Patrick Peterson’s Game Was Bend but Don’t Break in Week 16
On Saturday, the Minnesota Vikings announced their Pro Bowl selections and captains before the contest against the New York Giants. Patrick Peterson was among those to run out of the tunnel, but not for the reason he wanted. He showed up again in an up-and-down game for Ed Donatell’s defense.
Most of the game between Minnesota and New York felt largely empty from within the stadium. Despite never being a point where it felt like the Giants were in control, the energy from Vikings fans also wasn’t empowering. Minnesota failed to capitalize on early chances, and the Giants continued to hang around.
Patrick Peterson’s Game Was Bend but Don’t Break in Week 16
It was not a banner day for veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson through most of the first half. Someone called Isaiah Hodgins torched Peterson a few times, beat him for a touchdown, and did plenty of trash-talking. There was an out route where Hodgins cut his path, and Peterson continued running, unknowingly leaving the wideout open. With the day of frustration mounting, this tweet came out.
On the very next play, Peterson got his revenge. Jumping a pass from Daniel Jones to Hodgins, Peterson made good on his promise. He told the young wideout to stay patient and that he would show up at some point throughout the game. With the result on the line and time ticking, the veteran showed up massively.
Nothing that Peterson did this weekend will change his status as a Pro Bowl selection. He’s not an alternate, and the hope would be that the Super Bowl keeps him from even being in attendance as a fan. The veteran is hoping his stats will get him consideration for an All-Pro selection, though, and he has a good argument.
With four interceptions to his credit, Peterson has more picks than every season in his career save for 2012, his second in the league. He has also been credited with 14 passes defended and could surpass the 16 he recorded during that 2012 season. Talking with reporter Tom Pelissero following the win, Peterson rattled off his achievements this year and will look to shut down both Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields in the coming weeks.
For Minnesota, the secondary has been a problem all season. The notable omission is Peterson, who has been everything you’d hope for in a veteran captain returning for this team. He’s helped to bring players like Cameron Dantzler, Akayleb Evans, and Duke Shelley along while also holding himself to the same high standard he’s set throughout his career.
I’m not sure Peterson is the same type of cornerback that Darelle Revis may have been in his heyday, but at 32 years old, the Vikings have to be ecstatic with the level of production they’ve gotten out of him in 2022. After spending 10 years in Arizona with the Cardinals, Minnesota has welcomed him with open arms, and 2022 has been a great encore.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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