All the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wanted was to find stability on their defensive secondary, given the injuries to their starting cornerbacks and safeties.
That need prompted quarterback Tom Brady to persuade Richard Sherman to join him.
But after playing in five games this season, the team ended his season by placing him on injured reserve again.
NFL players can only return from injured reserve once every season, and Sherman already made a comeback after recovering from a calf injury.
Didn’t go how I wanted it to but I’m grateful for the opportunity to strap it up again! Look forward to continuing this journey with my teammates and coaching my butt off. Thank you for all the support this season. The body gave all it had and I’m grateful.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) January 11, 2022
Even if he’s not playing anymore, Sherman made himself worthwhile by taking on coaching duties.
This transition can become an audition for a full-time coaching position.
After all, he has the attributes to be a successful defensive backs coach.
The Accidental Coach
Necessity seems to summarize Sherman’s stint with the Buccaneers.
He became an active player because Tampa Bay’s starters in the secondary couldn’t play.
Then, his coaching stint started when their coaches couldn’t join the team due to COVID-19.
Mentoring other players became natural to him because of specific attributes.
#Bucs HC Bruce Arians says that he told Richard Sherman that he's so happy that they signed him. He's meant a lot to many players on the team.
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) January 12, 2022
First, he has a vast knowledge and in-game experience so there’s no offensive formation he is yet to see.
That information helped him direct his teammates on where they must line up against the receivers and defend the play.
Second, Sherman is an accomplished player with five All-Pro and five Pro Bowl selections.
He also led the league in interceptions once and won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.
He doesn’t shy away from the competition, and he’d know what to do during specific situations.
New #bucs coach? Richard Sherman was at practice today after being placed on season ending IR yesterday. pic.twitter.com/rH2jYvjjfu
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) January 12, 2022
Likewise, his accolades should help him command respect from Tampa Bay’s defensive backs.
Finally, he is not afraid to communicate his thoughts, even if they could be harsh.
He will praise or criticize if needed to drive his point, helping the players improve their game.
Those three characteristics of Sherman will help facilitate a smooth transition to coaching once he decides to retire as a player.
Tough Road Ahead For The Buccaneers
It’s good that the Buccaneers have their starters back.
Sean Murphy-Bunting and Carlton Davis will bolster the team’s pass defense during the playoffs.
Ross Cockrell and Jamel Dean will also be ready once defensive coordinator Todd Bowles calls for their number.
But even if they already have championship experience from last season, they’ll still need the tips that Sherman will share because they can’t avoid slipping up.
𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 pic.twitter.com/NO6k2gfqLN
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) January 10, 2022
The second-seeded Buccaneers will play the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Wild Card Weekend, and they can’t be complacent as the home team.
While the run game is the Eagles’ strong suit on offense, Tampa Bay’s defensive backs must not neglect their opponent’s receivers.
DeVonta Smith had 916 receiving yards and five touchdowns during the regular season, while Quez Watkins is an emerging target for Jalen Hurts.
Stopping these two players will be no easy feat, but that’s where Sherman can help.
Finding out we got the No. 2 seed 🙏#GoBucs pic.twitter.com/WDjJEyrnOK
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) January 10, 2022
As a student of the game, he already knows how to attack the Eagles’ passing plays.
Once the game is over, and they’ve won, it’s back to the drawing board to prepare for another opponent.
That grind won’t be a problem because Sherman enjoys the mental preparation involved.
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