ARIZONA CARDINALS

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, 20...

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)

LISTEN: Patrick Peterson, Cardinals cornerback

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.”

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Desmond Ridder runs the rock against Houston...

Tyler Drake

Desmond Ridder eager to remind fellow Cardinals QB Clayton Tune about college wins

Cardinals quarterback Desmond Ridder may not know Kyler Murray just yet, but he and Clayton Tune go way back.

16 hours ago

LSU's Malik Nabers, a top NFL Draft prospect...

Kevin Zimmerman

NFL Draft: Malik Nabers to visit Arizona Cardinals after LSU pro day, per report

Top NFL Draft receiver prospect Malik Nabers will reportedly visit with the Arizona Cardinals after the LSU Tigers' pro day.

20 hours ago

Desmond Ridder looks to pass...

Tyler Drake

QB1 or not, Desmond Ridder keeping starter mentality with Cardinals

New Cardinals QB Desmond Ridder is focused on using the good and the bad from his first two seasons rather than listening to outside chatter.

2 days ago

Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray look on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon: Kyler Murray’s ‘best football is ahead of him’

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon believes Kyler Murray will continue taking the necessary steps forward with a full offseason of work.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray chats with Jonathan Gannon...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals will face ‘really good’ AFC opponent for joint preseason practices

The Arizona Cardinals expect to hold joint practices in the preseason against a really good AFC opponent, in the words of Jonathan Gannon.

2 days ago

Patriots and Cardinals kick off return in 2020...

Associated Press

NFL owners approve new kickoff rules for 2024

NFL kickoff rules will take on a hybrid approach similar to the XFL. League owners approved the new measures Tuesday.

2 days ago

As good as he is, Cardinals’ Patrick Peterson still has lofty goals