Rams CB Marcus Peters: 'I can stand up, I can play better'

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Marcus Peters isn't using a calf injury as an excuse for his performance this season.

Peters, in fact, owned up to his play after being torched by Michael Thomas and the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Peters watched as Thomas had 12 receptions for a franchise-best 211 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' 45-35 win over the Rams.

"I can stand up, I can play better, I've been playing [poorly] the last couple weeks and that's just being honest," the 25-year-old Peters said. "With me, I'm going to continue to fight and that's the type of player I am. ... You're going to get beat in football, but you go out there and you compete to the highest of your ability and [stuff] happens."

Peters sustained a calf injury in Week 3 but has not missed a game. Rather than cite the injury, he offered no excuses for a season in which he has registered 27 tackles and one interception.

"If I wasn't totally healthy, coach wouldn't put me out there," the 6-foot, 195-pound Peters said. "I had a bad couple weeks and I'll step up. I know I'm a top ... corner in this league and I ain't been playing like that. Put that on me."

Peters was among a number of high-profile offseason acquisitions for Los Angeles, which sent a pair of draft picks to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 18th overall pick by the Chiefs in the 2015 NFL Draft, Peters has recorded 178 tackles, 20 interceptions, six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in 54 career contests.