Seattle Seahawks’ hopes of winning Super Bowl vanish after Richard Sherman injury
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Matt Calkins, Seattle Times columnist
Published 12:27 a.m. MT Nov. 10, 2017
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers, McManaman break down loss to Seahawks | 3:18
Cardinals insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman on the team’s loss to Seattle on Thursday night.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arians, Stanton and Fitzgerald on Cardinals’ loss | 1:32
Cardinals coach Bruce Arians, quarterback Drew Stanton and receiver Larry FItzgerald discuss Arizona’s 22-16 loss to the Seahawks on Thursday night. Sean Logan/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cardinals vs. Seahawks preview | 10:16
Before the Cardinals and Seahawks kickoff, what you need to know from Dan Bickley and Kent Somers Sean Logan/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Cards-Seahawks: ADOT advises Stanton | 2:00
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley make predictions for Thursday night’s Cardinals vs. Seahawks game in Glendale.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Drew Stanton on advice from Palmer, facing Seahawks | 1:02
Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton discusses advice from Carson Palmer and facing the Seahawks this week after Monday’s practice. Johanna Huckeba/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bickley, Somers discuss Cardinals ‘ugly’ win | 3:26
Dan Bickley and Kent Somers discuss the Cardinals’ 20-10 win over San Francisco live from Kent Somers/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Cards, Stanton slim pick in SF | 2:05
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley set the stage for Sunday’s Cardinals vs. 49ers game.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Predictions for the Cardinals-49ers game on Sunday | 3:25
Kent Somers and Bob McManaman from azcenral sports talk about the Arizona Cardinals’ practice this week as the team prepares for the San Francisco 49ers. Patrick Breen/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cardinals Bettcher and Goodwin speak before game against the 49ers on Sunday | 1:30
Arizona Cardinals coaches James Bettcher and Harold Goodwin talk defense and expectations for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers. Patrick Breen/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Cards under pressure to find QB | 1:59
azcentral sports’ Mark Faller and Kent Somers discuss the Cardinals’ ongoing search for a quarterback.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers, McManaman sum up Cardinals practice on Halloween | 3:25
Kent Somers and Bob McManaman on the Cardinals’ return to practice after their off week and discuss the implications of their stars not returning this season. || Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Cards despair? 49ers land big QB | 1:56
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss the latest on the Arizona Cardinals.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Hope for the Cardinals? | 2:00
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Kent Somers discuss a critical stretch of the season for the Arizona Cardinals.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cardinals QB Carson Palmer injury update | 1:38
Carson Palmer’s broken arm suffered against the Rams was supposed to sideline the Cardinals quarterback for eight weeks. Will it? Bob McManaman from azcentral sports updates. Rob Schumacher/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Kent Somers’ and Dan Bickley’s postgame report from London | 2:46
Kent Somers and Dan Bickley discuss the Cardinals loss to the Rams this week in London, U.K. Kent Somers, Dan Bickley
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cardinals vs Rams in London | 8:00
Dan Bickley and Kent Somers from London with what to know before kickoff in the Cardinals and Rams game Sunday morning.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cardinals vs. Rams in London: Dan Bickley and Kent Somers preview | 2:31
The Arizona Cardinals have been getting used to London for several days in advance of Sunday’s game against the LA Rams at Twickenham Stadium. Dan Bickley and Kent Somers from azcentral sports offer a hint at what to expect. azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald | 1:17
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald talks about how running back Adrian Peterson has changed the dynamics of the Cardinals offense. Kent Somers/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arizona Cardinals Tyrann Mathieu | 0:32
Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu talks about how the L.A. Rams, and quarterback Jared Goff, have improved their offense this season. Kent Somers/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Kent Somers with the Cardinals in London | 2:53
The Cardinals are practicing in ‘football weather’ in London: Overcast, chilly and windy. Kent Somers from azcentral sports breaks down the day with the Cardinals in the U.K. and updates the Cardinals injury report. Kent Somers/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bruce Arians talks about game vs. Rams in London | 0:46
Cardinals coach Bruce Arians addressed the media in London on Wednesday.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Takeaways From the NFL Owners Meetings With Albert Breer and Seth Wickersham | 6:11
In Pro Football Now Extra, the MMQB’s Albert Breer and ESPN’s Seth Wickersham discuss their biggest takeaways from the NFL owners meetings where the primary subject was player protests around hte league during the national anthem. Time_Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Adrian Peterson talks about opportunity with Cardinals | 0:48
The Cardinals running back addressed the media on Wednesday in London.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Carson Palmer discusses plan in London | 0:45
The Cardinals QB addressed the Media in London on Wednesday.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Kent Somers from Cardinals practice in London | 3:33
azcentral sports’ Kent Somers has the latest on the Cardinals from London.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Bruce Arians on Adrian Peterson’s impact on Cardinals | 1:01
Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians says his team has extra spring in their step thanks to the play of running back Adrian Peterson. Michael Chow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Monday report: London calling Cardinals | 1:38
Cardinals Insider Bob McManaman reports from the team’s training facility in Tempe. Michael Chow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Shot Clock: Turning point for ASU, Cardinals? | 2:18
azcentral sports’ Mark Faller and Doug Haller react to the big football victories for Arizona teams last weekend.
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arizona Cardinals top Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2:45
After the Cardinals held on for a 38-33 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, azcentral sports’ Dan Bickley and Kent Somers talk about what the win means for the team going forward. Thomas Hawthorne/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Arizona Cardinals on the win over the Buccaneers | 1:31
Cardinals players Larry Fitzgerald, Adrian Peterson and Carson Palmer and coach Bruce Arians talk about the team’s 38-33 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Thomas Hawthorne/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Recapping Cardinals’ 38-33 win over Buccaneers | 1:46
Sarah McLellan and Bob McManaman recap the Arizona Cardinals’ 38-33 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium. Sarah McLellan/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Carson Palmer analyzes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 0:54
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer analyzes their next opponent, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Michael Chow/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Somers, McManaman on offensive line changes at practice | 2:50
Cardinals insiders Kent Somers and Bob McManaman talk changes they think are coming to left and right guard and how Fitzgerald says he got his black eye. Cheryl Evans/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST CARDINALS AND NFL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS Cardinals offensive coordinator excited to have Adrian Peterson | 1:29
Harold Goodwin, Cardinals offensive coordinator, is excited to have new addition and veteran running back Adrian Peterson as part of the team. Cheryl Evans/azcentral.com
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Shot Clock: Cards despair? 49ers land big QB
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Cardinals QB Carson Palmer injury update
Kent Somers’ and Dan Bickley’s postgame report from London
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Richard Sherman’s quotes have ranged from funny, to absurd, to insightful, to inspiring.
He is a walking sound bite built for anyone with a microphone or tape recorder.
But the three words he uttered from the sideline during the third quarter Thursday are his most resonant to date.
“Tore my Achilles’,” he said.
Good luck finding many 12s celebrating the Seahawks’ 22-16 win over the Cardinals. That evening put a lump in their stomachs more so than it did joy in their hearts.
Sherman, who teared up while addressing the media after the game, is out for the season. And he likely took his team’s championship hopes with him.
“I don’t even know how to address this right now,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. “He has been just a bastion of consistency, competitiveness and toughness — just an extraordinary, iconic player in this league. We’re going to miss the heck out of him.”
Can you picture a Seahawks game without Richard Sherman in uniform? It’s awfully difficult considering he hasn’t missed a game in his 6½-year NFL career. Thursday was his 105th consecutive game and 99th career start.
But it isn’t his sturdiness that turned the cornerback into one of the most recognizable figures in the game. It was the combination of brashness, thoughtfulness and peerless ability.
Sherman knew his team needed him out on the field. If there has been one weakness in Seattle’s defense this year, it lies with whichever cornerback has lined up opposite Sherman. Whether it’s Shaq Griffin, Jeremy Lane or Justin Coleman, the Seahawks (6-3) lack panic-inducing talent on that side of the field.
Remember when those Sherman trade rumors were swirling this past offseason? There was a time when it seemed like it might actually happen. But given the lack of depth at cornerback, dealing him was never a practical option.
This isn’t 2013, when the Seahawks could have turned to Brandon Browner, Byron Maxwell or Walter Thurmond — among others — to fill in for No. 25. Obviously none of those guys possessed Sherman’s talent, but they were capable enough where the drop-off might not have been substantial.
And those Super Bowl Seattle teams also had a more potent offense to take some of the pressure off the D. This one does not.
That’s part of the reason why Sherman kept playing despite his Achilles’ bothering him since the Rams game in Week 5. He said he knew he would probably rupture it at some point, but there was no way team doctors could talk him out of playing.
“Every game matters. You go out there and play for your teammates. You give them all you got. They deserve it,” said Sherman, who felt his Achilles’ pop on a cut while covering Cardinals receiver John Brown. “We were kind of beat up at corner anyway. I didn’t want to leave the young guys out there and leave them in tough spots.”
One has to be wary of living in the moment, but this injury feels catastrophic. This Seahawks squad has never really felt dominant this season, and it just lost its second-best defensive player behind Earl Thomas.
The better NFL quarterbacks tend to find a way to post big numbers on Seattle, as DeShaun Watson proved last month and a slew of others proved last year. Imagine their salivation levels knowing another side of the field just opened up.
Whether this injury is a result of the short rest that comes before a Thursday night football game is hard to say. Perhaps a few extra off days would have helped. We can’t know, but given Sherman has been a most vocal critic of TNF, this feels particularly frustrating.
When Thomas broke his leg before the final quarter of last season, the Seahawks never recovered. Losses to the Packers and the Cardinals — who scored 38 and 34 points, respectively — cost them the No. 2 seed, which led to a whooping at the hands of Matt Ryan in Atlanta.
Would Sherman missing the rest of the year have similar ramifications? Absolutely. In fact, I’d be shocked if it didn’t.
Earlier this season, Sherman told the media that he didn’t get enough credit for his consecutive-games-played streak. He was probably right.
Sherman’s durability was impressive. His capability even more so.
The chances of the Seahawks making a playoff run looks close to impossible now. Sherman hasn’t missed a game yet, but we already know his team isn’t the same without him.