Patrick Peterson Talks Future with Vikings, Playoff Loss on Podcast
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson hosts a podcast called “All Things Covered” for CBS Sports alongside former NFL defensive back Bryant McFadden. In the latest episode of the podcast, Peterson talked about multiple topics regarding the Vikings, including Kirk Cousins’ 4th down throw at the end of their playoff loss to the Giants as well as his own future with the Vikings.
As Cousins was making his final pass of the 2022 season to T.J. Hockenson, Vikings fans could only sit in shock and awe as their QB, who had been clutch virtually all season long, reverted back to his long-criticized “checkdown” self in the direst of situations.
Peterson, too, apparently was stunned by the decision, and his only explanation for the play was that Cousins must have assumed it was 3rd down.
“When I saw it, the only thing I could think of… ‘He must have didn’t know what down it was’ … it just took me back because I was just shocked that we threw the ball 3 yards when we needed 8.”
Patrick Peterson on Kirk Cousins’ final throw vs. Giants
For a player that is about to turn 35 years of age and enter his 12th NFL season, hopefully this wasn’t the case. It’s much more defensible for Cousins to believe that Hockenson, a rather agile player for a tight end, would have been able to pick up the needed yardage than to flat out forget what down it was.
Either way, it’s a poor decision to make with the game, and season, on the line. Peterson being just as confused as the rest of us simply confirms that. However, the soon-to-be 33-year-old CB also had praises for Kirko during the podcast.
“I thought he was one of the top 10 quarterbacks all year long (in the NFL). He’s a guy that you can win with, for sure.”
Patrick Peterson on Kirk Cousins’ performance in 2022
Indeed, a major reason that the Vikings were in a position to host a playoff game in the first place is the fact that Cousins played very well throughout much of the 2022 season. Leading eight 4th quarter comebacks is nothing to scoff at and showed a clear change in Cousins’ mentality.
There is also some speculation around whether or not Peterson will return to the Vikings in 2023. He enters unrestricted free agency once again this offseason after signing a 1-year/$4 million contract to remain a Viking this past season.
The veteran CB has some thoughts on his potential future with the Vikings as well, and if you’re a fan of Peterson, you’ll like what he had to say:
I would love to be there in that purple & gold again & give it a run again just because I love the community there. I love the organization I love the new regime.. But we all know it’s a business”
Patrick Peterson on re-signing with the Vikings
After a somewhat disappointing season in 2021 for Peterson, he returned to the Vikings in 2022 and played one of the best seasons of his entire career. During the year, he recorded the most interceptions (5) and pass defenses (15) since 2012.
If Peterson can continue to produce at that level, it’s a no-brainer to bring him back on a reasonable deal. That being said, there’s no guarantee at a similar performance. Perhaps he dips back down to 2021 level, and the Vikings defense suffers.
Certainly, the future of Peterson is something to watch this offseason. A number of Vikings veterans will likely leave this offseason, and perhaps the veteran CB will be one of them. However, his stance is clear: if the Vikings want him, he’ll be around.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He also earned minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his opinions, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.