Seahawks DC Kris Richard owns up to role in defensive breakdowns, Richard Sherman’s outburst

Four days later, Richard Sherman’s outburst on the sidelines in the Seahawks’ win over the Falcons was still a big topic of discussion at team headquarters.

Defensive coordinator Kris Richard, who played a significant role in that chaotic scene (which you can see in this video), took his turn answering questions from the media about it on Thursday and even owned up to responsibility for the breakdowns, both on defense and off the field, that took place last Sunday.

“Working my hardest to be a better coach, because that’s really what it comes down to,” Richard said when asked what is being done to correct the miscommunications that led to three Falcons touchdowns in the third quarter. “I’m responsible, I’m responsible for that. Again, when things go wrong out there, I’m the first one. I look right into myself to see where I can improve as a coach to make sure our guys will not be put in that position.

“… Everybody on this football team cares about doing really good. It’s our responsibility as a coaching staff, but I look to myself to make sure that I’m doing everything that I can to make sure that those situations do not happen.”

That being said, Richard was still taken aback by Sherman’s reaction, even while acknowledging how passionate Sherman can be.

“I’m very happy to see his passion again. He’s always been such a passionate player, but I was surprised. We have to know that we have to respond better. We have to respond better. Everybody hurts in those situations right there. In the light of it, what could I have done better is where I’m going with it, absolutely.”

He also said he could have kept his own cool a little better.

“Calmer heads prevail. I’m very hard on our guys. I’m very hard on them, I coach them hard. In light of those situations right there, maybe I need to calm down. Just relax, take it all within itself. We all understand and know that nobody wants to harm this defense.”

As for Richard’s relationship with Sherman, he said it was not strained by last weekend’s events – though he couldn’t resist a joke about the situation.

“No, we haven’t spoken ever since,” Richard said through a laugh when asked if he had smoothed things over with Sherman. “Of course we have. It’s a great, valuable learning experience for everybody. I think the one thing that we absolutely will lay our hat on is the way we all responded. Like I said, the law of love and brotherhood came through and it showed itself strong. Everybody was not willing to let it go. Everybody was not willing to let go of what we have, and we’re all willing to do what it takes to make sure we keep propelling and getting better every day.”

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