Patrick Peterson on Panthers: ‘We owe ’em’

Jun 9, 2016, 4:00 PM | Updated: Jun 10, 2016, 11:29 am

Patrick Peterson walks onto the field for a mini-camp practice June 8, 2016. (Photo by Adam Green/A...

Patrick Peterson walks onto the field for a mini-camp practice June 8, 2016. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)

(Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)

LISTEN: Patrick Peterson, AZ Cardinals cornerback

Odds are Patrick Peterson is not the only Arizona Cardinal who feels this way about the Carolina Panthers.

He just happened to be the one who was asked about them Thursday morning by Doug and Wolf on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

“We owe ’em,” he said. “We owe those guys. The first time they got us without our best shot, the second time they got us with us fully-loaded.”

Peterson, of course, is referring to the Cardinals’ last two playoff exits, both of which came courtesy of the Panthers in North Carolina.

In 2014, the injury-ravaged Cardinals went into Charlotte with Ryan Lindley as their starting quarterback, and fell to a seven-win Panthers team by a score of 27-16. That day, the Cardinals set an NFL record for fewest yards in a postseason game, with 78.

Things were supposed to be different last season, though, as the Cardinals once again visited the Panthers only this time with a mostly-healthy roster and with a berth in Super Bowl 50 on the line. It did not take long for things to go sideways, however, as the Cardinals went down 17-0 in the first quarter, trailed 24-7 at halftime and eventually lost 49-15.

The first loss, while disappointing, was sort of expected. The second defeat, at least in terms of how it happened, came out of nowhere.

“I don’t know how this happened, but all the five-star players did not play their best,” Peterson said. “And that’s unusual, for every top guy on your team to not play their best football.

“I think a lot of it was once we got down, that 17-point deficit, a lot of guys started to press; a lot of guys felt that they needed to make a play to get us back in the game.”

Peterson included himself in that group, pointing to a muffed punt in the second quarter. Trailing 17-7 but having built a little momentum after following their first touchdown by forcing a three-and-out from the Panthers, he raced toward mid-field trying to catch the ball while on the run with hopes of turning it into a big return.

Instead, he overran the ball some, it bounced off his shoulder and then was recovered by Carolina’s Teddy Williams. Six plays later the Panthers were in the end zone, making the score a less-doable 24-7.

“That punt return, I believe if I would have just fair caught the ball, and gave the offense back the possession right there — I believe it was at the 50 — that could have got things going,” he said. “And the next drive (after Carolina’s touchdown) I end up getting an interception; who knows if that would have happened or not, but now it’s a 10-point game and those guys were known for giving up leads, and that still was in the first half.

“So I just believe a lot of guys were just pressing once we dug ourselves in that deep hole, but at the end of the day this team is so ready to get 2016 kicked off. I believe we’re a much better all-around football team than we were last year, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us.”

 

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians calls a play during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Arizona Cardinals' Frostee Rucker watches from the bench during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson (21) consoles Frostee Rucker during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson (21) consoles Frostee Rucker during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Some Carolina Panthers celebrate from the bench during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates with teammates during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera is congratulated by Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians after the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera is dunked after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton has some fun after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson can't handle a punt during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers recovered. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates after a touchdown run during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals,  Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Carolina Panthers' Ed Dickson can't catch a pass in front of Arizona Cardinals' Tony Jefferson during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton leaps in the end zone for a touchdown run during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton runs for a touchdown during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn catches a pass in front of Arizona Cardinals' Jerraud Powers during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates a first down run during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the second half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera talks to Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians before the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Carolina Panthers players huddle before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald stands with his teammates before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals,  Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson  hits a drum before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson runs during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers,  Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Arizona Cardinals' Justin Bethel (28) tries to stop Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn after a catch during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart is introduced before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn runs for a touchdown as teammate Cam Newton runs with him during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Carolina Panthers' Mike Tolbert is introduced before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Carolina Panthers' Robert McClain breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals' John Brown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer drops back during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer (3) is hit by Carolina Panthers' Cortland Finnegan as he throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Carolina Panthers' Robert McClain breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals' John Brown (12) during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates Ted Ginn's run for a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn gets past Arizona Cardinals' Justin Bethel for a touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Carolina Panthers' Corey Brown gets past Arizona Cardinals' Rashad Johnson for a touchdown catch during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn gets past Arizona Cardinals' Justin Bethel for a touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton gives a ball to a fan after a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton and Joe Webb celebrate a touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Carolina Panthers' Corey Brown breaks away for a touchdown after a catch during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Carolina Panthers' Corey Brown gets away from Arizona Cardinals' Rashad Johnson for a touchdown after a catch during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Carolina Panthers' Corey Brown celebrates a touchdown catch with fans during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Carolina Panthers' Corey Brown gets away from Arizona Cardinals' Rashad Johnson for a touchdown after a catch during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton hands seven-year-old Cameron Gandy a ball after a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Seven-year-old Cameron Gandy celebrates after Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton gave him a touchdown ball during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Carolina Panthers' Corey Brown celebrates his touchdown catch during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly recovers a fumble by Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer fumbles as he is hit by Carolina Panthers' Kawann Short and Mario Addison (97) during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer fumbles as he is hit by Carolina Panthers' Kawann Short and Mario Addison (97) during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Arizona Cardinals' Darren Fells is hit by Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) and Luke Kuechly after catching a pass during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson runs for a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson runs past Carolina Panthers' Shaq Green-Thompson during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera reacts during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Arizona Cardinals' David Johnson runs for a touchdown past Carolina Panthers' Kony Ealy (94) during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates his touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart and Cam Newton celebrate a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart is stopped short of the goal line during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson can't handle a punt during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers recovered. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson can't handle a punt during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers recovered. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Arizona Cardinals' Rashad Johnson breaks up a pass intended for Carolina Panthers' Ted Ginn (19) during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton is tackled after a run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates his touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton celebrates his touchdown run during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians argues a call during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Arizona Cardinals' Carson Palmer throws during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers,  Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman is congratulated after intercepting a pass during the first half the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals,  Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)

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