GLENDALE, AZ — After serving his six game suspension, Patrick Peterson says he’s happy and anxious to be back on the football field.
“Very frustrating watching football on the couch,” Peterson said after practice Wednesday. “I definitely didn't envision doing it this early in my career.”
Peterson says that while he hasn’t been able to participate in team activities, he spent most of his time at Northern Arizona University, taking advantage of the high altitude to stay in game shape.
“I kept my mind in the game made sure I was mentally sharp,” Peterson said. “My conditioning, did everything that was necessary to make sure I was ready to roll once today came around.”
Peterson said that he has been impressed with Kyler Murray on the field, and that the rookie quarterback knows how to win games. He says the defense, however, needs to step it up.
“As a defense, we have to take the next step as far as finishing football games. One (Kyler Murray) can do it. Now it’s up to us to hold up our end of the responsibility of keeping people out of the end zone.”
The Cardinals have given up 414 yards per game on defense this season, which is third worst in the NFL.
Peterson says in the first three games, the defense made several “bone headed” mistakes leaving players wide open, but that he has seen clear improvements since then.
“Communication has been getting much better. It hasn’t all been perfect,” Peterson said. But we can definitely continue to grow off of the positive that we had in these last two games.”
When asked about trade rumors, Peterson said that he doesn’t pay any attention to it, because it is something out of his control. He says he’s focused on getting to work with the young players on the roster and continue to help improve the team on defense.
“We have a lot of football left. It should be a great ten game season for me. I’m planning on this being the best ten games I’ve played in my career.”
