The best cornerbacks are mad scientists. They come onto the field with fanatical scouting and preparation. They know every possible thing about the receivers they cover, and the offensive concepts they’re about to face. And then, when it’s time to make the big play, they take their acumen and combine it with their world-class physical attributes to get things done.
Very few cornerbacks have gotten it done more than 12-year veteran Patrick Peterson did in the Minnesota Vikings’ 33-30 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills in Sunday’s Game of the Year. Peterson intercepted two Josh Allen passes — one in the fourth quarter, and one in overtime — and both in the red zone.
“When you can watch Pat Pete, the greatest to do it, it’s amazing,” rookie cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. said. “He makes plays like that consistently. We expect that. It’s not a ‘wow’ thing; he’s gonna come through every time.”
Linebacker Eric Kendricks agreed.
“That’s All-Pro Pat, you know what I mean? He’s been doing it for the longest time, and he’s one of the best players there ever was in the NFL in my opinion. He’s really hitting his stride. Let’s see what he does the rest of the year.”
Those interceptions pointed to a problem Allen has had with red zone risks all season, but there’s more to it than Allen failing when it matters most. As Peterson detailed in his weekly “All Things Covered” podcast with former Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Bryant McFadden, the sheer amount of tape study and tendency work that goes into such a two-interception game is pretty extreme.
You can watch the entire episode here, and check out how Peterson first changed, and then finished, the game.