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 "The Legion of Boom (LOB) is a legacy," Sherman said using the
nickname for Seattle's vaunted defensive secondary that will match
skills with Manning and his top-flight crew of receivers.
"It's a legacy, it's a group, it's a legion, it's a vast army of
individuals and we have countless bodies behind us that are more
than capable of doing the job," the voluble Sherman added about the
defenders who have helped Seattle rank first in shutting down the
pass game and limiting points.
Sherman said he and his LOB mates understood the challenge that
awaits them at MetLife Stadium in the first outdoor Super Bowl
played in a winter setting.
"Peyton Manning's numbers speak for themselves. I think he's one of
the best in the history of the game, and I think he's broken
multiple records to prove that," he said. "He's a living legend
right now. He's been a living legend for years."
Sherman said the proud, physical Seahawks defense needed to maintain
their cool.
"Being patient," Sherman said about the challenge they faced going
against Manning. "Understanding that he's going to get his yards and
he's going to make his plays.
"If you pull your hair out over every pass he completes and over
every yard that he makes, then you'd have a long day ahead of you."
Sherman, who became a polarizing figure after launching into a
victory rant to an on-field TV reporter after making a game-saving
play in the final moments of the NFC title game, said casual fans
did not appreciate the scholarly side of the
LOB.
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"We have five, six guys out there who have a high football IQ. I
think Earl Thomas might have one of the highest football IQs I've
ever heard of," boasted Sherman. "He studies it day, night, night
and day.
"You've got Kam Chancellor, who does the same thing. So when you see
Kam Chancellor going downhill to make those huge hits and those huge
plays, and Earl going to make those, it's because they know the play
is coming. They're not guessing out there. It's a real testament to
us as a group."
After the backlash he endured following his boastful rant and his
fine for unsportsmanlike behavior by the NFL, Sherman has toned down
his rhetoric although his love for the spotlight remains unbridled.
"I see the fun in the Super Bowl," he told the biggest crowd
gathered around a Seahawks player during Media Day.
"I see everybody's attention and how much the NFL has grown as a
franchise, as a world brand, and I see that the Super Bowl is a huge
event for the world.
"There are a lot of cameras, a lot of different languages, a lot of
countries, a lot of diversity — I love it."
(Editing by Frank Pingue)
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