Arizona Cardinals: A New Beginning For Patrick Peterson

After a rough 2014 dealing with personal issues, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson is ready to roll for 2015

No one knew exactly what the issues cornerback Patrick Peterson was dealing with during the 2014 season. In fact many didn’t even know he had any personal issues going on until coach Bruce Arians divulged there could be something more going on than just having some bad games on the field.

After the season we found out what one of the main culprits of Peterson’s lack of execution on the field was. He had Diabetes. That’s all we’ve been told and frankly that’s all we need to know. Medical issues that sensitive should be kept close to home.

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Peterson started off the season slow. He had just 20 tackles and one pass defensed through the first eight games of 2014. Some were starting to wonder what was going on? He certainly didn’t look like the exciting rookie from 2011 or the Patrick Peterson that intercepted seven passes in 2012.

Then came the game against the Dallas Cowboys in game nine. If you look at the stat sheet it doesn’t amount to much and you’d never know the difference between that game and the previous eight. However, despite just the two official tackles, he was all over Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant. He limited Bryant to one catch and that wasn’t until late. He frustrated Bryant all day. Maybe the real Patrick Peterson was back?

The the next week came on November 9th against the St. Louis Rams. After quarterback Carson Palmer went down with a torn ACL, Peterson took over on the defensive side of the ball. Peterson picked off two passes, one of which was returned for a touchdown, the first of his career.

Over the last seven games, Peterson had 24 tackles, four passes defensed, and one interception. It was a better ending than a start to the season but he still just didn’t look himself at times. Now we know why and now Peterson has his issue under control.

So this week Peterson was back on the field at mini-camp and was looking good. So much so that speculation started brewing that Peterson might even get a chance to return punts again this season, something that got him to his first Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2011. Peterson didn’t think it was a real possibility but when asked Arians didn’t shut the door on the idea.

Peterson finished with 50 tackles, seven passes defensed, and three interceptions last season. He had three interceptions in 2013 as well. Something tells me he’ll be closer to the seven he had in 2012 this year. Peterson has his issue under control now. The team isn’t worried about him so why should any of us be? Here’s to a great 2015 for PP.

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