Patrick Peterson passed the eye test on Sunday against the Browns, and a closer look reinforced that conclusion.
The Cardinals' cornerback had the sixth-best defensive Pro Football Focus grade in the NFL this week, finishing with a 91.7. Peterson, who guarded Cleveland star wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. for much of the contest, allowed five receptions for 38 yards on 12 targets, with an interception and three forced incompletions.
When Baker Mayfield targeted Peterson, he had a passer rating of only 15.3, which was easily Peterson's best showing of the season. Peterson feels like he is finally rounding into form physically after missing the first six weeks of the season due to suspension.
"My legs are finally coming back to me," he said. "Coach Buddy (Morris) told me a superior athlete that misses one week it almost like missing two weeks. Now this is technically like my tenth week getting back in the swing of things. Body is starting to come back around, and I'm feeling good."
Other Pro Football Focus Tidbits from the game:
- Wide receiver Damiere Byrd was given a 90.1 grade for his six-catch, 86-yard performance, which was the sixth-best offensive mark in the NFL.
- Safety Jalen Thompson put together another nice performance, earning a 76.1 grade, including strong marks in coverage.
- Outside linebacker Haason Reddick graded out as the fifth-most effective defender in his 23 snaps before going down with a groin injury.
- Four offensive linemen were given strong pass-blocking grades for the Cardinals, who didn't allow a sack. Guard J.R. Sweezy led the way with an 85.4 pass-blocking grade, followed by guard Justin Pugh (85.0), right tackle Justin Murray (81.7) and left tackle D.J. Humphries (79.9).
