There is a rigidity to the cover 3 press man with lots of zones by the SS and linebackers that is being exploited. That said, those routes take a tic or two, so leave QBs vulnerable to pass rushes while they wait out that tight end drag route.
I also disagree very much that the Chargers created a template. IIRC, 2 of those three TDs were very well covered, they were just perfect throws and catches.
The vulnerabilities of the type of defense we play have long been known. But the one consistency of this defense is that when the pass rush is good, the vulnerabilities of the cover 3 remain manageable. Also, there is immense freedom in the cover 3 to press outside while changing up many looks underneath where Chancellor and the linebackers or nickel and dime guys zone.
One of the biggest differences between Richard and Williams is that Sherman is so good at redirecting his guy to where the sideline is an extra defender, and Williams funnels his wr to help, help that sometimes isn't even built into that particular play. Williams got beat over the top a few times, and it eroded his confidence in playing any real press, he starts looking for his bail point sometimes even before the snap. Which gives the WR his choice of where to go. Lane will not do that.
This weekend will be a big test for our D. Pittsburgh pretty much has the 3 wr formation down to an art. We can't really just cover 3 press zone a 3 wr bunch. But we can attack it, and still keep Sherman on the other side with the singe WR, with Earl over the top of the 3 wr set taking anything deep away. The thing that kills with Pitty is YAC. Have to tackle well.
