Richard Sherman was named Pro Football Focus' cornerback of the decade. He also was selected a second-team All-Pro after putting together a brilliant season for the 49ers.
But if we learned anything from #HandshakeGate, it's that Sherman is going to find motivation in absolutely any slight, whether perceived or real.
So it was only natural for Sherman to take a victory lap over his "doubters" after he notched an interception and shut down Minnesota Vikings star Adam Thielen on Saturday in the 49ers' 27-10 NFC Divisional Playoff Game win at Levi's Stadium.
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SIGN UP HERE I'm not even sure this has been a knock on Sherman this season, but it was in the past, so here we are.
As for Sherman's blanketing of Theilen, ESPN analyst and ex-Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Clark sure liked what he saw.
The coverage on the pick was flawless.
After the game, Sherman had a message for the doubters.
"The only place that I'm not the best corner in the game over the last generation is in the haters' minds," he said.
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Case closed.
[RELATED: Bosa perfectly sums up 49ers' dominance vs. Vikings]
Sherman and the 49ers now will prepare for the NFC Championship Game next Sunday at Levi's Stadium. We're sure Sherman will have much more to say if the 49ers punch their ticket to Miami and Super LIV.
