Richard Sherman On His Buccaneers Debut: 'I Didn’t Play Up To My Standard'

Seven tackles, a fumble recovery and a Bucs win would seem to indicate that Tampa Bay's newest addition, Richard Sherman, had a dazzling debut in pewter, though he feels otherwise.

"Regardless of circumstances, I was frustrated when I watched the tape," Sherman said following Wednesday's practice.

Likely not as frustrated as the Patriots, who rarely targeted Sherman's side of the field, and rightfully so.

Signed just days before the Buccaneers' primetime tilt with New England, the former All-Pro wasted little time acclimating himself within Tampa's defense. Sherman played 58 of the team's 59 defensive snaps, even though he's still working himself into game shape.

"In the fourth quarter, my legs were like Jell-O, but you’ve just got to soldier through and do what you can to help the team.”

Sherman did plenty to help. Aside from tying for the team lead in tackles, his tight coverage was a big reason why the Buccaneers were able to limit New England to just 17 points, though you won't find him patting himself on the back for that.

“The coaches were giving me credit in the meetings. They’re like, ‘Man, it’s a tough spot to be in, and we understand.' But to me, you’ve got a standard that you’re used to playing at, and I didn’t play up to my standard," said Sherman via the Tampa Bay Times.

The 33-year-old cornerback's harsh self-criticism should concern the Buccaneers' next opponent, Miami, who visits Tampa Bay on Sunday.

“It will be a lot faster, a lot better and a lot more crisp this week with a full week of practice," Sherman promised.

FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists the Dolphins as 10-point underdogs for Sherman's home debut.