Veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson is new to the Steelers-Ravens rivalry. While speaking to reporters on Friday, he shared admiration for a receiver he'll likely have to cover, another player who will experience the AFC North clash for the first time.
That praise for Zay Flowers was a bit backhanded, however.
“It’s going to be fun trying to keep our eye on that fast, little munchkin there,” Peterson said, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor.
"He's very shifty, very, very fast. He can get behind the defense. He's kind of like the guy that can do it all for him, run the screens, run the reverses and still also run the big post as well. So it's going to be fun trying to keep our eye on that fast, little munchkin there." https://t.co/svIIxJcyV3
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 6, 2023
“Little munchkin” jab aside, Peterson explained why Baltimore’s diminutive rookie is difficult to defend.
“He’s very shifty, very, very fast. He can get behind the defense,” the 13-year veteran added. “He’s kind of like the guy that can do it all for him, run the screens, run the reverses, and still also run the big post as well.”
Zay Flowers is SHIFTY. Filthy work here. pic.twitter.com/PU2indhMfM
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 10, 2023
a 55 yard missile from Lamar Jackson to Zay Flowers https://t.co/bMbobjpP9W pic.twitter.com/GaWJK5bn9M
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 18, 2023
The 5' 10" Flowers has indeed been impressive in his first four games with the Ravens (3–1), compiling 24 receptions for 244 yards (averaging 10.2 yards per catch). He leads Baltimore in catches and receiving yards, providing a big-play threat to an offense that's been desperately seeking one for years.
Peterson may be trying to belittle the rookie with his remarks. But even if he’s staying low, Flowers has obviously played well enough with his speed and moves to get on the Steelers’ (2–2) radar.
