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49ers-Packers: Richard Sherman describes going against Aaron Rodgers as a ‘chess match’
Jan 16, 2020 at 3:06 PM
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Richard Sherman has hauled in three playoff interceptions over his illustrious career. The latest one came on Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. It was his first since the 2014 season when he picked off Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the NFC Championship Game as a member of the Seattle Seahawks.
His other postseason interception, by the way, came the week before, against Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
Back to Rodgers, Sherman hopes for history to repeat itself on Sunday when his 49ers and the Packers meet at Levi's Stadium in the NFC Championship Game. Sherman knows it won't come easy, though. The veteran cornerback has a great deal of respect for Rodgers.
"He throws an incredible football," Sherman told reporters on Thursday. "He has a quick release. He's very accurate. He throws a great deep ball. He's mobile. He's great at creating. He's great at diagnosing defense(s). He has all the tools that you look for in an elite quarterback, and he's done it for a number of years."
Sherman has gone against Rodgers many times. He did so about seven weeks ago. How does the cornerback describe his competitions with Rodgers over the years?
"I'd say it's been intense," Sherman responded. "It's been very competitive, I guess, for lack of better words. We've played quite a few times, and the games are always good. There's rarely any blowouts one way or the other.
"But it's always a chess match with him, and you've got to pick your spots carefully."
Sherman has never lost an NFC Championship Game and hopes to make it 3-0 on Sunday. Is there a difference in preparing for such a significant matchup compares to other games?
"Not for me," Sherman answered. "It's nothing different. You've got to get your preparation. ... you've got to go out there and execute. It sounds boring and rudimentary, but honestly, that's what it comes down to. Either you're going to execute, or you're not.
"The people who treat this game as more than what it is, those are usually the people that lose."
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