Wilson, Sherman say Seahawks vs 49ers is about the game, not them

The Seahawks face their biggest test of the season tonight. Two former teammates say this game is all about their teams and not about them.

It’s no exaggeration to say tonight’s matchup between the Seahawks and the 49ers is the biggest game of the year so far for Seattle. A win puts them within a game and a half of the division lead. A loss, and it’s almost certain the Hawks will be playing for a wildcard spot the rest of the way. Wisely, two of the biggest names on either team are keeping the focus on the result and not on any personal rivalry they may have.

It can’t be a surprise to anyone who’s listened to Russell Wilson for even one press conference that he’s been extremely respectful and complimentary of one of the Niners key defenders. That’s how Wilson has always been throughout his stellar career. So of course, he had nothing but praise for the level of play Richard Sherman has brought to the 49ers this year.

What is surprising is that Sherman has returned the favor. You may not have this about him, but Mr. Sherman enjoys what all those cool kids call, talking smack. Just last month Sherman said, “You want idiots to sound like idiots.” Granted, he was talking about the media doubting the Niners, but it’s one of about 10,000 examples of the man speaking his mind. You probably remember the fondness he holds in his heart for Michael Crabtree.

Just a few years ago, Sherman went off at his own quarterback after picking him off during practice. Certain media types tried to blow it completely out of proportion and say the Seahawks were done. As Sherman said, it was just a snapshot of one moment in a long season. A preseason, in fact. Here’s what Sherman had to say about the controversy then, as quoted by Dusty Lane for q13fox.com:

"“I’m sorry that our competition – the way we sharpen our iron – isn’t pretty and cordial,” he said. “I’m sure if you went to see bad teams, they’ll probably get along great. They’ll probably be slapping high-fives and doing great, but then you go 4-12.”"

So maybe it isn’t so surprising that Sherman had nothing but high praise for Wilson heading into this week’s game. I have to be honest, 12s. When I read the quotes, I thought it was a hoax. I mean, seriously, did Richard Sherman really say this?

"“He’s making great throws. His receivers are catching them,” Sherman said. “Him and Lockett have a great connection. They’re doing a hell of a job. They’ve been efficient. They’ve won some close games. They’ve battled through and he’s been a big reason.”"

Well, unless Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee is in the habit of printing fake news, I have to think it’s true. If you’re going to make something up, you’d want to make it something juicy, right? I’m pretty sure all the people on the Niners beat were hoping for something less respectful, not just Sherman lobbing praise at his opponent like he was – well, like he was Russell Wilson.

Don’t worry though, 12’s. Sherman is still hopeful that he’ll be tested by his old teammate a few times. For his part, Wilson said that he has to be careful going against Sherman. You notice he didn’t say he was going to avoid him. This will be one of the critical and most entertaining of the battles within the battle tonight. Hopefully, Sherman has nothing to brag about after the game.