Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians: Richard Sherman played 'really, really well' in debut

Richard Sherman made his Tampa Bay Buccaneers debut against the New England Patriots on Sunday night, and head coach Bruce Arians believes he did not disappoint. 

"He played really, really well," Arians said, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. "You know, he had the one penalty, but no, I was really, really pleased with Sherm and Pierre [Desir]. I thought they both went out and played really, really good."

Sherman played all but one defensive snap in the Bucs' 19-17 win over the Patriots at Gillette Stadium. He recorded seven tackles and recovered a fumble in his first game since Week 15 of the 2020 season. However, he was also flagged for pass interference and the Patriots ended up scoring on that drive. 

Sherman signed with the Bucs last week after the team lost Sean Murphy-Bunting, Jamel Dean and Carlton Davis to injuries. He said he chose Tampa Bay after seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady recruited him weeks before he signed.

The 33-year-old spent the last three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers after beginning his career with the Seattle Seahawks. He was limited to five games last season due to various injuries but was named a Pro Bowler in 2019 after recording three interceptions, 11 passes defensed and 61 tackles.

Tampa Bay's injury situation makes it look like the Bucs will continue to count on Sherman in the weeks to come. However, it certainly sounds like Arians is fine in doing so.