The Arizona Cardinals will be without eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson for the first six games of the season in 2019. Obviously, this is a big blow to the defense, as no cornerback is targeted less by opposing quarterbacks.
However, they do have confidence in the players who now are expected to be starters.
They signed veteran Robert Alford back in February. They drafted Byron Murphy in the second round of the draft, a player they had ranked fifth overall on their draft board.
Alford likely now steps into that No. 1 role vacated by Peterson and Murphy likely will be the second starter. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s defensive scheme is built around having two guys who can rush the passer and two who can cover receivers man-to-man down the field.
In terms of talent, Alford and Murphy should be more than capable to handle the roles. Can they perfectly replace Peterson? No, but they both become very important players moving forward.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
