Arizona Cardinals’ special teams coach: Patrick Peterson playing ‘outside of himself’

Nov 10, 2012, 12:17 AM | Updated: 12:40 am

For Arizona Cardinals’ Patrick Peterson, his sophomore campaign has been a trying one. As a rookie, Peterson was a dynamic force on the field and made his presence known early and often. But as his performance elevated, so did expectations.

This season, the Cardinals’ cornerback and punt return specialist has struggled to find his groove, and seemingly has been pressing to try to make a play happen.

Special teams coach Kevin Spencer said he’s aware of his opponents’ approach when it comes to covering Peterson and he’s trying to make adjustments accordingly.

“I know what people are trying to do so what can we do a little bit more effectively, whether it be technique or scheme to try to get a crack to get him going,” Spencer said.

Spencer said he’s not dwelling on the past and instead evaluating ways the team can get their promising young star back on track.

“I think it’s just we’ve got to move forward and again I think [Peterson] is just trying too hard,” Spencer stated. “When have you ever seen a game where he put two balls on the ground? I think he’s just trying so desperately to make a play that even he is playing outside of himself.”

Arizona Cardinals

Zaven Collins during OTAs...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals LB Zaven Collins embracing life on the edge

Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins is getting more work on the outside than ever before since arriving to the desert in 2020.

22 hours ago

Colt McCoy...

Tyler Drake

Colt McCoy, Cardinals experiencing the ‘learning curve’ of new regime

Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy sees the value in organized team activity reps, especially working under a new OC and offensive scheme.

22 hours ago

Bobby Price #27 of the Detroit Lions celebrates the stop of a punt return during the second half ag...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals sign CBs Bobby Price, Dylan Mabin

The Arizona Cardinals added a pair of cornerbacks on Monday, announcing the signings of Bobby Price and Dylan Mabin. 

22 hours ago

Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh Panthers, college football...

Arizona Sports

Larry Fitzgerald, 3 ASU players on 2024 College Football Hall of Fame ballot

Former Arizona Cardinals great Larry Fitzgerald and three Arizona State Sun Devils are on the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame ballot.

22 hours ago

Dallas Goedert #88 of the Philadelphia Eagles jumps out of a tackle by Dennis Gardeck #45 of the Ar...

Alex Weiner

Cardinals OLB Dennis Gardeck working to improve pass rush technique this offseason

Cardinals edge rusher Dennis Gardeck said he is improving his technique with new OLBs coach Rob Rodriguez to become a more complete rusher.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up prior to his game against the Philadelphia Eagles...

Tom Kuebel

Bleacher Report: Cardinals’ Kyler Murray is NFL’s most overrated QB

Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport ranks Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray as the most overrated player at his position in the NFL.

2 days ago

Arizona Cardinals’ special teams coach: Patrick Peterson playing ‘outside of himself’