Week 2 of the NFL season will feature several return matchups, including new Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson facing off against his former team in the Arizona Cardinals.
Peterson signed with the Vikings in the offseason on a one-year deal worth $10 million. The veteran cornerback had spent the previous 10 seasons in Arizona, where he recorded 28 interceptions and was a notable eight-time Pro Bowler.
Even as Peterson will be playing at State Farm Stadium for the first time in his career as an opponent, he simply sees this matchup as any other game, but he would welcome an applause from the home fans.
“I’m not expecting anything,” Peterson said. “If it comes, I would definitely welcome it, but at the end of the day, it’s just a Week 2 game that I’m trying to prepare for and help my guys be in the best position possible to go out there and get the dub.”
Peterson had the arduous challenge of matching up against Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase in Week 1. Now, the three-time All-Pro selection is on par to face off against Cardinals star wideout DeAndre Hopkins, which is a challenge that he is much looking forward to, although he also sees that Minnesota's secondary will have a major task ahead to contain Arizona’s potent wideout unit.
“They have a lot of great receivers on that roster this year,” Peterson said. “Obviously [DeAndre Hopkins] is leading the way. A.J. Green has been an 11-year vet in this league — my draft mate. Christian Kirk had a great game last week, you know, but at the end of the day, every defense has an assignment and a responsibility.
“If we are able to do that to our full potential, then we’ll be able to make it out of downs.”
The Vikings will be looking to avoid an 0-2 start for the second straight season.
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