Sherman likens 49ers' defense to Legion of Boom
The famed Legion of Boom may have disbanded in Seattle, but Richard Sherman believes it can be replicated with the San Francisco 49ers.
While appearing on "Inside Training Camp Live," the veteran cornerback said the current 49ers defense reminds him of the legendary Seahawks unit that he was a major part of from 2011-17.
"I see similarities now, obviously, with all the pass-rushers we have now, all the talent we have up front," Sherman said, according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra. "The linebackers are versatile. They can run, they can cover. And then in the back end, we've got tall, rangy corners. We've got Jason Verrett now, who's very versatile. K'Waun (Williams) is a great slot (corner), and we've got a hitter in the strong safety box.
"So I think we're going to be similar. Obviously, it's the scheme, schematically, it's similar, but we'll see. We've got to be consistent. We've had some really good days out here. You've got to stack them, though, as you know."
After ranking 28th in points allowed per game during 2018, San Francisco added a number of players this offseason including Verrett, Kwon Alexander, Dee Ford, and Nick Bosa. Whether via the draft, free agency, or trade, the front office prioritized adding players who can get to the opposing quarterback in order to make things easier for the secondary in coverage.
"It does make a huge difference," Sherman said of the improved pass rush. "No slight to anybody else that came before but these guys are getting to the passer, and they're putting pressure, making the quarterback uncomfortable in his footwork. So they are airing passes, they're off their back foot, they're not putting it exactly where they want it to be. So that gives DBs a chance."
Meanwhile, the 49ers run a scheme that's similar to that of the former Legion of Boom. Robert Saleh, San Francisco's defensive coordinator, was an assistant with Seattle from 2011-13. Additionally, he worked under Gus Bradley - another former Seahawks defensive coordinator - with the Jacksonville Jaguars for three seasons.