The first time Aaron Rodgers faced the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, the Green Bay Packers quarterback never once threw to a receiver covered by cornerback Richard Sherman. For Rodgers, the decision to stay away from Sherman's side of the field was one made out of respect, not fear. This Sunday, he doesn't plan on shying away from the cornerback in the NFC Championship.
Aaron Rodgers respects Richard Sherman, but doesn’t fear him
Aaron Rodgers didn’t target Richard Sherman once in Week 1, but says he doesn’t fear going after the All-Pro cornerback.
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In Week 1, the Packers kept Jordy Nelson lined up opposite Sherman and instead lined Jarrett Boykin and, on occasion, Davante Adams against Sherman. Boykin, despite receiving zero targets in the game, said that Sherman isn't "any different than any other corner" and "he's beatable."
On his weekly radio show on ESPN Wisconsin, Rodgers was much more complimentary and heaped praise on the All-Pro cornerback, but said he doesn’t plan on avoiding throws into Sherman territory.
“He’s a great cover guy, he’s very intelligent, he’s got great ball skills, he’s got very good timing with his technique and he knows how to cover people,” Rodgers said. “You have to be aware of him, not scared of him, but you have a ton of respect for him.”
Opposing quarterbacks finished the year with a 48.4 passer rating when targeting receivers covered by Sherman, and Cam Newton finished with a 33.3 rating when targeting Sherman in the Divisional round of the postseason last week.
Rodgers finished the season with 38 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 112.2 passer rating. Against the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday, he totaled 316 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
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