Cornerback Richard Sherman Regresses
Unlike Jerick McKinnon, veteran cornerback Richard Sherman has an impressive resume. Four Pro Bowl nods and three first-team All-Pro selections tell you everything you need to know.
Well, almost.
Sherman turned 30 years old this offseason. And while that’s not a major concern, per se, his 2017 Achilles injury could be. Granted, he looks ready for the upcoming season. But there’s evidence Sherman is beginning to start an inevitable decline, as shown by Better Rivals’ Oscar Aparicio:
That’s great and all, but it might be more relevant to look at what did he did last year before injury.
— Oscar Aparicio (@BetterRivals) July 12, 2018
In 8 games:
• Allowed a 75.5 passer rating (30th in NFL)
• Allowed a reception once every 17.4 coverage snaps (6th in NFL)
• 82.7 overal PFF grade (33rd in NFL)#49ers https://t.co/a5HZgZBmBi
Looking at that Pro Football Focus data even further, one can see how a possible decline is already happening:
Even at an apparent declined rate, Sherman is still the best corner on San Francisco’s roster. But that probably says more about the team’s depth than anything else.
The Niners’ other two starting corners, Ahkello Witherspoon and K’Waun Williams, have their merits. But there’s not a lot of experienced depth behind them. Veteran defensive back Jimmie Ward is there, but he posted a PFF grade of 46.9 last season before being lost to a season-ending arm injury.
Simply put, the 49ers need a lot out of Sherman this season. Just as much as Sherman needs the Niners to bounce back from his injury-plagued 2017 campaign.
If it doesn’t go well, the secondary will struggle as a result.