Many teams face what the Cardinals are facing now–whether to retain an aging player who is still making important contributions to the team but isn’t performing at his former level.
At 30 years old, the Patrick Peterson of 2020 isn’t the Patrick Peterson that used to be. And he used to be great. This 3x All-Pro and 8x Pro Bowl player has played either right or left cornerback–and has started every game (save six suspension games last year)–since the beginning of his career nine years ago.
Patrick Peterson (photo, Revenge of the Birds)
But over the last few years, Peterson has been a shadow of his former All-Pro self. And over the past few weeks, his underlying faults are becoming more noticeable.
The dilemma? With Peterson’s current contract coming to an end, GM Steve Keim needs to make a big decision–to re-sign Peterson or let him go. It’s not a straightforward decision, either. While Peterson his limitations, he’s still making considerable contributions.
Let’s explore both sides of that coin, starting with on-field issues.
In the Cardinals’ Thursday night game against the Seahawks, Peterson was exposed in man coverage on the outside. His lack of speed allowed DK Metcalf to get the better of him in deep ball situations, which ultimately led to a 46-yard pass interference call at the end of the first half. The penalty put Seattle at Arizona’s 9-yard-line. Against the Bills, Peterson was left in man coverage against Stefon Diggs, who scored with less than a minute on the clock.
Peterson’s speed isn’t the only issue. He also has problems in zone coverage–something that the team plays increasingly as a means to cope with Peterson’s lack of speed. There are problems, though. In the Seattle game, Peterson watched the wrong receiver, a gaffe that left Tyler Lockett wide open in the end zone.
A third issue is Peterson’s poor tackling form. Peterson is giving up far too many RAC yards–even in short- to mid-range routes. That limitation was apparent in his Metcalf coverage.
Now, on the positive side of the coin, it’s also clear that Peterson is still an important player on this team. In fact, based on the numbers, you can make the case that he’s the best outside corner.
Last year, Arizona suffered during the time Peterson was suspended for PEDs use. But it didn’t take long for him to show what he can do–as his Week 15 performance against the Browns attests. He was credited with 7.0 tackles and grabbed an interception. This season, Peterson leads the team with three interceptions and six passes defended.
So, what’s the solution?
After taking responsibility for two giving up touchdowns against the Bills, Peterson suggested that he be better at a safety position. That’s not an unreasonable proposal, either. Many older cornerbacks have the instincts and experience to be serviceable at safety. Darrelle Revis is an example. The problem is that shifting Peterson to safety doesn’t fit well in the Cardinals’ schemes. Arizona’s safeties are often used in run-support and pass-rush. When they aren’t deployed in those roles, they are used in zone coverage to prevent big plays. Peterson’s poor tackling issues don’t align well with the assignments he’d have at safety.
A better option, I think, would be for Peterson to improve his zone-coverage instincts. Doing that would be similar to what the 49ers are doing with Richard Sherman. Improving his mental game would compensate for weaknesses that are difficult if not impossible to address, such as speed loss.
So while it’s obvious that Peterson isn’t a shutdown cornerback these days, he still has value on-the-field. Peterson also contributes by way of his veteran leadership. And that’s why I think it would make sense for Keim to re-sign Peterson. That said, that’s not only a risk, I’m not sure Peterson would be willing to accept what’s sure to be a lesser contract.
Time will tell, then, about what Arizona will decide and how Peterson will respond. Free agency may be in Peterson’s future.
