Patrick Peterson Doesn’t Hold Back on Podcast
While it wasn’t quite Richard Sherman talking to Erin Andrews immediately following a game, Patrick Peterson was pretty transparent during the latest episode of his “All Things Covered” podcast. Released just days after the Vikings playoff loss to the New York Giants, the veteran cornerback had plenty to say.
This was a strong statistical season for Patrick Peterson by all statistical measures. His five interceptions were more than he has had in a season since his second year in the league, and his 66 tackles were a career-high. Peterson also was just one off a career-best with 15 passes defended, and considering the group of corners he was leading, his presence was imperative for Minnesota.
Patrick Peterson Doesn’t Hold Back on Podcast
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It’s not shocking that Peterson would find himself open to a return with the Vikings next season. Obviously, he’d be doing it for yet another defensive coordinator, his third in three years, but this has been a good fit for both sides. What is going to be necessary, however, is a pay raise. With just a one-year, $4 million agreement in 2022, he’s set to earn substantially more during his age-33 season.
Peterson spoke on a potential reunion on his podcast, saying, “No doubt about it. I would love to be there in that purple & gold again & give it a run again just because I love the community there. I love the organization. I love the new regime. But we all know it’s a business.”
In adding the additional caveat, Peterson also knows that his services won’t come at the cost they did a year ago.
The Vikings are already looking at a substantial amount of change defensively from their internal holdovers. Players like Harrison Smith and Eric Kendricks are both aging and expensive. Peterson would fall into that category as well. Should he be engaged by Minnesota, a fit would need to work within the constraints of the salary cap.
Maybe most notable from Peterson’s podcast is what he opined regarding the fateful 4th down from Kirk Cousins. By now, every Vikings fan knows how disappointing Cousins’ decision to throw five yards short of the sticks on a must-have 4th down was. Peterson simply believed he didn’t know the situation.
“When I saw it, the only thing I could think of, ‘He must have not known what down it was’…On the sideline, it just took me back because I was just shocked that we threw the ball three yards when we needed eight.”
Obviously, Cousins’ pass went to tight end T.J. Hockenson, who was blanketed on a short route. With wide receivers breaking, none were allowed to make a play, and the check down sealed the season.
It’s interesting for a defensive player and a leader to make such a substantial comment publicly about a teammate. Cousins definitely came up short on the play, despite an otherwise solid game. Peterson’s comments could be seen as a shot toward Cousins, even if they weren’t originally intended that way.
Despite his strong season, the Giants games were not among Peterson’s better moments. In both instances, Daniel Jones and Isaiah Hodgins had their way with the veteran. In the first matchup, he saved his day with a game-sealing interception. That was not the case during the playoff loss.
Most Vikings fans would sign up for another year of Patrick Peterson, but it would need to be at the right cost. He may also need to get on the same page with Cousins over the offseason to ensure his recent thoughts meant no disrespect.
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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