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49ers’ 2018 ‘Who Is?’ series: Cornerback Richard Sherman

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts to a play against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts to a play against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 29: Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks intercepts quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans with 16 seconds left in the fourth quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Seahawks beat the Houston Texans 41-38. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 29: Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks intercepts quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans with 16 seconds left in the fourth quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on October 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Seahawks beat the Houston Texans 41-38. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

Why Richard Sherman Improves in 2018

Last year marked the first time in Richard Sherman’s career in which he suffered a serious injury.

Achilles injuries are painful and take a long time to recover properly. But they’re not always as debilitating as, let’s say, an ACL tear. And while Sherman has yet to be cleared for full practices during the 49ers’ offseason camps so far, all indications point to him being fully ready for training camp, which kicks off on July 25.

And if you had any doubt, just watch this:

https://twitter.com/footwork_king1/status/1012038587787849729

Sherman might not quite be at the level he was back in 2012, or so. But even in a limited season last year, opposing quarterbacks posted a passer rating of just 75.5 when targeting him, per Pro Football Focus.

In comparison, the guy Sherman replaced this season, former 49ers cornerback Dontae Johnson, allowed a passer rating of 108.7.

As a bonus, the Niners employ a nearly identical Cover 3 zone scheme, under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, as the one Sherman thrived in with Seattle. There won’t be any adjustment for Sherman. If anything, he’s the perfect player to instruct other defensive backs on the 49ers roster how to master the advantages of this scheme.