though. When the Cardinals’ mini-camp wraps up on Thursday, he’s headed to France to vacation in Monaco.
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Peterson always wanted to see the world as a kid, seeing the ways others live across the globe.
His teammate Larry Fitzgerald is known for his offseason traveling, but Peterson is not as much.
“Because Larry publicizes travel,” Peterson joked. “Me, I’m just under the covers.”
NEW DEFENSE
This year has an adjustment for Peterson and all of his teammates learning a new playbook and style under new Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks, offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and defensive coordinator Al Holcomb.
“Honestly, I’m so excited for the strides we have been taking throughout OTAs,” Peterson said.
The seven-year veteran credits the trust between Wilks and Holcomb and thinks it will translate to a very effective defense.
“Coach Wilks is just letting [Holcomb] do his thing and I believe it’s just gonna allow us to line up and play fast football,” Peterson said. “I believe we will have less mistakes this year.”
With Wilks implementing a 4-3, there are new opportunities Peterson’s defense didn’t have while playing in a different system.
“When you’re in a 3-4 you have to do so many exotic looks to get to the quarterback,” Peterson said, emphasizing that a simplified approach will allow less thinking and more natural reactions for defenders.
What won’t be changing for Peterson, though, is the lack of throws in his direction. Of the least-challenged cornerbacks every year, the combination of Peterson being one of the best corners in the league and the lack of a go-to corner on the other side of the field brings a lack of action his way.
Peterson’s thought process has evolved on being that guy throughout his career.
“Early on in my career I used to get a little bored out there and kind of take plays off and not really focus in and hone in on my craft,” he said.
“Now that I’m going into year eight, now that it’s been the last three years that I haven’t really been getting tested, I just want to make sure I’m always engaged in the game.”
Peterson will certainly be engaged with Holcomb’s new looks defensively, where he’s looking forward to being put in a position to succeed as a playmaker.
“Coach (is) gonna put me in a position to make a lot of plays,” he said.
