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TEMPE, Ariz. -- To this point, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson has had a relatively quiet season. He ha’s been targeted 32 times in nine games and has allowed just 12 completions, according to Pro Football Focus. He’s getting thrown to once every 11.1 snaps in coverage and allowing a catch once every 29.7, the best rate in the league. And he has allowed one or zero catches in five of his nine games this season. Quarterbacks like to stay away from him. But he thinks that’s all about to change Sunday when he shadows Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. “I know I’m going to get work,” Peterson said. “I’m expecting work and it’s something I’m looking forward to.” But Peterson isn’t just looking forward to facing Hopkins. He’s relishing the opportunity. “For a defensive back, getting the opportunity to go up against a top-three wide receiver, it’s almost like my Super Bowl,” Peterson said. Peterson isn’t the only one who’s looking forward to the matchup. “I’m excited to see it,” defensive coordinator James Bettcher said. “I think anybody that loves the game of football is going to love to see that thing on the outside go on.” The proof that he’s in for a busy afternoon is all in the numbers, Peterson said. Hopkins leads the NFL with 108 targets, of which he has caught 58 (fifth in the league) for 803 yards (second) and eight touchdowns (first). Peterson is planning on at least eight targets Sunday. Hopkins is the type of matchup Peterson prefers, in large part because he knows he’ll be busy all game. It’ll also be an opportunity for Peterson to face a top-tier receiver for the first time. “This matchup is definitely something that gets me up because I know that I‘m going to get work Sunday,” Peterson said. Peterson thinks he matches up well with Hopkins. The two are nearly identical in stature. Both are 6-foot-1. Peterson is 203. Hopkins is 210. Both, Peterson said, are physical and play with their hands, which leads Peterson to believe there will be “a lot of flags being thrown.” “He’s not going to shy away and I’m not going to shy away,” Peterson said. “[There’s] going to be a lot of hand fighting.” Since it’s the first time the Cardinals have seen Hopkins since his rookie season of 2013, Peterson has spent more time than usual studying him this week. Peterson has noticed that Hopkins begins his catching motion late, on purpose, so defensive backs can’t get their hands through the ball. Hopkins also uses his body well to catch passes, Peterson said, again to prevent defensive backs from getting to the ball. And Peterson was impressed with Hopkins' field recognition and athleticism. Peterson can’t remember facing a receiver with Hopkins’ prowess on downfield, 50-50 passes. In Hopkins, he has seen a mix of three receivers. “Honestly, he has similarities to Julio Jones as far as his strength,” Peterson said. “His unorthodox catching reminds me a lot of Brandon Lloyd, to take you guys back a little bit. And his competitive edge is a little bit of Dez Bryant. “He’s a great athlete and there’s no doubt about it. He has very, very exceptional speed. He’s a guy that you can tell he wants to be great. He want to be involved with the game plan. No matter who’s covering him, he wants the ball. He wants to have that opportunity to make plays and he’s going to have that opportunity Sunday. I know I got my plate full and I’m quite sure I’ll be ready to play.” Peterson thinks he has the upper hand Sunday. He has faced star receivers before, but he wasn’t sure if Hopkins has faced a cornerback with Peterson’s ability to “show him different looks at times.” Peterson expressed pride in his technique, which included having his shoulders squared at the line of scrimmage, being able to throw off the timing of the play at the snap. “There are not many cornerbacks that can do that in this league,” Peterson said. As the cameras and microphones were walking away from his locker, Peterson, never one to lack in confidence, left them with one last thought about facing Hopkins: “Bring your popcorn. Should be a fun one.”
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