Patrick Peterson vs. Richard Sherman Finally Decided By Experts

Rivalries are nothing new in the NFL, whether between teams or players. Few have one more heated than cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Richard Sherman.

Their trash talk on the field, in the media and on social media has been legendary over the past few years. Peterson believes Sherman has taken advantage of playing on a loaded defense and in a scheme that only requires him to play on one side of the field while he is designated to cover the best receiver of every opponent. Sherman typically fires back with his advantages in both stats and having a Super Bowl ring. It’s a feud that has raised the larger question of whom, if either of them is the best cornerback in pro football.

NFL.com put that question to a massive panel of their biggest experts. Each cast their votes to whom they felt were the three best and the results were compiled together through a points system to decide the winner. There were plenty of other names receiving votes but the common theme was obvious: Peterson and Sherman were fighting it out for the top two spots.

Who came out on top?

• #1: Patrick Peterson (53 points)
• #2: Richard Sherman (39 points)
• #3: Darrelle Revis (14 points)

Peterson received a first place vote from 12 of the experts on the panel. Sherman received seven. So it would seem the argument about having to guard top receivers all over the field carried a good deal of weight with them. Here are some of their explanations as to why they made such a decision.

"Gil Brandt:  “Peterson has the ideal size and speed for the position. He’s the only defensive player in NFL history to make five Pro Bowls before turning 26.”Elliot Harrison:  “Patrick Peterson has come a long way over his five-year career and is no longer overvalued at corner. He often sticks with the No. 1 receiver, as opposed to being a cog in a system. He is also a team leader in Arizona.”Michael Robinson:  “Peterson is very physical and aggressive. He wins matchups against the league’s top receivers, week in and week out.”Eric Davis:  “Peterson can match up against any receiver in the league, and if the ball touches his hands, you have to be concerned about his ability to score.”"

Seattle Seahawks fans will vehemently argue this stance given the fact that Sherman has the advantage in interceptions (26 to 17), passes defended (79 to 57), forced fumbles (5 to 1) and defensive touchdowns (3 to 1). Not to mention the fact he’s been to two Super Bowls and won a ring while Peterson has yet to even get there.

Still, those are the results as they are. These aren’t everyday people. They’re former GMs, scouts and players who know this game better than almost anybody on the planet. So when their majority says Patrick Peterson is the better individual player than Richard Sherman, it’s difficult to dispute in spite of what the stats say. One thing is for sure.

Don’t expect the two to be quiet about these results.