On Friday, the AP All-Pro teams were announced and the Arizona Cardinals have a pair of representatives. However, it night not be who you expect. Patrick Peterson was named to the first team All-Pro team as a kick returner. Receiver Larry Fitzgerald was named an All-Pro, but was not on the first team.
Fitzgerald was named to the second team. The two first teamers are Detroit Lion Calvin Johnson and New England Patriot Wes Welker. While we here in Arizona are definitely partial to Fitz and believe in our hearts that he is the best receiver in football, it is understandable that both Johnson and Welker get the nod over him.
Fitz had 80 receptions for 1411 yards, which is pretty solid. Welker led the league in catches with 122 (!). Johnson had 96 receptions for an eye-popping 1681 yards and 16 touchdowns.
On paper, they had better years. Granted, with Tom Brady and Matthew Stafford throwing the ball, it is understandable.
Peterson made the first team as a kick returner, ahead of Devin Hester, who made the second team. He is the only rookie on the first team.
Certainly he deserves it. He returned four punts for touchdowns, all of which were at least 80 yards. the four TD returns tied a league record and in almost every case they were the difference between winning and losing a game for the Cardinals.
While it is great honor to see him recognized for his special teams play, just as he also made the Pro Bowl as a returner, it will be even sweeter if he can improve his craft at cornerback to the same level. That would make him a truly special player and he could then viable be put in the same sentence and conversation as Deion Sanders.
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