1. Richard Sherman's postgame interview with Erin Andrews was something else. Over the top or was it appropriate for the moment?
DJ DUNSON: Richard Sherman is becoming a bit of a blowhard. He wants to act like nobody sees him try to show people up, then get offended when he gets called out on his classlessness. There’s a broad spectrum between cockiness and just being attention-seeking or cookie cutter athletes and a windbag.
He tried that same mess with Jim Harbaugh, his college coach, in Week 2. He patted Harbaugh on the butt after they beat the Niners, 29-3, ran away before Harbaugh could dap him up and spun it into some fictional tale about how Harbaugh gave him the cold shoulder. I’m seeing right through this guy.
After they lost to the Niners in December. He blamed the officials. Plenty of athletes are cocky and self-deprecating or amicable. Nobody wants to hear some cat talking about how great he is, then when he gets burned, he goes whimpering off in silence. At least dull athletes are consistent. As long as he knows how he’s coming off to the public, he can do his own thing.
I’ll give him this. At least he didn’t imitate Deion Sanders and go after a reporter. I’ve said this once and I’ll say it before. Smooth waters don’t make sailors. It’s all good when Sherman is on a Super Bowl-bound franchise. Let’s see how he’s conducting himself in the locker room if the Seahawks ever fall upon hard times.
I don’t know who’s feeling himself more these days. Richard Sherman or Kellen Winslow Jr. Sherman can have several seats.
RICARDO HAZELL: One of the reasons why people play sports is so they can enjoy the spoils of victory. Part of the spoils of victory is the privilege of talking smack. We all love a good rant, and the Richard Sherman rant was about as classic as any we’re likely to hear from an NFL player for quite some time. It’s hard for players who don’t play quarterback to stand out, especially on defense. Sherman's outspokenness means he doesn’t have that recognition problem. Whenever an outlandish quote or postgame rant is attributed to him his popularity, or infamy, increases. He hasn’t shot anyone, spit on a fan (to my knowledge) nor cursed out his quarterback. Richard Sherman’s antics are plenty appropriate.
RICHARD BOADU: It was appropriate for the moment. It's Richard Sherman. He's not going to tip toe around his feelings and he's going to say what's on his mind. Especially since him and Crabtree have been going back and forth with each other since last summer and they clearly don't like one another. The media and fans get upset with athletes being too vanilla and not being themselves. Now that we have a player that was being himself, people get upset, not me though.
2. Will Tom Brady ever win another Super Bowl?
DUNSON: Four years is a long time for Brady to be denied. However, his growing issues with accuracy are beginning to become worrisome. The decline is coming for Brady soon. I think he squandered his final opportunity in Super Bowl XLVI. If the Pats do get back, it’s going to require them building their team around an elite running back or a rock-solid defense. Brady is turning into Jack Bauer. He’s growing agitated, living off past glories and running out of time.
HAZELL: No, Tom Brady will not win another Super Bowl. He’s very good and is easily among the best ever, but the New England Patriots haven’t even sniffed a Super Bowl since Spygate. Coincidence? I think not.
BOADU: Probably not. His clock is ticking, he's got maybe four more years left at playing at a high level. Andrew Luck is getting better, so is Ryan Tannehill. The Patriots have not put anyone around Brady, and it doesn't seem like they'll do so anytime soon. You need weapons to win and he has none.
3. Price Is Right question time. Colin Kaepernick can renegotiate his contract after the season. What type of numbers should the Niners be throwing his way?
DUNSON: This may be one of the most interesting sub-plots of the summer. The Niners value Kaepernick, but they’ve also got to worry about investing in that defense of theirs. Throwing $54 million over the course of a three-year extension isn’t out of the question. Word is, he's trying to recoup for making $4 million over his first three seasons and doesn't want a short-term solution. However, when a legend like Joe Montana is questioning your pocket consistency, eyebrows are raised.
For the second season in a row, Kaepernick’s season ended on a throw in the right corner to Michael Crabtree. Those two plays may hve cost him millions. His sample size is small, he stares down receivers and the offense isn’t San Fran’s bread and butter. This is a "What have you done for me lately?" culture. Last we saw him, he committed three fourth quarter turnovers. He’s not getting $90 million and a long-term deal because we haven't seen if he can carry an offense yet. He's 2012 Flacco right now.
However, if he gets bold, he may opt to emulate Joe Flacco by playing out the final year of his deal, making a run at the Super Bowl and trying to cash in next year.
HAZELL: Colin Kaepernick is good, but he isn’t worth the $100 million salaries that have been thrown at the likes of Matt Stafford of the Detroit Lions and Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens. Heck, they’re not worth those digits either. Colin Kaepernick would get around $80 million if the market value on quarterbacks wasn’t as inflated as it is. Yes, he is explosive. However, rumors of his throwing ability have been greatly exaggerated all year long. Seattle exposed him and other teams will study their blueprint next season. However, since teams are overspending on signal callers, Kaep will easily get over $90 million on a multiyear deal.
BOADU: As a QB if Kaep doesn't get anything near $90-$100 million dollars I'd be shocked. He's a QB and one of the most explosive players in the league. Tony Romo signed for $108 million last year, so Kaep has to be somewhere in that range.
