Here's the funny thing: Sherman is supposed to be a product of our system. He's only so good because he doesn't have to follow the primary receiver. But when it comes to naming the best cornerback tandem in the NFL, the Seahawks weren't mentioned, because Maxwell is "unproven".
Well, if Sherman doesn't have to face the #1 WR, doesn't that mean Maxwell does? And if that's the case, and if those #1 receivers consistently have bad days against the Seahawks, doesn't that "prove" Maxwell?
Well, of course not, they say, because Maxwell benefits from coverage assistance from Thomas, because the #1 receiver usually draws the double-team.
Wait a minute - the guy on the #1 receiver gets consistent help from the safety?
So riddle me this: If the #1 receiver gets double-teamed and the corner gets help from the safety, doesn't that mean Peterson's numbers are *while getting help* while Sherman's numbers are unassisted? Particularly considering our "base" is a single-deep zone?
And in this passing league, how many teams are content to have only one decent receiver? Seems to me the decline from #1 to #2 is not so severe as it was in the days of the running back. Most passing teams have more than one good option.
Bottom line is that the Seahawks have faced all of the big-time passers in the Sherman age, and have not lost a game against the likes of Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Tom Brady, Cam Newton, Drew Brees, or Aaron Rodgers. Throwing at us simply doesn't work.
