04/16/24
January 20, 2014
SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle:
A place to discuss the sports stories that aren't making news, share links that aren't quite front-page material, and diagram plays on your hand. Remember to count to five Mississippi before commenting in anger.
Posnanski's commentary does not address the fact that 99% of all NFL players handle postgame on-the-field interviews without making an ass of themselves.
I'm not outraged by Sherman's antics, but it was sad to see him care more about settling petty grudges than celebrating with his teammates. His play on that pass was one for the history books. I'm convinced it gets caught if he doesn't get his hand on it.
You are the best cornerback in the NFL, Richard. Act like it.
posted by rcade at 12:02 PM on January 20, 2014
I still think this is the best amped-up-post-game NFL interview.
posted by grum@work at 12:12 PM on January 20, 2014
Posnanski's commentary does not address the fact that 99% of all NFL players handle postgame on-the-field interviews without making an ass of themselves.
99% of all NFL players who do postgame on-the-field interviews are QBs (extra media training) and/or players who haven't come directly off a big play. When was the last time you saw a cornerback get the mic thrust in his face?
There are some weird expectations at work for people in those particular roles to switch from Berserker Mode to Interview Mode in fifteen seconds. I frankly want more berserkers.
posted by etagloh at 06:42 PM on January 20, 2014
... and/or players who haven't come directly off a big play.
It wasn't directly off the play. The interception happened with :22 seconds left in the game. There were three kneel-downs and two timeouts to stop the clock, then 18 more seconds were run off. Sherman's interview was four minutes after the interception.
posted by rcade at 09:42 PM on January 20, 2014
I feel like any member of that secondary can say whatever they want. I was a fan of David Fulcher back in the day (tahoe can relate) and when I saw where Carroll was going with size, motor, and athleticism building that backfield unit, that got my attention. It is truly freaky to have a large man closing down space and making plays at speed the way they do.
Kind of reminds me of what Jim Valvano said after he won the NCAA hoops title in 1983. He was asked if he could put any kind of team on the floor, what would he go with. He said: "five guys 6'9" who can run, jump, and shoot". (He was probably thinking 5 Magic Johnsons, and who wouldn't have at that time).
Sherman has already left tire tracks all over Skip Bayless, so he's only a phone call away from getting a medal from the President for meritorious service to the en-tire nation even without going to the Super Bowl.
I'm loving rcade's timeline. Got that Dealey Plaza feel to it.
Folks who object to the Sherman moment might prefer the Ray Lewis interview with Earl Thomas. (And I find myself digging the post-competitive Ray Lewis way more than I expected to).
Because Sherman plays with Thomas and Chancellor, please note that Sherman called himself the best corner in the game. Not the best DB. We do not want to be ranking guys within that unit. Just let them be a fear factor unto themselves.
posted by beaverboard at 12:00 AM on January 21, 2014
I was a fan of David Fulcher back in the day (tahoe can relate)
Damn right. A safety--built like a linebacker with cornerback speed-- in the 80's? Fuggedaboutit. And that guy was a BEAST on Super TecmoBowl.
posted by tahoemoj at 11:16 AM on January 21, 2014
I'm loving rcade's timeline. Got that Dealey Plaza feel to it.
Now to find out who was on the "grassy knoll" with the teleprompter for Sherman.
posted by Howard_T at 02:23 PM on January 21, 2014
I'm loving rcade's timeline. Got that Dealey Plaza feel to it.
Erin Andrews' head went back and to the left.
posted by rcade at 03:21 PM on January 21, 2014
Great column by Posnanski about interviewing football players immediately after the game.
(Re: Richard Sherman's epic rant)