Keenan Allen says Richard Sherman is overhyped.

Keenan Allen disses Richard Sherman

Sept. 14, 2014 6:21 PM PT

Keenan Allen doesn’t seem to think much of Richard Sherman. Shortly after catching five passes for 55 yards in Sunday’s win over the Seahawks, the Chargers receiver sounded off on the man assigned to cover him.

Sherman, of course, was the least targeted cornerback in the NFL last season and allowed no completions in Seattle’s opener vs. the Packers. Allen? Yeah, he wasn’t impressed.

“All week we said we were going to throw at him because he’s not what he’s hyped up to be,” said Allen, adding that he enjoys going up against “the best” while making quote signs with his fingers. “I just went out and played my game.”

It would be tough to argue that the second-year receiver dominated Sherman at Qualcomm Stadium Sunday, but he certainly gave him fits. Allen was repeatedly able to create separation off the line of scrimmage, once turning Sherman around completely on a short route in the second quarter.

When asked about Allen’s performance against Sherman, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said “we liked that matchup.” And while it’s clear that Rivers has confidence in Allen, it pales in comparison to Allen’s confidence in himself.

Allen made his NFL debut in Week 2 last year after Malcom Floyd injured his neck in Philadelphia. Over the course of a year, he has grown into one of the league’s more dangerous receivers, finishing second in last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year voting after tallying 71 receptions for 1,046 yards.

But while his speed, hands and instincts play a major role in his ability to produce, his bravado certainly supplements it.

Sunday, we saw that Allen isn’t afraid to speak his mind. For a year, we’ve seen that he’s not afraid to celebrate his achievements. And whether or not you’re a fan of his antics, you must admit this: He can back it up.

“I’ll say this -- he believes he’s going to win,” Chargers tight end Antonio Gates said of Allen. “He’s a phenomenal talent. I can’t say enough about him and the energy he brings.”

Floyd and fellow Chargers receiver Seyi Ajirotutu were singing Allen’s praises after the game, lauding the 22-year-old’s day against the man widely considered to be the NFL’s best cornerback. That said, Allen’s stats weren’t the most impressive part of his day.

Sherman, as you know, has built his reputation with his mouth just as much as he has his speed, never lacking an opinion and a forceful way to spout it. After the Seahawks’ loss to the Chargers, however, he refused to talk to the media.

Sherman is known around the league as the cornerback who shuts everybody down. Sunday, Allen shut him up.

San Diego Chargers 30, Seattle Seahawks, 21

9/14/2014 at Qualcomm Stadium

Keenan Allen disses Richard Sherman

San Diego Chargers 30, Seattle Seahawks, 21

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