Patrick Peterson embraces role, expectations
Jul 26, 2012, 12:00 AM | Updated: 1:46 am
Last year at this time, Patrick Peterson was a rookie with
expectations to succeed, but no real reason to believe he
would.
This isn’t last year.
The second-year pro is entering camp as the undisputed
number one cornerback on the team, someone who will be
expected to play at a consistently high level against the
league’s best receivers.
Always confident, the 22-year-old is up to the challenge.
“I’m definitely more comfortable, have more confidence
within myself,” he said of what’s different this time
around. “Just going through the offseason with the team,
OTAs, minicamp, having a better grasp of the playbook. And
having a better understanding of how teams want to attack
me.”
Peterson made the Pro Bowl last season, though for his
skills as a punt returner and not as a cover corner. While
the Cardinals certainly benefit from his ability to turn
any punt into a touchdown, he knows the team needs him to
turn into a shutdown corner.
He thinks he’s getting there, and the process started
months ago when he worked on his off-man coverage.
“I believe that won’t be a weakness in my game,” he said.
“I’m going to be an all-around cornerback this year.”
