Julio Jones

Richard Sherman explains why cornerback is harder to play than wide receiver

Published Nov. 15, 2016 1:57 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

So much of the game today is built around cornerbacks and wide receivers. The NFL is such a passing league that teams are investing heavily in not only quarterbacks but pass catchers and defensive backs, too.

Both of those positions are incredibly important to the team, and neither is particularly easy to play. However, according to Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowl corner Richard Sherman, cornerback is the more challenging position.

He explained why, via ProFootballTalk:

Sherman cites the Seahawks' Super Bowl against the Broncos as a reason corner is the more difficult position.

He’s right. Sherman, or any top cornerback for that matter, rarely comes off the field on defense. The defense simply can’t afford to have that happen, seeing as it would leave a No. 1 receiver on a backup cornerback. Not that it needs to be said, but that’s not exactly an ideal scenario.

In addition to the increased stamina cornerbacks require due to their constant presence on the field, Sherman cites the NFL’s offense-favoring rules as a reason for wide receiver being the easier spot to play.

Sherman will have his hands full this week when Atlanta's Julio Jones comes to town. Though he’s not one to typically shadow a receiver all around the field, Sherman will likely see No. 11 across from him fairly often.

With the way Jones has played this season, he seemingly has the upper hand in this matchup. He’s been nearly unstoppable, but Sherman is one of the best corners in the game – and he plays in a top-five secondary. This will be a matchup to watch on Sunday afternoon.

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