The harm bug bit the Bucs repeatedly in 2021. The cornerback place felt the brunt of it early within the season, which left the entrance workplace looking for solutions. A type of potential solutions ended up being five-time Professional Bowl choice Richard Sherman, who was signed to a one-year deal after spending the early a part of the season as a free agent.
Sherman was wanted immediately. He performed 98% of the Bucs’ defensive snaps towards the Patriots simply days after signing. He then performed two extra video games earlier than struggling an harm that stored him out till December. The veteran nook ultimately returned and noticed temporary motion in a few video games late within the season.
However he largely labored in a mentorship/teaching function for the younger cornerbacks in Tampa Bay’s locker room. That was a job he was particularly good at. He even wore a headset for the Bucs’ 38-3 win over the Bears in October whereas the group had coaches lacking as a result of COVID-19 circumstances.
Bucs CB Richard Sherman and S Antoine Winfield, Jr. – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
Not way back, it grew to become clear that Sherman would transition into broadcasting when his taking part in days got here to an finish. And in a Tuesday night time look on NFL Network, he confirmed that he shall be working as a part of Amazon’s NFL broadcasting crew this season. The 34-year-old did, nonetheless, say he could be staying in form in order that he may very well be prepared if a group comes calling for him late within the season.
“I’m nonetheless leaving that door open, , so long as I can. I’m clearly gonna preserve coaching and keep in form,” Sherman mentioned. “However you’ve obtained to take the alternatives after they’re there. That is [an] superb alternative with Amazon, so I couldn’t go it up. However I’m gonna go away that door open. If anyone needs to name [in] late December they usually want some assist, [I’m] joyful to assist.”
Bucs To Blame For Sherman’s Harm-Riddled 2021 Season?
Bucs CB Richard Sherman – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
Sherman’s tenure with the Bucs was short-lived, particularly by way of his on-field function. With accidents to Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay introduced Sherman in for its Week 4 matchup in Foxboro towards the Patriots. After simply three days of observe, he performed a serious half within the protection.
His tasks grew even greater, too, when Carlton Davis III went down throughout the sport. It was a troublesome place to be in. Nevertheless, Sherman made probably the most of it, recovering a fumble and recording seven tackles. The Bucs received, 19-17, to present Tom Brady a victory over his former group and enhance their report to 3-1.
After taking part in such a excessive proportion of snaps in that Week 4 win, he as soon as once more performed 98% of the protection’s snaps in Week 5. The Bucs received that sport, 45-17, over the Dolphins. The next week, Sherman left the group’s 28-22 win over the Eagles with a hamstring harm. He didn’t return till a Week 14 over the Payments. In that sport, he got here by means of along with his lone interception as a member of the Bucs. He then hit injured reserve once more in January, ending his eleventh NFL season early.
In his look on NFL Community, he appeared to throw a little bit of blame the Bucs’ manner for his hamstring harm. It was out of necessity, after all, however the group did have him play three video games in 12 days instantly after signing. When requested about his well being proper now, he mentioned he has one thing left to present if a group places him in the appropriate place. That was when he hinted that the Bucs might have put him in a not-so-favorable place.
“I’m good to go. So long as they don’t throw me in there for 3 straight video games recent off the streets, I’ve obtained one thing within the tank,” Sherman mentioned. “However proper now, I’m actually excited and targeted on this Amazon alternative. It’s the primary time you get to speak the sport [and] really feel the environment.”
