In March, cornerback Patrick Peterson joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, signing a two-year contract. He'll look to make an impact on Sunday against second-year quarterback Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers.
Speaking on the "All Things Covered" podcast this week, Peterson made a prediction for the Week 1 contest.
"There is some tell signs out there that tells us what plays we're gonna get from those guys in certain situations," Peterson shared, per Pro Football Talk. "When I get my pick Sunday, we'll talk about it."
Naturally, after Thursday's practice, the 49ers quarterback was asked about Peterson's comments. Purdy took the high road rather than fire back at the Steelers defender.
"I mean, I don't really know what to say about that," Purdy told reporters. "I mean, he's a good player. Patrick Peterson's a great player. I grew up watching him and everything. I was obviously from Arizona, he played for the Cardinals and stuff. So yeah, it's the competitive nature, I guess, of football, so we'll see."
"Patrick Peterson is a great player, grew up watching him & everything. I was from Arizona & he played for the Cardinals. It's the competitive nature of football so, we'll see."
Brock Purdy on PIT CB Patrick Peterson saying 49ers offense has "tells" & he'll intercept him. 👀 pic.twitter.com/zVW6TWGWhQ
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) September 8, 2023
Purdy appeared in nine regular-season games last season, starting five. In 170 pass attempts, the then-rookie quarterback tossed 13 touchdowns compared to only four interceptions. Purdy made 63 pass attempts in the playoffs, throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Purdy got the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game before suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. While most were impressed by Purdy's performance down the stretch, Peterson believes the young quarterback still needs to prove himself.
"He just do a great job of putting the ball where it needs to go and not making many mistakes," Peterson said, per 95.7 The Game. "We're gonna have to force him to be a professional quarterback."