Arizona Cardinals camp preview: Cornerbacks

The Arizona Cardinals are going to have a six-week problem at cornerback until mid-October

We’ve been waiting for years for a cornerback to step up and be able to produce as consistently as Patrick Peterson and be that second starter.  There have been quite a number that have come and gone but none have been consistent.

Now Peterson is going to miss the first six weeks of the regular season.  He will be able to participate in training camp and in the preseason games.

So the question is, who will start in place of Peterson.  Well the Cardinals prepared themselves as if they knew Peterson would be facing a suspension long before it was announced.

Starters

You are probably looking at three cornerbacks who will compete for the two starting spots until Peterson returns.  Robert Alford, who was picked up the moment the Atlanta Falcons released him and Tremaine Brock are the front runners to start.

Also watch out for rookie cornerback Byron Murphy.  He was drafted in the second round.  A guy like that, if he isn’t starting immediately, he is expected to shortly into his career.

The big problem comes what happens when Peterson returns in week seven against the New York Giants?  He’s not sitting on the bench, that’s for sure.  Could he get traded?  Maybe.

Let’s assume that’s not going to happen though, at least during the season, especially if the Cardinals are winning or at least being competitive enough to stay in the conversation for a wild card.  Peterson will likely replace whoever is struggling the most.