49ers vs. Seahawks: What’s the Game Plan for San Francisco
By Rich Madrid
No. 2: Attack the Weakness in the Seattle Secondary: DeShawn Shead
Seattle’s defense played a very tough game defensively against the Rams. However, the Rams were able to take advantage of the key weakness in the Seahawks’ secondary: cornerback DeShawn Shead.
Early in the first quarter, quarterback Case Keenum hits Tavon Austin with Shead trailing behind after a seven-step drop and double hitch-step.
The lack of a pass rush enables the Rams to hit what’s traditionally the hardest quarterback drop back to block.
Later in the game, Keenum hits Kenny Britt for a 35-yard gain by dropping a perfect pass over Shead into the hands of Britt.
Safety Earl Thomas was the deep safety in cover one (deep safety, man coverage underneath) which means no help on the outside for the corner backs. Keenum has a clean pocket after the play action fake and puts it on the money for Britt.
It’s likely that Seahawks corner Richard Sherman will match-up with Torrey Smith all game and that will mean wide receiver Quinton Patton will matchup on Shead on the opposite side.