Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson has conceded that he needs to play better than he has done through the first five games of the NFL season.

Peterson has given up an opposing passer rating of 132.4 when targeted this season and he has also allowed four touchdowns in coverage, which is tied for third-most in the league.

"[Scrutiny] comes with the territory. By being the highest paid cornerback in the league and being recognized as being one of the top cornerbacks," Peterson said, the Arizona Republic reports.

"Is that something I might shy away from? Not at all. Is that something I'm scared of? Am I worried about the concerns or the criticism I'm getting so far this season? Not at all because we have 11 more games to go."

Despite the 24-year-old's struggles, the Cardinals remain top of the NFC West ahead of the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.