Lions’ Julian Peterson, new role means fewer sacks

Julian Peterson had 4 1/2 sacks in his first season with the Lions. He might be hard-pressed to top that number in his second. Peterson is playing a different role on third downs this year. Used as a rush end in many passing situations last year, Peterson is now dropping into coverage as a nickel linebacker. “I’m just going back to what I used to do when I was in San (Francisco),” Peterson said. “I was pretty much like an extra (defensive back) almost. That’s what you’re playing, and just getting familiar with the routes again, jamming. Once you recognize routes, you can sort of be like a Derrick Brooks almost. Once you get good enough, you can start stealing routes. That’s what I’m trying to get back to there.” — Detroit Free Press