Sherman brings a ‘winning attitude’
DB also speaks his mind: Predicts labor lockout in ’21
SANTA CLARA » Richard Sherman spoke up Thursday as the 49ers’ newly elected player rep and matter- of- factly predicted a 2021 NFL labor lockout. That buzzkill can wait. The 49ers open their season Sunday in Minnesota, and it can’t be understated what it means to also hear Sherman talk about his impending comeback from last year’s Achilles tear.
“I’m going to go out there and cover the guy I’m on and keep catching balls,” said Sherman, who has a NFL-best 32 interceptions since 2011.
Sherman, 30, will be starting at left cornerback and leading the defensive gusto, just like he did in his days as the 49ers’ archenemy on the Seattle Seahawks from 2011-17.
“He’s out there moving, stopping on a dime, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him Sunday,” wide receiver Marquise Goodwin said. “He brings leadership and attitude — a winning attitude.”
The 49ers defense, which ranked 22nd in points allowed and 24th in total yards, needs Sherman’s presence not only as a potential playmaker but as an all-knowing, all-inspiring leader.
“We’re going to be really dynamic,” Sherman said. “We’re going to be incredibly multiple and varied in our sets and you’re going to be surprised by some of the guys who stand out.”
Linebacker Reuben Foster’s passion and flare will be missed as he serves a two-game suspension. Sherman can pick up that emotional slack for a defense
that must rise up in a hostile environment against a top-notch quarterback, Kirk Cousins.
“Sherm’s been a great leader for us,” defensive end Arik Armstead said. “Talk about a guy who brings a mentality to the game. He’s been great out there leading our defense to where we need to be. He’s a guy you can depend on.”
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh agreed: “We haven’t seen speed deficiency. His communication, his instincts, his quickness, all of it looks fantastic. He’s ready to go.”
LOCKOUT TALK » On Wednesday, Sherman’s teammates voted him their NFL Players Association representative, which was a mere formality considering he’s already on the NFLPA executive committee.
bout that impending labor impasse — the 2011 collective bargaining agreement expires after 2020— Sherman didn’t mince words with the me- dia about it: “It’s going to happen.”
What makes him so sure?
“Because there was a lockout before (in the 2011 offseason),” Sherman said. “We don’t plan on changing anything about the deal we currently have right now. I don’t think it’s going to be negotiated before the end of the CBA. It’s going to cause a lockout and we’ll go from there.”
Goodwin and linebacker Brock Coyle were voted as the 49ers’ alternate player reps. Said Goodwin: “I’m just focused on Week 1 right and not focusing too far ahead on the lockout. We’ve got to make it through the season, so we’ll worry about that when it comes.” ARMSTEAD READY » Sidelined most of camp by a hamstring injury, Armstead is ready to help the defensive line attack a rebuilt Vikings offensive line that, in his words, has a “lot of moving parts.”
The 2015 top draft pick will line up as the “big end” in base defense and then slide inside on third- down passing situations. The Vikings will pit new guards and recently acquired center Brett Jones against the likes of Armstead, DeForest Buckner, Solomon Thomas and EarlMitchell.
“We have a lot of pieces that can do a lot and it will be interesting to see how (defensive coordinator Robert) Saleh wants to use us game by game,” Armstead said. “We have a lot of versatility.”
• Cornerback Jimmie Ward (quadriceps) practiced and looks on track to back up Sherman, as well as other spots in the secondary.
• Linebacker Malcolm Smith ( hamstring) remained limited. Brock Coyle could start in his place next to rookie Fred Warner.
• While pass rusher Jeremiah Attouchu’s “dependability” prompted the 49ers to cut him Saturday, the player who seized that roster spot was likely Ronald Blair. Saleh said of Blair: “He always finishes on the block. He does what he’s supposed to do. He’s got great versatility. We love Ronnie. We love his work ethic. He stands for everything we believe in.”
• Daeshon Hall, a former Carolina Panthers defensive end, replaced Niles Scott on the practice squad.