Overview of Richard Sherman Podcast - NFL Week 11 Reaction: 49ers-Cardinals, Seahawks-Rams, Bears-Vikings, Bucs-Bills, Chiefs-Broncos
Richard Sherman reviews Week 11 NFL action, breaking down key games, individual performances, coaching decisions, and roster/quarterback questions that are shaping the rest of the season. He highlights major takeaways from the 49ers’ re-introduction of Brock Purdy, the Seahawks’ turnover-plagued loss to the Rams, AFC and NFC playoff-picture implications (notably the Chiefs), and how QB decisions continue to ripple through teams like the Vikings and Packers.
Game-by-game recaps & key points
49ers vs. Cardinals
- Brock Purdy returned and played well: looked smooth, threw three touchdown passes and spread the ball to multiple weapons (Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle).
- Special teams plus a huge 98-yard kickoff return by Skyy Moore (Sherman references it as a momentum-setter).
- Defense forced a couple of interceptions (including Deommodore Lenoir) and a fumble recovery — important given their low interception totals earlier in the season.
- Concern: zero sacks and inconsistent pass rush — not sustainable against better offenses. San Francisco sits 7-4 and heads into more winnable games before the bye.
Seahawks vs. Rams
- Seattle lost by two points; offense self-inflicted damage — Sam Darnold threw four interceptions.
- Sherman praises the Seahawks defense: held Matthew Stafford largely in check (Stafford 15/28, ~130 yards, 2 TDs), made key stops, and showed championship-caliber traits.
- Major issue: despite an elite defensive line, Seattle produced no sacks. Turnovers decided the game.
- Takeaway: keep perspective — Sherman urges calm for Seahawks fans; defense is strong, offense must protect the ball.
Buccaneers vs. Bills
- Buffalo won convincingly (Bills put up 44 points). Josh Allen played at an MVP-like level (noted stat line: heavy passing yardage and three passing TDs; also had turnovers).
- Tampa Bay ran well (Sean Tucker 19 carries, 106 yards, 2 rushing TDs + receiving TD), but their defense getting torched (44 points allowed) is alarming for a team previously considered a contender.
- Injuries and missing receivers (Mike Evans out for season, others absent) are hurting Tampa Bay’s offense/consistency.
- Sherman’s concern: Bills keep getting into shootouts — can they sustain that in the playoffs if defenses step up?
Bears vs. Vikings
- Chicago continued to win (described as 7 of their last 8). DeAndre Swift had a strong game (21 carries, 90 yards).
- Minnesota’s rookie QB (J.J. McCarthy) struggled with interceptions; Sherman revisits the decision to move on from Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones — suggests Minnesota may have set the franchise back if the QB plan fails.
- Sherman emphasizes the narrow margin in elite NFC North competition and that quarterback uncertainty could doom the Vikings’ season.
Chiefs vs. Broncos
- Denver beat Kansas City 21-19 on a walk-off field goal. Patrick Mahomes was pressured/sacked multiple times — Chiefs’ offense looked vulnerable.
- Broncos’ Bo Nix threw for ~295 yards and Denver’s defense delivered a strong performance.
- Consequence: Chiefs are around .500 and face a suddenly uncertain path to the playoffs. Sherman outlines possible scenarios and notes the Chiefs may need help from other teams to claw back in.
Other notable games mentioned
- Packers vs. Giants: Jordan Love (13/24, ~174 yards, 2 TDs) played well; Sherman praises talent but says playoff execution remains an open question. Christian Watson made a highlight catch.
- Steelers vs. Bengals: Pittsburgh dominated 34-12; defense produced two defensive TDs (pick-six, fumble return). Jamar Chase/Jalen Ramsey sideline incident (possible spitting) noted as an off-field controversy.
- Ravens vs. Browns: Lamar Jackson was sacked multiple times (Miles Garrett credited). Browns suffered QB injuries — backup play discussed as a storyline for coming weeks.
Themes & main takeaways
- Turnovers matter: Seahawks’ four INTs vs. Rams exemplify how quickly turnovers swing games, even when defense plays well.
- Pass rush/pressure is a deciding factor: Several top teams (49ers, Seahawks, Chiefs) are showing vulnerability when they don’t generate consistent pressure or sacks.
- QB evaluation and roster decisions continue to shape franchises: Sherman repeatedly returns to the consequences of moving on from quarterbacks (Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, rookie J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota, Jordan Love in Green Bay).
- The AFC is fluid: Chiefs’ 5-5-ish start (per Sherman’s summary) opens the door for other AFC contenders — momentum in November/December is critical.
- Defense wins November: Several defensive performances (Steelers, Broncos, Seahawks at times) are determining outcomes in tight division battles.
Notable quotes
- “If you don't get pressure on a quarterback, they're going to be very effective.”
- “With great pay comes great criticism.” (on Jordan Love vs. Sam Darnold and expectations tied to contract size)
- “Turnovers decided this game.” (on Seahawks-Rams)
What to watch next / recommendations
- 49ers: Add/rediscover pass rush and keep Purdy healthy — their margin for error is slim against top pass rushes.
- Seahawks: Clean up ball security; the defense is trending upward and can carry the team if offense limits mistakes.
- Buccaneers: Defense must find answers; injuries at receiver are compounding problems.
- Chiefs: Monitor offensive line health and pressure generation; look for mid-season roster moves or scheme fixes.
- Vikings: QB situation — if J.J. McCarthy doesn’t stabilize, front office may face hard decisions in offseason.
- League-wide: November and December games (division matchups) will further clarify playoff seeds; turnovers and sacks will remain pivotal.
This episode blends game recaps with broader roster and strategic implications — Sherman emphasizes structural issues (pass rush, QB decisions, turnover control) as the main determinants of teams’ mid- and late-season fates.