On Sunday, in an Arizona Cardinals win over the Cleveland Browns, Patrick Peterson played the football that viewers of Patrick Peterson are used to. He earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week after tallying seven total tackles, an interception, and three pass deflections, and shutting down Odell Beckham Jr.
Before Week 15, Peterson hadn't delivered the type of performances that made him an eight-time Pro Bowler entering the season. He got out of his slump with a change of intensity that he plans on maintaining.
“It was definitely a different intensity level, for sure, and I’m planning on keeping that through the rest of the season and as long as I’m here,” Peterson said on Thursday, via Jess Root of The Cardinals Wire.
The NFL suspended Peterson for the first six games of the season after violating the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy. By the time he got back in Week 7, he was behind on learning the new defense of defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Now, he feels caught up and comfortable in the scheme.
“Now that I have a better understanding and a better grasp on how plays work and where I need to be in order for this defense to be successful and in order for me to be successful, it’s definitely coming into full circle,” Peterson said.
According to Pro Football Reference, Peterson has allowed a 103.7 passer rating in coverage in 2019. Quarterbacks have thrown 45 of 62 for 572 yards and three touchdowns to two interceptions against him.
The Cardinals at 4-9-1 don't have much to play for in the last two weeks, but Peterson can use that time to continue to get familiar with the defense and his newer teammates.
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