Patrick Peterson hoping to prove naysayers wrong with Minnesota Vikings

After spending the first 10 seasons of his NFL career in Arizona, Patrick Peterson has a new home with the Minnesota Vikings. The eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback signed a one-year deal worth $8 million this offseason.

Peterson told NBC Sports he still wants to be seen an elite NFL cornerback. If anybody doubts that he can, he will prove them wrong.

“I want to prove not only to the naysayers, but to myself, that I can still do it at a very high level,” Peterson said. “I’m very motivated to do that. … I just want to go out there and show that I still can compete with the best. We got a top-five toughest schedule this year. Got an opportunity to see Davante Adams twice this year. We got Julio Jones and A.J. Brown in Tennessee. We got Tyler Lockett, D.K. Metcalf. The schedule is definitely set up for me.”

Peterson said coach Mike Zimmer was a big reason why he wanted to play for the Vikings. The former LSU defensive back liked what Zimmer had gotten out of star cornerbacks such as Deion Sanders, Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph.

Minnesota had a disappointing 2020 campaign, finishing just 7-9 and missing the postseason. The offense is loaded with stars at the skill positions such as running back Dalvin Cook and receivers Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.

The defense was another story. The Vikings finished 27th in the NFL in yards allowed and gave up the fourth-most points of any team. Adding Peterson to the unit will definitely help, and it’s important to note there were a lot of injuries to the defensive line that hindered potential.

Linebacker Eric Kendricks is potentially one of the best at his position. Expect the Vikings to improve tremendously as they fight to return to the playoffs.

Minnesota has one remaining preseason game against Kansas City on Friday. The Vikings lost their first two preseason contest. They open the regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 12.

Patrick Peterson had three interceptions and eight passes defended for the Cardinals last season and is hopeful that his first year with the Minnesota Vikings can be even better.