Your last point perfectly encapsulates the value of a shutdown corner in American Football. Their counting stats (interception, passes defended, tackles) are generally very low, but they are one of the most valuable player archetypes in the sport. A good one can make the other team’s top wide receiver a complete non-factor because the QB rarely even throws to his side of the field. To even get that receiver involved requires scheming around freeing him from that coverage, which tacitly allows the defense to dictate how the offense calls plays.