Richard Sherman has a lofty goal for this season
Oct 5, 2012, 5:56 PM | Updated: 6:20 pm
By Brady Henderson
Most defenders would consider two interceptions in his team’s first four games a strong start – unless you’re Richard Sherman.
 Richard Sherman |
The Seahawks cornerback told “Bob and Groz” this week that he’s set his sights on double digits, a lofty goal for a perennial Pro Bowler let alone someone in just his second NFL season. It hasn’t been done since Antonio Cromartie picked off 10 passes in 2007.
“Ten’s my number,” Sherman said. “[I’m] slightly behind.”
In Week 1 Sherman picked off John Skelton, making an acrobatic catch on the sidelines on a ball that the Cardinals quarterback appeared to be throwing away. Last week against the Rams he took advantage of some miscommunication between quarterback Sam Bradford and his intended receiver for a much easier interception.
Sherman led all rookies last season with four interceptions. And while opposing quarterbacks might have tested him anyway, figuring they could take advantage of a fifth-round rookie who looked too big to play cornerback, that apparently isn’t the case this season. At least not with Dallas’ Tony Romo, who approached Sherman with a compliment after the Seahawks’ Week 2 win over the Cowboys.
“He just said he tried to stay away from me. He saw me on film [and] I looked great on film,” Sherman said.
Sherman was beat for a long completion last week by St. Louis’ Chris Givens, who’s the type of speedy receiver that can give a bigger cornerback like Sherman trouble. It won’t get any easier this week with Carolina’s Steve Smith, who’s 33 years old and still one of the game’s top deep threats.
Sherman has two of Seattle’s three interceptions this season, a total that could be padded on Sunday. Carolina’s Cam Newton has thrown five interceptions this season after throwing 17 last season, the sixth-most in the NFL. And, as coach Pete Carroll noted Friday, the Panthers are 0-11 in games in which Newton is picked off.
