Sherman Slams Rams DC After 20-Point Blowout: 'Why Pay These Corners to Not Use Them?'

The Shocking Start to the Season

As the NFL season unfolds, we're witnessing some jaw-dropping performances—and this week's clash between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers was no exception. In a game held in Melbourne, Australia, the 49ers delivered a masterclass in execution, defeating their division rivals 27-7 in what many are calling one of the most surprising results of the early season.

What made this loss even more baffling was how the Rams' defense looked completely out of sync. Even with a major overhaul of their secondary, featuring high-profile additions like Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, they couldn't contain San Francisco's offense. And it wasn't just about poor play—it was a clear coaching misstep.

"Why pay these corners to not use them as they have been used," former Seahawks and 49ers standout Richard Sherman posted on X, referencing a key stat that sparked a firestorm of discussion among fans and analysts alike.

This wasn't just a momentary slip-up. It was a full-on tactical failure by the Rams' defensive staff. And as one of the most recognizable faces in NFL broadcasting, Sherman's reaction sent a strong message: the coaching staff had to be held accountable for this disaster.

The Stats That Stood Out

According to SumerSports data, the Rams played zone coverage on 77.8% of their defensive snaps against the 49ers—compared to just 13.9% in zone coverage for San Francisco. That's a staggering contrast, and it tells a story all by itself.

But here's where it gets interesting: the Rams had invested heavily in their secondary this offseason. McDuffie was signed to a massive four-year, $124 million extension—making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. Meanwhile, Jaylen Watson joined him with a three-year, $51 million contract. These weren't just random acquisitions; these were moves designed to transform the Rams' defense into a dominant force.

So why didn't the coaching staff leverage that firepower? Instead, they relied heavily on zone coverage—a strategy that left their cornerbacks in the backfield while the 49ers' offense, led by Brock Purdy, exploited gaps in coverage and dominated the field with ease.

The Players Who Made an Impact

Despite being underwhelming overall, both McDuffie and Watson made their debuts. McDuffie registered four solo tackles and two passes defended, while Watson contributed with four total tackles, including two solo efforts. And though he's been a key player for the Rams since 2022, safety Quentin Lake led the team in tackles with 10 total, including seven solo stops, and also picked off a pass.

But even with these bright spots, the defensive scheme was clearly flawed. The Rams' front seven—led by Myles Garrett—also looked sluggish, with Garrett admitting that he wasn't at full strength due to lingering knee swelling. His performance, while not terrible, was definitely below what we've come to expect from a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

Sherman's Take: A Coach's Eye View

Richard Sherman's criticism is spot-on. As a former player who understands the nuances of defensive coordination, he knows how critical it is to make strategic decisions based on matchups and opponent tendencies. His comment about paying for corners only to let them be used in an ineffective way speaks volumes.

I've seen defensive coordinators across the league make similar mistakes, often due to rigid game plans or lack of adjustments during the game. In this case, it's clear that Chris Shula's decision to rely heavily on zone coverage didn't account for the fact that the 49ers' offense was built for exactly that kind of situation.

When a team invests millions into improving their secondary, they do it with the expectation that those players will be in the right place at the right time. When the coaching staff chooses to avoid putting those assets on the field—especially in a game like this—it's a strategic misfire that costs dearly.

The Road Ahead for Los Angeles

For the Rams, this loss is more than just a setback. It's a wake-up call. The coaching staff needs to reassess not only their defensive strategy but also their overall game planning approach. Chris Shula has been with the organization since 2017 and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2024—but his performance in this game certainly didn't meet expectations.

The question now becomes: will Shula be given the opportunity to make changes, or is this a sign that leadership might be looking for someone new? The pressure is mounting on the Rams' brass to get things right quickly, especially with a long season ahead and Super Bowl aspirations hanging in the balance.

Why This Matters

This isn't just about one game—it's about how teams build their defenses and how they adapt when facing different styles of offense. The Rams made a big investment, but their execution was poor, and that's something that can't be ignored. It's a reminder that in the NFL, it's not enough to spend money on talent—you have to play them effectively.

As I've always said, sports are about the heart and the strategy, and both were on full display this week. The 49ers showed they're ready for whatever comes next, while the Rams must now figure out how to turn things around before it's too late.