New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has identified Patrick Peterson as a key threat going into their game with the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday.

Cardinals cornerback Peterson is in fine form, having accumulated four tackles and a pass defended, as well as a 17-yard reception and a 17-yard completion in a win over the Detroit Lions last weekend.

Payton is aware of the impact Peterson could have, telling neworleanssaints.com: "He is a rare athlete. He's explosive so we need to have a game plan in special teams devoted just to punt coverage.

"It is one thing to have the size and speed, but when you put ball skills along with a guy that catches the ball extremely well - those are all great qualities you don't want to see in a player on the other team. He's a receiver and a corner; they are exceptional skillsets."

Payton's Saints have won both their games so far, beating the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.