Bruce Arians calls Patrick Peterson the NFL’s best CB

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians is obviously very confident in cornerback Patrick Peterson.

On Wednesday, Arians was asked about the matchup between Peterson and Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Arians told Kent Somers of AZCentral.com “probably, in my opinion, the best corner in the league is going against the best receiver in the league.”

“Do we want to leave him out there one-on-one all day,” Arians asked. “No. But that’s going to happen. He’s going to have to win his share of the battles.”

In Johnson’s first game of the season, a 34-24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, he caught four passes for 37 yards, so obviously he’ll be hungry to top that performance.

The two matched up last year on December 16. The Lions were embarrassed by the Cardinals 38-10, but Johnson managed to catch 10 passes for 121 yards. Peterson had an interception that he returned 31 yards in the game.

Last season, Johnson had 122 receptions for 1,964 yards and five touchdowns. Peterson had 55 tackles, seven interceptions, 16 passes defended and a fumble recovery.

Kickoff from the University of Phoenix Stadium is scheduled for 4:05 pm EST.