Yes, Elam is a cover/man CB and has all the physical skills to do that. But, McD doesn't value that, he wants guys in position, even if they are a step slow. (Beneford) Elam is the second coming of Ronald Darby, who was also a cover CB. (still in the league btw) Elam will go elsewhere and play well imho. Beneford is McD's find...but the LA receivers undressed him. He had his zone covered, but, didn't make a play on the ball much. And, the scoop a couple of weeks ago, Beneford showed he is relatively slow for a CB, and not up to running with the speed receivers. So, the McD scheme gets good results most of the time, except when the opposition sees what is going on and does something else. A D set up to stop the big play in the air can't stop the run much as we have seen now. And our D line isn't good enough to get pressure sufficient to let the zone back end get things done all the time. (zero sacks against the Rams)