Patrick Peterson bemoaned the defense's lack of consistency this week, believing a few more key plays would have the Cardinals sitting at 2-2 instead of their current winless mark.

It's hard to point the finger at the Cardinals' star cornerback for any of the issues.

Peterson is having another excellent season as he aims for an eighth Pro Bowl in his eighth NFL season. He has 17 tackles – which puts him on pace for a career-high 68 – with an interception and a sack.

Teams are still mostly staying away from him, but when Peterson is targeted, he's allowing an NFL-low 30.1 passer rating, per Pro Football Focus. Peterson is the No. 2 graded cornerback in the NFL by PFF, behind only the Cowboys' Byron Jones.

While Peterson has immense physical gifts, defensive coordinator Al Holcomb said it's his preparation that has stood out.

"When I'm in front of the group installing or presenting, his eyes, it's like he's a rookie," Holcomb said. "He's just eating everything up."

Peterson said the turning point in his career came in 2014 when complications from diabetes impeded his physical performance. That's when he realized he needed to get more in tune mentally.

"I never want to be caught in a position to where I wasn't prepared," Peterson said. "From that season on, I've just always been dialed in, just making sure I do whatever I can to make sure I'm successful for myself, (and) help this team be successful."

WILKS 'HOPEFUL' NKEMDICHE AND GOLDEN CAN PLAY

Defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (foot) and defensive end Markus Golden (knee) didn't practice on Friday, although there is a chance they suit up on Sunday against the 49ers.

"I still think they're very hopeful for the game," coach Steve Wilks said.

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (hamstring/back), cornerback Bené Benwikere (neck), defensive tackle Corey Peters (elbow), cornerback Jamar Taylor (back/hamstring) and tackle John Wetzel (shoulder) were limited on Friday and are listed as questionable.

For the 49ers, running back Matt Breida (shoulder), cornerback Richard Sherman (calf), tackle Joe Staley (knee), cornerback Jimmie Ward (hamstring), wideout Marquise Goodwin (hamstring/quad), tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) and center Weston Richburg (knee) are questionable. Wide receiver Dante Pettis (knee) has been ruled out.

FIRST TOUCHDOWN COMPROMISE

Quarterback Josh Rosen's first career touchdown pass on Sunday against the Seahawks was also the first touchdown catch by receiver Chad Williams.

Both want the memento, and after Rosen initially said he deserved to hang onto the ball because of “finder’s keepers,” it seems a compromise was reached. Williams said on Friday the plan is to the cut the ball in half "hot dog style."

"I want half of the strings," Williams said.