Steelers' Patrick Peterson Considering Position Change
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers moves Patrick Peterson from cornerback to safety while they tried to deal with a number of injuries and a suspension at the position. And after just one game, the All-Pro defender believes it's a move that could stick.
Peterson started at safety for the first time this season, recording an interception in the team's win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He'll likely stay there in Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks with Minkah Fitzpatrick dealing with a knee injury and Damontae Kazee suspended for the remainder of the regular season.
Despite the move coming late in the season, Peterson said on his podcast All Things Covered that it's one he actually enjoyed and that suits his skills.
"I really feel like I’m a safety at heart because I’m a communicator," Peterson said. "I love to talk. So when I was put in that position, it was like, now you really have an opportunity to talk. Because at corner, you can say all you want to say, but you’re literally only talking to the people that’s on the side of the field that you’re on.
"Being at safety, you have the opportunity to have a dialogue with Joey. Have a dialogue with Levi [and S Eric Rowe]. The linebackers. Guys up front. It’s just something I love to do when I’m involved in the game. Honestly, I felt like it put me at a natural position."
There is no expectation for Peterson moving forward, but the position change may be permanent. The Steelers tested the veteran at safety throughout the season, but never fully utilized it in a game until last week.
Moving forward, with questions at the position, the future Hall of Famer believes it's the spot he'll play most as he extends his career.
"If I want to continue to play football, I think that is gonna be something that’s necessary for me," Peterson said. "But it’s gonna come down to me if I want to make that change, full-term."
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