Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Richard Sherman Podcast Special
Episode: 2013 Legion of Boom vs. 2015 No Fly Zone: Richard Sherman & TJ Ward DEBATE Seahawks-Broncos Defenses
Date: March 6, 2026
Guests: Richard Sherman (Seattle Seahawks, Legion of Boom), TJ Ward (Denver Broncos, No Fly Zone)
Note: Host Colin Cowherd does not appear; this is the Richard Sherman Podcast segment.

Episode Overview

This episode features a spirited, in-depth debate between Richard Sherman and TJ Ward on one of football’s favorite “what ifs”: Was the 2013 Seattle Seahawks “Legion of Boom” or the 2015 Denver Broncos “No Fly Zone” the best secondary—and defense—of the last generation? Both men, cornerstones of those units, bring stats, swagger, and personal insight to the table, discussing scheme, personnel, playoff moments, and the broader meaning of a truly great defense.

Main Discussion Points and Insights

1. Setting the Stage & Background [02:24–04:35]

• Sherman introduces Ward, noting their long personal history and college rivalry.
• Both acknowledge the privilege of playing on “two of the greatest defenses ever.”
• The podcast premise: settle the debate of which defense/secondary was truly better.

“We must figure out who’s number one in the debate.”
— TJ Ward (04:16)

2. Origins of the Debate (Aqib Talib & Skip Bayless) [04:35–07:08]

• Sherman recounts how the debate reignited via Aqib Talib and Skip Bayless’s show, where Talib claimed he was the best corner on either secondary.
• Sherman defends Talib’s credentials but takes issue with Talib crowning the No Fly Zone superior overall.

“You’re not going to find a corner in this world that don’t say they the best.”
— Richard Sherman (05:19)

3. Statistical Breakdown: LOB vs. No Fly Zone [07:10–10:37]

• Ward lists stats: Seahawks led in points allowed (14.4 vs. Broncos’ 18.5), total yards, and takeaways (39 to 27). Broncos had more sacks (52).
• Ward argues Denver’s offense turned the ball over much more, putting their defense in tougher spots (Broncos 31 turnovers vs. Seahawks 19), which affected the raw defensive stats.
• Sherman acknowledges, but points out that great defenses, like the 2000 Ravens, often overcame offensive issues.

“You guys had the luxury provided by your offense not turning the ball over.”
— TJ Ward (09:37)

4. Scheme & Style: Zone vs. Man, Defensive Personality [10:37–15:43]

• Ward highlights Denver’s “in your face” man style and frequent blitzing; attributes some sack credit to the secondary holding up in coverage.
• Sherman pushes back on the “Seahawks just sat in zone” stereotype, arguing they played plenty of man coverage especially on key downs, and could be as “in your face” as anyone.
• Both discuss how front and backend talent was critical (Von Miller & Demarcus Ware for Denver, Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, Red Bryant for Seattle).

“If he catch that rock, that’s on you…We were as in-your-face…as anybody in the league.”
— Sherman (12:03)

5. Super Bowl/Games Evidence — LOB’s Case [15:43–18:36]

• Sherman points out they faced Peyton Manning’s record-breaking Broncos in the Super Bowl and “strapped them up.”
• Seattle’s Super Bowl domination was built on shutting down the highest-scoring offense ever, dismantling a legendary passing attack.
• Ward concedes the game got away from Denver early, with mistakes and special teams mishaps factoring in.

“We strapped them up. Strapped them up.”
— Sherman (15:43)

6. Super Bowl/Games Evidence — No Fly Zone’s Case [17:59–21:26]

• Ward responds by noting the injury-depleted Denver defense that faced Seattle in SB 48, then pivots to the 2015 Broncos’ dominant playoff run.
• Denver’s D stifled Cam Newton’s MVP offense in SB 50; the Carolina offense, though prolific in regular season, was essentially shut down by Denver.

“We really would have shut him [Cam] out…strapped him up like some LA Gears.”
— Ward (21:00)

7. Strength of Opponents and Playoff Runs [21:26–24:07]

• Sherman: Facing and defeating legendary QBs/offenses (Manning, Brees, Kaepernick). “We toe him (Brees) up.”
• Ward: Panthers were #1 offense; Newton MVP; shut down in Super Bowl.
• Debate about the relative “legend” status of opponents—Seahawks faced more historic offenses/players.

8. Defensive Schemes: How They Did It [24:07–28:54]

• Sherman explains the Seahawks’ reliance on Cover 3, with nuanced adjustments to leverage elite football IQ (“we had such smart individuals”).
• Importance of running a few things with perfection vs. Denver’s multiple looks and complex pressured schemes; both agree more complexity takes more communication and intelligence.
• Each breaks down their teams’ percentage of zone vs. man coverages (% numbers given).

“It takes some cajones to say, hey, we gonna run…three, four things we gonna run, man…”
— Sherman (27:21)

9. Individual Defensive Coordinators & Experiences [31:08–33:27]

• Ward describes the variety of schemes he played in (Rob Ryan, Dick Jauron, Ray Horton, Jack Del Rio), favoring Horton’s Pittsburgh-inspired defense.
• Discussion of personal performance and performance “feeling” vs. just stats (Ward: “It’s not all about what you do good…it’s about what you give up.”)

10. Clutch Moments, Playoff Heroics, and the Value of Defense [33:27–39:10]

• Sherman details the 2013 NFC Championship vs. San Francisco: holding strong after offensive turnovers, game-saving interceptions (including his tipped INT).
• Describes how defense had to win games with clutch turnovers and stops.
• Ward matches: Von Miller’s playoff/super bowl exploits, No Fly Zone’s numerous game-sealing moments, and statistical comparison (turnovers: Seahawks 8, Broncos 7 in playoffs).

“When your back against the wall…in the biggest moments…what do you do? That’s what we did, both of us…”
— TJ Ward (37:18)

11. Mutual Respect & The Legacy of Defensive Football [39:10–41:45]

• Both reflect on how playing at a high defensive level motivated peers and shifted league-wide respect for defense, once seen as less glamorous.
• Sherman: “Defense wins championships, and without that defense, you’re not gonna win nothing.”
• They share college memories, shout out old teammates, and bond over shared experiences with elite running backs (Jonathan Stewart stories).

12. Live NFL News Reaction [41:48–46:37]

• Breaking news mid-show: Chiefs trade corner Trent McDuffie to Rams (Sherman and Ward react live).
• Assessing the value of the trade, roster evolution, and implications for Chiefs and Rams in NFC West arms race.

13. Modern Strategy: Shadowing Receivers & Roster Building [46:37–52:32]

• Both debate the value of shadowing #1 receivers vs. sticking to a scheme.
• Discuss Rams’ draft strategy (years of trading first-rounders), free agency implications, and NFL “win-now” philosophy.

14. Legacy, Rivalry, and Final Reflections [52:32–end]

• Sherman and Ward express deep mutual respect, agree every great defensive player wants to be the best—but can also appreciate greatness in rivals.
• They invite listeners to continue the debate in the comments and plug each other’s podcasts.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On self-belief:
  “You ain’t gonna find a corner in this world that doesn’t say they the best.”
  — Sherman (05:19)

• On scheme stereotypes:
  “I get tired of people saying y’all just sat in zone all day like that, boy…On third down we in man just like everybody else.”
  — Sherman (11:51)

• On adversity:
  “It’s literally clutch play after clutch play after clutch play. And it happened throughout the season…your best players making the big time plays.”
  — Sherman (35:44)

• On mutual respect:
  “Just seeing you guys do what you did in Seattle, it motivated not only the whole league…Without that defense, man, you’re not gonna win nothing.”
  — Ward (39:11)

• On defensive legacy:
  “Defensive players can appreciate just great defense being played…anytime there’s a great defense I loved what Denver was doing all year.”
  — Sherman (53:08)

Important Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Content Description | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------| | 02:24 | Pod kicks off, intro of TJ Ward and debate setup | | 04:35 | Talib/Skip Bayless origins of the debate | | 07:10 | Deep stats comparison: turnovers, sacks, scoring | | 10:37 | Scheme debate: man vs zone, defensive philosophy | | 13:44 | D-line breakdown for both teams | | 15:43 | Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory over Broncos | | 17:59 | Injuries to Denver D in SB 48; Panthers in 2015 | | 24:07 | Defensive IQ, Cover 3 explained by Sherman | | 27:12 | Defensive playcalling, communication, complexity | | 33:27 | Playoff moments, clutch defenses in big games | | 37:17 | Big moments, turnovers, playoff stats | | 39:11 | Defense’s impact on the NFL, mutual respect | | 41:48 | Breaking news: Chiefs-Rams trade, live reaction | | 46:37 | Shadowing receivers, Rams’ draft philosophy | | 53:32 | Final mutual praise, podcast plugs, outro |

Tone and Style

• Authentic, competitive, but respectful: Both confident in their defense’s greatness, but express admiration for each other’s teams and careers.
• Candid and inside football: Schemes, locker-room stories, advanced stats, honest reflection.
• Engaging and fun: Banter, friendly trash talk, deep respect, and live reactions to NFL news.

For Listeners

If you missed the episode, this summary provides not only the numbers and talking points but also the flavor of a conversation between two of the best to ever do it. For diehards, aspiring players, or any fan intrigued by the chess match of defensive football, this episode is a can’t-miss. Their challenge to listeners: “Who’s your number one defense of all time?”

“It’s no fly zone. Legion of Boom. Who’s your number one defense? Leave it in the comments, for sure.”
— TJ Ward (53:44)