Richard Sherman says Saints wide receivers will be ‘a great challenge’

The New Orleans Saints have been known for being one of the league’s best offensive juggernauts over the past decade, and it’s largely in part due to Sean Payton and Drew Brees. The black and gold are averaging 421.7 yards per game (2nd) while being third in points per game (29.3) and being first in passing yards per game (339.3).

The Seattle Seahawks, despite personnel and player changes throughout the years, still has one of the league’s best defenses in the NFL. They’re virtually a Top 10 team in every statistical category, but highlighted by surrendering just 14.0 points/game and being tied for third in sacks (20).

However, don’t tell that to Pete Carroll and Richard Sherman.

“They’re really tough, like they’ve been in the past so effective throwing the football and attacking people. They have such a great background and history doing it, they are great at it. Between Sean (Payton) and Drew (Brees) putting it together, it makes it very difficult. They have good weapons and they use them really well,” said Pete Carroll in his Wednesday conference call with the media.

As for Richard Sherman, who has been one of the league’s best cornerbacks for some time, he also acknowledges that the Saints offense is doing great and getting a lot of explosive plays.

“They are getting the ball down the field and scoring points. They’re doing a great job,” Sherman said.

The Saints have have given opposing defenses fits with their complement of aerial weapons on offense with Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead, Michael Thomas, and Coby Fleener. Sherman embraces the challenge.

“It is going to be really tough. Obviously, (Brandin) Cooks is an incredibly explosive receiver. (Willie) Snead IV has been consistent at making big plays, and has a great set of hands. I think (Michael) Thomas has done a great job down the field and at being physical and getting people off of him. We look forward to the challenge. They present a great challenge.”

Sherman attributes the foundation of the Legion of Boom getting their defining moments at the end of his rookie season.

“I think it was late in 2011 near the end of the year where we started playing really good football. We started trusting one another and playing disciplined. We started to believe in one another to do our job. The front office has done a great job of putting pieces in and taking pieces out to help our growth. I think we’re as good as we’ve ever been.”