Erin Andrews does her job -- and well -- with five words

In a couple of seconds, before some 56 million viewers -- the most-watched, non-overtime NFC Championship Game since 1995 (Dallas-San Francisco) -- Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman added another chapter to his ever-evolving and somewhat complicated public persona.

And Erin Andrews did some of the best sideline reporting work of her career.

Sherman, who grew up in Compton, Calif., attended Stanford and draws much of his gameday and on-field motivation from a place full of anger and disrespect, made the big play of Sunday's matchup between the visiting San Franciso 49ers and his Seattle Seahawks.

With less than a half minute remaining in the game, 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree was in position to pull in a pass for a touchdown in the right corner of the end zone for what would have been the go-ahead score -- and which would have won the game for the 49ers with the ensuing PAT to follow.

Instead, Sherman tipped the ball away and teammate Malcolm Smith grabbed the interception, securing the victory for the Seahawks.

Predictably, the intelligent, outspoken and vocal Sherman -- who traded pre-game, on-field barbs and post-game barbs with Crabtree -- was the first player interviewed after the game. Andrews corralled him and did her job well. Exceedingly well.

Just as predictably, Sherman ranted and raved about his talent and those who had questioned his ability or talked about him.

Andrews was not intimidated or scared when Sherman went on his emotion-fueled and silly rant. Pundits and viewers who think that are just wrong.

At most, she looked bemused (perhaps thinking about how much more she enjoys studio work than sideline reporting). Best of all, though, she listened to what Sherman said during what sounded like a WWE promo and followed with the right question.

"Who was talking about you?" Five words. The five right words at the right time ... and they elicited an answer. Crabtree. Sherman was mad at Crabtree.

Then, because Fox Sports had cut away form the shot, it sounded like Andrews was ready with another question before Sherman apparently walked away. In the emotion of the moment, it seemed like typical post-game fare pumped up by a bit more emotion than usual because of the high stakes of the game.

Much emerged from the all-to-brief interview. Some, even Fox Sports colleague Michael Strahan on the network's post-game show, indicated Andrews was scared. Others thought she was unprepared.

She was neither. The most overlooked aspect of the brief encounter was that she did her job well. (She shared her perspective about the interview on "The Dan Patrick Show" Monday.)

She did not need help -- as some have hinted when they noted that the game's producers cut the interview short. (Producers always make that call, so there's no news there despite Sherman's outburst.)

Sideline reporters have the most difficult job in sports, but during the NFL playoffs Andrews has repeatedly done well in that role for Fox. She's been better than counterpart Pam Oliver on gamedays and consistently shown why she rose to a place of prominence at ESPN covering college football and other events.

She might be out of place, or at least in need of more growth as a college football studio host, but she does a consistently strong job as a football sideline reporter -- and the post-game interview Sunday was the latest example.