The NFL announced today that Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
DEFENSE: CB PATRICK PETERSON, ARIZONA CARDINALS
- Peterson had two fourth-quarter interceptions, including a 30-yard touchdown return, in the Cardinals’ 31-14 win over St. Louis. With the win, Arizona improved to 8-1 for only the third time in franchise history (1925, 1948).
- After the Cardinals went ahead 17-14 with 7:40 to go in the game, Peterson helped Arizona hold the lead by stopping the Rams on their next two drives with interceptions. On the second interception, he returned it 30 yards for a touchdown that gave the Cardinals a 10-point lead with 5:13 remaining.
- Since entering the NFL in 2011, Peterson has five return TDs (four PR-TD, one INT-TD). He has 14 career interceptions and is the only player in the NFL with at least 10 INTs and five return TDs since 2011.
- The Cardinals lead the NFL with 14 interceptions and the team’s +12 turnover differential is tied for first.
- Peterson has at least two interceptions in each of his first four seasons. The last two Cardinals to accomplish the feat are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame: LARRY WILSON (1960-63) & AENEAS WILLIAMS (1991-94).
- In his fourth year from Louisiana State, this is Peterson’s fourth career Player of the Week Award and second on Defense (Week 4, 2013). He has won twice on Special Teams (Weeks 9 and 12, 2011).
- Peterson is the only player to win multiple Player of the Week Awards for both Defense and Special Teams.
