Once Richard Sherman batted the ball that was intercepted by Malcolm Smith in the endzone to put an end to the NFC Championship game against the 49ers, there was little doubt as to what the most intriguing part of Super Bowl 48 would be. The chess match between Sherman and arguably the greatest Quarterback to ever play the game, Peyton Manning but what Sherman did in the subsequent interview was put the onus directly on himself heading into the biggest game of the year.
You see, those two are more alike than most would ascertain. Both pride themselves on being students of the game, tirelessly watching and studying video. In Sherman’s case it started early while at Stanford where he began his collegiate career as a wide receiver leading the Cardinal in receptions as a freshman and receiving yards as a sophomore, before asking to be moved to the defensive side of the ball and even though his request would be granted, Sherman would have to work diligently to work his way up the defensive backs pecking order. Here is where he truly began to hone his skills and put his photographic memory to great use.
Sherman admittedly tries to bait quarterbacks into believing they are seeing exactly what they want to see whether it’s press man to man coverage or a zone scheme because of his relentless preparation. It will be interesting to see how the Broncos align their wide receivers throughout the game because Sherman normally sticks to his one side of the field. No one will ever question Manning’s confidence to get the ball to whichever receiver he desires but if Seattle’s front 7 could even slightly disrupt the all-important timing aspect of the Broncos passing game it will play right into the hands of Sherman and his “Legion of Boom” counterparts as they thrive off physicality.
Keith Donerson, Sherman’s high school football coach once said “Richard never wanted to be average or good. He wanted to be great in everything he did.” So far so good for the Compton, CA native and with one more great performance he could possibly add Super Bowl Champion to his already impressive resume.
Wilson Caicedo: PureSportsNY