TEMPE, Ariz. -- We're well beyond the novelty of Patrick Peterson and Richard Sherman publically debating who is the better cornerback, but that doesn't mean the drama is over.
Hours after Peterson went on a Phoenix radio station and said he doesn't believe Sherman is a shutdown corner who could play the Cardinals' defensive system, their debate changed modes and headed to Twitter.
Sherman struck first, lobbing indirect shots toward Peterson. Then came this:
Lockdown everywhere but the field pic.twitter.com/5vUyyhNIvn
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) May 23, 2014.
It's a graphic from NFL Network that breaks down the numbers of four of the best cornerbacks from 2013: Peterson, Sherman, Cleveland's Joe Haden and former Tampa Bay Buc Darrelle Revis. The stats show that quarterbacks had a lower completion percentage against Peterson than against Sherman, but Sherman allowed fewer touchdowns and had more interceptoins.
Peterson tweeted this reply to 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.
It's a screenshot of game film from Arizona's win in Seattle last season that shows Sherman getting safety help over the top.
And Sherman responded with:
@RealPeterson21 wideouts regularly have career days on u. They ask u to stop them. Not let them score at will.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) May 23, 2014.
This twitter debate isn't likely to slow down any time soon, especially with Peterson negotiating a contract extension with the Cardinals. It might just last through most of the season. The first time Arizona and Seattle meet on the field is Nov. 23.