Sterling Sharpe on Deion Sanders, Toughest Corners, and Favorite Routes

Sterling Sharpe on Deion Sanders and Game Strategy

• 💡 Sterling Sharpe reflects on Deion Sanders' speed, stating he would develop counters to it, focusing on power and making Sanders work after multiple catches and tackles.
• 🎯 He aimed to put opponents in his own comfort zone, using power and contact to impose his will, contrasting with the idea of a simple foot race.
• ⚡ Sharpe wanted "that smoke," meaning he desired physical contact and the challenge of making tackles, which was his way of asserting dominance.

Coaching Influences and Styles

• 🧠 Sharpe praises Andy Reid's coaching, noting his intelligence and connection with the team, likening his style to Mike Holmgren.
• 🤝 Holmgren is highlighted for his willingness to share information, money, and time, a trait mirrored by Andy Reid in his coaching approach.
• 🚀 The coaching philosophy of giving players freedom, like Patrick Mahomes, is seen as a key to success, with coaches adjusting as needed.

Toughest Defensive Backs Faced

• 🔒 The toughest corners Sharpe faced were Ricky Reynolds (Tampa), Don Griffin (San Francisco), and Carl Lee, all noted for their technical soundness and desire to make tackles.
• 🧩 Carl Lee is specifically mentioned as technically dominant due to his positional play and length, despite not having above-average speed.
• 🗣️ Sharpe recalls a personal interaction with Tim May, where he used trash talk to assert his physical dominance.

Favorite Player and Routes

• ✨ Anthony Carter, particularly his time at Michigan, is cited as Sharpe's favorite player to watch and emulate.
• 🏈 Sharpe's favorite route was the "smoke," a hitch or slant, emphasizing his desire to get the ball quickly and gain yards after the catch.
• 🏃 He enjoyed plays like "smoke thunder" and "Omaha" that involved quick passes like hitches and slants, prioritizing getting the ball to him fast.

Pregame Routine and Teammates

• 🚫 Sharpe did not have a traditional pregame routine, avoiding high-fives to keep his hands untouched, symbolizing a desire to stay out of others' heads.
• 🤝 He enjoyed the camaraderie of the pregame line, especially interacting with his brother, and was ready to play without elaborate rituals.
• 💪 Terry Crew was a teammate Sharpe admired for his work ethic and dedication, expressing disappointment when Crew was let go, believing he had the physical attributes for the NFL.