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NFL Arizona Cardinals

Patrick Peterson Will Be X-Factor For Arizona Cardinals In Week 11

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Patrick Peterson

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In a matchup between two of the top teams in the NFC, defense will be the decisive factor in this tilt. The game features a matchup between two of the premiere players at their positions in Calvin Johnson and Patrick Peterson. The pressure will be on Peterson to contain Johnson, and that is why he will need to be the X-Factor for the Arizona Cardinals if they wish to beat the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Points may be hard to come by. The Lions boast one of the best defenses in the entire NFL, ranking third in opponent passing yards and second in opponent rushing yards. With Drew Stanton now at the helm for the Cardinals and Andre Ellington suffering through a hip injury this week, points could be at a premium in Arizona.

Yes, Stanton is 3-0 this year in games he has started, but he hasn’t gone up against a defense like the Lions. With so much uncertainty offensively, they will have to rely on their defense, specifically their pass defense, to keep them in the game. The Cardinals’ pass defense has been weakest part of their team this season, and they get to welcome one of the best catch-passing duos in the NFL. Johnson returned from injury last week and looked like his old self, hauling in seven catches for 113 yards and one touchdown.

The Lions’ offense hasn’t been nearly as explosive this season as in year’s past, but the talent is still there. Peterson will have to be on top of his game Sunday as he will likely be following Johnson wherever he goes on the field. Peterson possesses the unique skill set that allows him to be a game changer when he gets his hands on the football. Matthew Stafford is prone to interceptions, and he often forces throws to Johnson with the assumption that he will win most 50-50 balls. Peterson is one of the few corners who can match Johnson’s size and athletic ability, so it wouldn’t be outrageous to see Peterson with an interception, or maybe a defensive touchdown.

With a potential defensive battle looming during, the Cardinals will need the best out of their best defensive player, Patrick Peterson.

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