Josh McDaniels: Patriots won't avoid Richard Sherman

New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said Tuesday that his team will not avoid throwing to receivers covered by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman.

"It's not an easy thing to avoid him the whole game. We're going to try not to do that with anybody," McDaniels said, according to NFL.com. "We got to go wherever the ball needs to go in the passing game. But I think you need to be sensitive to him and where he's at. He's a great player."

The number of passes Sherman has defended has decreased in each of the past two seasons as teams have opted not to throw at Sherman. He recorded a career-high 24 passes defended in 2012, but had the same number in the next two years combined. 

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Sherman, a three-time All-Pro, is dealing with an elbow injury. He was injured during the Seahawks' win over the Packers in the NFC Championship but is reportedly expected to play in the Super Bowl. Sherman said Tuesday that his elbow "feels good."

Patriots cornerback Brandon Brownersaid this week that he wanted his teammates to target Sherman and injured safety Earl Thomas.

- Dan Gartland