As good as he is, Cardinals’ Patrick Peterson still has lofty goals
Jun 9, 2016, 8:30 AM | Updated: Jun 10, 2016, 11:19 am
Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson (21) arrives for an NFL football mini camp, Tuesday, June 7, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
It’s hard to believe that Patrick Peterson is still only 25 years of age.
He’s got five full NFL seasons, five trips to the Pro Bowl, three First Team All-Pro nods and two trips to the playoff on his résumé before he turns 26 on July 11.
That’s more than most players accomplish in a full career, but Peterson isn’t satisfied heading into 2016. Far from it, in fact.
“The ultimate goal, and that’s to put a ring on it,” Peterson told Doug and Wolf Thursday morning on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM when asked about what he wants to accomplish next.
“Obviously, that’s a team deal but at the same time, there’s nothing better than winning a championship in your profession. That’s the ultimate goal right now.”
But Peterson sneaked in another item on his to-do list, too.
“Obviously to continue to do things that I’ve been doing in my young career to put on a gold jacket.”
Pretty lofty aspirations, indeed.
Peterson has established himself as one of the premier defenders in the game, but believes he can get even better.
“My goal is, coming into each and every year, is to get better,” he said. “I never want to be the same as I was the year before. I tell the guys this all the time, it’s all about getting better at your craft.
“If it’s being patient, if it’s being more hands-on at the line of scrimmage, being more explosive out of your break. I have to find something to get better at.”
So what does Peterson need to do to continue that improvement in 2016?
“Sometimes, I had some technical problems. Sometimes I was in press and didn’t get my hands on receivers,” he said. “I didn’t quite get my percentage of what I was looking for — I want to get my hands on receivers 85 percent of the time.
“Yes, last year was my best year, all-around as far as focus, as far patience at the line of scrimmage, as far as attention to deal, as far as getting the other ten guys to follow my lead. It was definitely, by far, my best, but there are still some tedious things in my eyes, that I have to work on.”
