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2014 NFL Playoffs: Each Teams Key Player

By Evan Massey

Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) prepares for a game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) prepares for a game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Cardinals, Patrick Peterson

At one point in the season, the Arizona Cardinals were the hottest football team in the NFL and were looking like locks to end up winning the first seed in the NFC. Unfortunately, injuries to both Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton knocked them all the way down to the fifth seed with the playoffs having arrived.

Due to the injuries that occurred to the quarterbacks, the Cardinals are going to have to depend on their defense to win them football games. Star cornerback Patrick Peterson is the key player to watch defensively, and he will be asked to make some plays to make a run at defeating the Carolina Panthers in the wildcard round of the playoffs. If he doesn’t come through, the Cardinals are going to struggle, and might end up getting knocked out immediately.

Peterson has shown the ability to make plays both defensively and on special teams in the past, and that needs to happen during the playoffs this year.

Arizona still has a chance to remain in playoff contention, but their offense isn’t going to be able to carry them. The defensive end of the field is going to be where they win and lose games, and Peterson is the leader of the Cardinals’ defense moving forward.

Next: Carolina Panthers, Cam Newton

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