Cornerback Patrick Peterson, after making his sixth interception of the season during Sunday's loss to Seattle.

SEATTLE – Patrick Peterson has built his reputation around the NFL because he's a threat any time he touches the ball.

Coaches game plan for and around him. Punters hate seeing him awaiting another booming kick. And gunners never take their eyes off him.

But in order for Peterson to break loose, he needs to possess the ball. That was easier said than done for him Sunday in Seattle. He muffed one punt that turned into a Seahawks' touchdown and he fumbled away another.

"The muffed punt, the first one just bounced off my hands, I wish I could have it back," Peterson said. "The second one, the gunner did a great job coming back and stripping the ball out. I thought he did it well, pulled the ball out from the back.

"I'm doing it to the best of my ability to put this team in great field position and make something happen and give this team a spark. Anything I need to do to get us going."

On Sunday, however, that wasn't on special teams. It was attempted everywhere else.

Twice in the first half Peterson lined up at wide receiver, a new twist on the Wild Pat formation in which Peterson usually lines up at quarterback. He was hit for a seven-yard gain on the first play and then, after going in motion, the second play went another direction.

"These guys try to get me the ball any way possible," Peterson said. "I just want to continue doing things that I need to do to help this team get over this hump."

Peterson intercepted a Russell Wilson pass inside Seattle territory with about four minutes left in the first half, but the Cardinals gave it right back with a John Skelton interception.

"We just want to put this season behind us," he said.

DOCKETT BEGINS GAME ON BENCH

In addition to a hefty fine, Darnell Dockett's punishment for disobeying the order to let the Jets score late in the fourth quarter last week included him not starting Sunday in Seattle. The defensive tackle, replaced by David Carter, played fewer snaps than normal in the game.

Dockett finished with two tackles and a quarterback hurry.

Dockett didn't address Whisenhunt's decision to not start him, but he did say his passion may get the better of him some days.

"I got a commitment to my teammates, to my defensive coordinator that I would do the best I can, play to the best of my ability," Dockett said. "So when I get on the field I just continue to play hard."

LINDLEY GETS ANOTHER CHANCE

After Skelton threw his fourth interception early in the third quarter, Whisenhunt relieved his starting quarterback of his duties in place of Ryan Lindley, who was demoted from last week's starter to this week's backup. Lindley was 8-of-17 passing for 58 yards in a little less than a half, but he felt better about his performance than last week's debacle in New York.

"When you get in a situation like that it's difficult and you just try to go out and work your craft, I guess," Lindley said.

Even though Lindley was replaced as the starter this week, he was able to glean a few benefits  from his experience against the Jets. He learned to let loose and trust himself by taking what the defense gives him. But when Lindley entered the game, the Seahawks held a 48-0 lead and there wasn't much he could do.

"You just want to get the guys going and finish the game," he said. "It's all about pride from that point. Just go in and play football."

WEDIGE MAKES NFL DEBUT

Scott Wedige was signed on Nov. 27 to be a safety net in case center Rich Ohrnberger – who replaced the injured Lyle Sendlein – ever went down.

Well, the rookie out of Northern Illinois helped catch the Cardinals when Orhnberger left the game in the second quarter with a knee injury. He later returned but Wedige was given his first playing time of his career.

"I wish the circumstances were better but you never forget the first time you ever play," Wedige said. "I felt I got a grasp of the offense real well but I'm not going to lie, I was nervous."

On Wedige's first snap, a miscommunication on the silent snap count led to a fumble that was recovered by quarterback John Skelton.

"I went on the first one instead of the second," Wedige said. "I messed up and it's alright. I'll be man enough to say I made a mistake. After that everything was fine."