Cardinals’ Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu named AP All-Pros
Jan 8, 2016, 12:55 PM | Updated: 2:03 pm
A pair of Arizona Cardinals defensive backs have earned a postseason honor, as Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu were named Associated Press First-Team All-Pros.
The entire list was released Friday.
A fifth-year pro, Peterson notched 35 combined tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble during the regular season, mostly covering the opponent’s top receiver on an an every-play basis. Though his statistics do not jump off the page, they are a sign of the respect he sees from offenses who look to avoid throwing the ball in his direction.
His level of dominance this season has not been lost on anyone, including Cardinals defensive coordinator James Bettcher.
“I’m very lucky, there’s no question. When you have someone that’s the best at his position, you have a chance to coach him, you’re lucky,” he said. “No matter what that position is. And we have that in Pat.”
As for Mathieu, the third-year player was also having a dominant season, with 89 combined tackles, five interceptions, one sack, one forced fumble and 17 passes defensed before suffering a torn ACL in Week 15. A Defensive Player of the Year candidate, this nod is just another sign of how well the former third-round pick was playing.
Quarterback Carson Palmer and guard Mike Iupati were named to the AP All-Pro Second Team.
The entire AP All-Pro team can be found here.
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