And I think you're *definitely* right that the impact he has on the rest of the DB's is significant. Maxwell's success came *exclusively* because he (and everyone else on the field) knew for certain that the ball was going his way. All (heh!) he had to do was stay on his assignment's hip and keep his eyes on the QB to create those interceptions. Add to that his incredible punch-out skills on ~caught balls, and he was a true impact player here in Seattle--PRECISELY because Sherman was on the other side of the field, forcing all the plays Maxwell's way.
And I used to think ET was more important than the other DBs, but after seein how the D looked during his absence and contrasting that to how they looked sans Chancellor, I'm inclined to say that he and Kam are no worse than equals in terms of total impact on the D--and I'm starting to think Kam's more important in the aggregate. The interplay between ET and Sherman is massive, no doubt, since they complement each other so beautifully, but Kam is...just...it seems like every time he comes back from an injury (or after his sit-out to start the season) he immediately makes a game-saving play that's 100% him.
It's a lot of fun following a WINNING sports team. I'm glad to see the steps the M's have taken down that road; they've got a few more to take before they're in the same conversttion as the Seahawks, though.