Seattle's Richard Sherman and Arizona's Patrick Peterson are two of the NFL's top cornerbacks — no question there. But who's actually the league's best?
Let's leave it up for the players themselves to debate.
Sherman, in response to an interview on Arizona Sports 98.7 in which Peterson claimed his rival is not a "shut-down corner," tweeted his response Thursday night.
Never confuse Potential with Production! In the game of Life winners win. Loser say what if. #Levels
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) May 23, 2014 Lockdown everywhere but the field pic.twitter.com/5vUyyhNIvn
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) May 23, 2014Peterson's Twitter rebuttal came about an hour later with a report from his film study on Sherman.
That's what I always see someone helping. Last I check a lockdown corner is when it's him and WR. pic.twitter.com/ytHQcJsZCH
— Patrick Peterson (@RealPeterson21) May 23, 2014 — Patrick Peterson (@RealPeterson21) May 23, 2014 — Patrick Peterson (@RealPeterson21) May 23, 2014What started all this? When Sherman signed his $57.4 million contract extension on May 12, Peterson claimed he's worth more than his fellow NFC West defensive back. So, of course, Sherman then replied with a tweet directed at Peterson.
Want what I got? Get the stats I got! Least targeted. #opinionvsfact pic.twitter.com/f2juIjKm66
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) May 13, 2014Peterson's comments in Thursday's interview were a response to Sherman's initial Twitter shot.
Although Sherman has the numbers to back up his arguments as the better corner, Peterson has the numbers to prove he may be the better football player — or, at least, the more important player to his team.
An All-Pro punt returner, Peterson is a rare do-it-all talent who contributes to all three phases of the game — offense (10 career receptions for 46 yards and seven carries for 34 yards), defense (151 tackles, 12 interceptions and 14 fumble recoveries) and special teams (four punt return touchdowns).
Sherman is the golden piece of an overall stout secondary in Seattle. Their talent as a unit became completely clear when the Seahawks shut down Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense in last season's Super Bowl. You know, the whole "Legion of Boom" thing.
So, back to actual question at hand: Who's the NFL's best corner?
Perhaps that actually goes to the Browns' Joe Haden, who's now the league's highest paid player at the position after a five-year, $68 million contract extension with $45 million guaranteed.
45!!!!!
— Patrick Peterson (@RealPeterson21) May 13, 2014 Congrats to @joehaden23 great deal bro
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) May 13, 2014Yeah, that's a lot. Glad we can agree on something, guys.