3 reasons why Patrick Peterson will help the Vikings return to the playoffs

His leadership will help Minnesota’s young secondary take great strides

Patrick Peterson has been a starter in the NFL since the very first time he stepped on the field for the Cardinals back in 2011. Peterson has appeared in all 16 regular-season games in nine of his 10 years in the league, so he’s faced a ton of different quarterbacks and offenses.

Vikings corners Cameron Dantzler and Jeff Gladney appear to have a bright future in the NFL if they continue to take the necessary steps to improve. The addition of Peterson to Minnesota’s roster should help the progression of this young cornerback duo remain on the right path.

While Dantzler and Gladney can help Peterson adjust to the Vikings’ defensive scheme, the veteran corner can help the younger guys with things like the tendencies of opposing quarterbacks and what tactics to use when covering specific receivers.

There were several times last season when Minnesota’s defense, especially the secondary, just looked lost out on the field. Inexperience played a big part in this being the case, and even though he will be adjusting to some new defensive concepts, Peterson should still be able to help make sure guys are in the right spots out on the field.

There’s a chance that this could just be a one-and-done year for Peterson in the Twin Cities. But what he is able to teach Dantzler and Gladney next season could go on to help them succeed for the rest of their careers.