Patrick Peterson’s 99-yard punt return in overtime that
lifted the Cardinals to a 19-13 win took the football
world by storm. It was the 2nd-longest punt return in
league history, the 2nd overtime punt return for a
touchdown in NFL annals, and Peterson became the first
player in team history with three punt return scores in a
single season.

It’s obvious that Peterson is a very rare weapon; one that
is drawing comparisons to Devin Hester and Deion Sanders
just eight games into his pro career.

In terms of Phoenix/Arizona Cardinal history, you have no
idea just how rare Peterson’s prowess is.

Since the Cardinals moved to the Valley in 1988, only
twice had a punt returner taken one back to the house.
Steve Breaston returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown in
a 21-14 win over Pittsburgh in 2007 and Johnny Bailey had
a 58-yard punt return for a score in a 17-10 win over the
Redskins in 1993.

That’s it.

Think about that…23 seasons, 368 regular season games,
768 punt returns and the Cardinals had collectively
returned two for scores.

Peterson’s taken three back in 19 returns.

Peterson has spent more time in the end zone this season
than Hines Ward, Anquan Boldin, Antonio Gates, Reggie
Bush, DeSean Jackson, Chris Johnson or Reggie Wayne.

Kind of makes you wonder when teams are going to stop
punting the ball to him.

Or when the Cardinals will increase the number of times he
can get the ball in his hands. Don’t be surprised to see
more of Peterson on the offensive side of the ball. In
the past head coach Ken Whisenhunt has used safety Antrel
Rolle and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in
offensive sets.

Follow @Vincemarotta