PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It was an emergency situation, but sometimes new opportunities are born from desperation. Steelers Patrick Peterson is a former Pro Bowl cornerback, but admits he enjoys playing safety and will likely do so again for Minkah Fitzpatrick at Seattle on Sunday.
“It was fun,” Peterson said with a smile. “It wasn’t as taxing on my body as it was being in front of a guy. We’ll see where it takes me.”
In the immediate future, it will take him right back to that spot. Fitzpatrick hasn’t practiced yet this week with a knee injury after missing the Cincinnati game as well. Peterson played 100% of the defensive snaps as lead safety with a key interception in the end zone along with a pass defended and a pair of tackles against the Bengals.
“I thought I fared pretty good,” Peterson said. “I didn’t have to make any open field tackles. In my option that’s what safety is going to come down to for me. I feel like I have exceptional ball skills to where I can track the ball wherever it is. It’s going to come down to getting those open field runners down when those opportunities present themselves.”
The reviews from his teammates were high.
“He seemed like a natural,” said linebacker Alex Highsmith. “The fact that he was out there having not played it all year, it shows how versatile of a player he is-whether he plays corner or safety.”
“It just shows what skill he has in this league,” said linebacker Mykal Walker. “He can do it all. His communication was great. He did a hell of a job.”
“Pat competes, but his preparation,” said defensive captain Cam Heyward. “Pat is a very smart guy. It’s not like he’s out of position a lot of times. I think that allows you to have that versatility, because you understand, not only what you are doing, but what is going on behind you as well.”
“Knowing the playbook inside and out, that’s why there is no panic when someone is asked to play a different position because we practice it and talk about it at meetings,” said defensive back Chandon Sullivan. “It was natural for him.”
“We didn’t have any worries about him going back at safety. He looked really good. He’s got to be careful, he might be stuck there the way he looked.”
That seems to be growing on Peterson. Mike Tomlin noted that they wanted to move Peterson around from the start of his Steelers career. He’s not willing to proclaim yet that he’s made a move to full-time safety, like several Hall of Fame corners have done, including former Steeler Rod Woodson.
“Absolutely, Pat is a smart football player,” said Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin when asked if he could be successful full-time. “He’s got good range. He understands the game. He’s sturdy enough to do it. You wouldn’t play him down in the box, but you would let him roam in the back. He can give you some coverage in slot. He has the ability to do it, yes.”
“I feel like I’m a safety at heart because I’m a big talker,” Peterson said. “I’m a communicator. Being at corner, it’s kinda hard to communicate with guys on the defensive side of the ball. Being at the safety position, that key part of communication feels very natural to me.”’
“We’ll see where it goes from here, but I really did feel comfortable. Felt great, made a couple of plays to help this defense be successful and ultimately help this team win a ballgame.”
He helped the Steelers win and may have found a way to extend his career and enhance his chances to join Woodson some day wearing a gold jacket.