When the Cardinals drafted Patrick Peterson in April, many
were excited to see both he and Dominique Rodgers-
Cromartie try to lock down opposing receivers.

Seven months later, though, Rodgers-Cromartie is in
Philadelphia, and the pressure is on the fifth pick in the
draft to step up and replace him.

Or maybe not.

“I have to still come in and make plays,” Peterson said
after he arrived in Flagstaff for training camp. “That’s
definitely going to be a big loss for the Arizona
Cardinals’ secondary, but at the same time it’s business,
we have to move on.”

Still, Peterson said he’s a little disappointed, as he was
looking forward to learning from Rodgers-Cromartie, who
also started games as a rookie.

But that won’t happen, and Peterson understands. So, as he
heads into his first NFL season, he’s ready for whatever
he has to do.

Especially, as he said, “Making interceptions.”

That’s what Peterson said he is looking forward to doing.
“Making plays and hopefully getting the offense back in
good field position.”

Then again, Peterson can be electric in the return game.
He said he wouldn’t mind getting a chance there, but also
understands how things work in the NFL.

“I’m a rookie coming in so I have to earn my stripes,” he
said.

One way he’ll do that, though, is lining up against one of
the best receivers in the game. Battles between Peterson
and All-Pro Larry Fitzgerald will likely be one of the
more entertaining aspects of training camp.

“It’s going to be a pleasure,” Peterson said, noting he
had actually worked out with Fitzgerald over the off-
season. “I believe that’s the beauty of this whole deal,
coming in here, having a chance to guard maybe the number
one receiver in the league each and every day, it’s
definitely going to get me prepared on Sundays.”

ArizonaSports.com’s Kyndra de St. Aubin contributed to
this report

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