Patrick Willis: How great can he be?

by David Fucillo on Oct 5, 2009 10:30 AM PDT in San Francisco 49ers News

A year or two ago wjackalope came up with the graphic to right here, just without the crossed out "in the making." Patrick Willis's performance yesterday afternoon definitely had me thinking he was making that leap to the next level. Willis has had games with a lot of tackles. He's had games with an INT returned for a touchdown. He's had sacks. Yesterday, Bamm Bamm put it all together for what might have been the most impressive performance of his still young career. He finished the game with 8 tackles (3 for a loss), 2.5 sacks, a pass deflection, 3 QB hits, and of course a nice little interception returned for a touchdown. That is what you call a complete performance.

At this point the only real negative that I see as a regular NFL fan is that he still occasionally ends up out of position on plays due to his aggressive play. Of course, he often is able to get back and make a play because of his crazy athleticism, but it is still certainly an area to improve. However, in his post-game press conference, Mike Singletary had some interesting comments about our all-world linebacker:

On where the defense stands right now:
...Guys like Patrick Willis, who had a great day today. Pat is still just scratching the surface...

On what LB Patrick Willis will do once he scratches the surface:
"Wow. Just wow would be the only thing I can say, wow, because he has so much talent. He just has to tie his talent and knowledge together and that’s where he’s going to take it to the next level."

Given Mike Singletary's own pedigree, I'll certainly take him at his word that Patrick Willis is just scratching the surface. If that's the case, can you imagine how good Patrick Willis could be? At this point he's gotta be in the argument for best linebacker in the league. I'm not saying he's definitely the best, but I do think he at least deserves some consideration.

Given all that, my assessment of Singletary's comment is that at this point Patrick Willis is still relying more on his athletic skills. It sounds like Willis's next step is to better understand the nuances of the game and figure out what kind of play is coming. If he can do that, he can be in the right position more quickly and conserve some of that athleticism for when it's really needed. Feel free to correct me if you think I'm wrong, but I think that's the point he was making.

Assuming he's able to take that next step, how filthy could Patrick Willis become? It seems to me that you can more or less remove the ceiling from Patrick Willis's career. He's certainly not the greatest insider/middle linebacker in NFL history, but is it safe to say that is his new ceiling?

It's safe to say it's finally a good time to be a 49ers fan!

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If Willis is only scratching the surface, I can’t wait to see him at his full potential.

FIRE BRUCE BOCHY NOW!!!!!!
AND TAKE BRIAN SABEAN WITH HIM!!!!!

by 49er16 on Oct 5, 2009 10:31 AM PDT reply actions

I love what Shaun Hill said about Willis

“I’m glad he’s on my team”

Me too

Check my 49ers blogs at Mining the Gold Rush and San Francisco 49ers Examiner

by PHUT! on Oct 5, 2009 10:32 AM PDT reply actions

Patrick Willis is why the 49ers have the 3rd (!) best defense in the NFL. Yes.

Pablo Sandoval eats Dodgers for lunch. And sometimes dinner.

by Ramah71 on Oct 5, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions

oh man I made that scratching the surface quote my sig last night

I want the team to start talking extension already. This guy can be the face of our franchise. He’s well spoken, humble and an absolute beast who plays his ass off every play. NINERZ BRAZZ !!

"Pat is still just scratching the surface." - Coach Singletary on LB Patrick Willis

by 49erLou on Oct 5, 2009 10:47 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Hes going to get one don’t worry. He is a beast.

by 49erSalvatrucha on Oct 5, 2009 10:50 AM PDT reply actions

Everything about him is so impressive, from his talent to his play to his demeanor. I think he’s got a real shot at Defensive Player of the Year this season.

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
"AT LAST I AM A PARENTS." - Buster

by jponry on Oct 5, 2009 11:20 AM PDT reply actions

Everything about him is so impressive, from his talent to his play to his demeanor.

It never ceases to amaze me how humble the guy can be, and how he seems to never be satisfied with what he’s done. Always looking for more and understanding he can’t do it all on his own.

by sfgfan on Oct 5, 2009 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions

Willis/Singletary

Sometimes I think it was a perfect storm of Willis coming to the team where Mike Singletary was an assistant (and now head) coach. Willis has all the natural ability in the world, but having Singletary to mentor him has to be so huge.

by David Fucillo on Oct 5, 2009 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions

I felt exactly the same

and I was so excited when Singletary didn’t leave the off season before last, and when he was promoted last year.

by Kaizre on Oct 5, 2009 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions

I hate the word "potential" but

wow. he’s the single most dominating ILB this side of Ray Lewis, without the anti-social side show of Ray’s early years.

by SoDak9er on Oct 5, 2009 11:45 AM PDT reply actions

Does he remind you of...

Jr. Seau?

by StepUp on Oct 5, 2009 11:46 AM PDT reply actions

back

in his rookie year when the 49ers played to vikings (the game peterson got shut down) the vikings coach called Willis “a rolling ball of steak knives”. i still think about that.

by save10 on Oct 5, 2009 11:53 AM PDT reply actions

Rod Woodson said he was the best in the league

On Total Access in the off-season – although, admittedly, Mike Singletary was sitting opposite him at the time! Can’t see past Ray Lewis and Pat, with P-Willy overtaking the old man of Baltimore as the king of the ILBs this season. Maybe already.

"This could be another Very Special Team" ... Superbowl winning Niners lineman Dan Audick ...

by LondonNiner on Oct 5, 2009 12:14 PM PDT reply actions

i mentioned to a co-worker this morning that it’s not only looking like willis has completely established himself as a superstar, but that he might actually develop into a generational talent. how many players have been that good consistently before they’re even 25 and still seem to be getting better as each week passes? his ceiling is just unreal. just think, he’s not even in his “prime” yet.

he’s the type of player you tell your kids to pay attention to cos it’ll be awhile before someone like him comes along again.

by druncan on Oct 5, 2009 12:25 PM PDT reply actions

Better

then Junior Seau if you ask me. This man just dominates the football field in almost every single defensive aspect. I said in the pre-season that i would like to see him used to rush the passer a little bit more, and well that has happened. Every thing about Willis makes you smile as a 49ers fan. I am usually a fan of offense and like to see 31-27 football games. But yesterday i was the most entertained i have been in a long time watching a football game, and it was the defense not the offense. If he continues to grow and mature as a player there is absolutely nothing he cannot do up to but not limited to defensive player of the year awards. If he continues on his current path Willis will be mentioned among the leagues all time best defensive players.

Playoffs? Playoffs? Playoffs? Your Talking about Playoffs? Yes Sir I am!!!!!!!!!!!

by nocal81(Vincent) on Oct 5, 2009 12:44 PM PDT reply actions

I think Patrick Willis has broken through

When watching the game, and the Niners are on defense, it seems as if the announcers are always talking about our boy Willis. He seems to get in on every play, even when they try to run away from him. It is a sign of respect that they are trying to run away from him. He just makes plays all over the field. The Interception he made, In realtime I thought it was one of our corners that stepped in front of the ball, but it proved to be Willis, and no one could catch him from behind either. Every running play seems to end for the opposition with Willis getting at least a partial tackle. He really does seem to be everywhere all at once. He plays nearly every down, and has a motor that goes from the first whistle to the last whistle. He has the respect of his peers and his opponents. Offensive Coordinators are looking for ways to run or throw the ball away from our Best Linebacker. Patric Willis is headed back to the ProBowl again. He is an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. And off the field, the kid is a wonderful role model for the kids and does his part to raise money for charities in our community. What is NOT to like about this Kid. I hope my kid turns out to be like Willis. I think there are a lot of Dads that would love to have their sons emulate the athleticism and demeanor of Patrick Willis. I am so glad he is on our team!! If he continues to play at this high level for another 7 or 8 years, I see a golden jacket in his future! Does anyone dispute this kid has HOF written all over him? He keeps suiting up and showing up, and that is inspirational to many fans all across the NFL. My buddies at work always ask me it that Patrick Willis kid if for real. I always tell them that there is no one on any team that is as real as Patrick Willis, For his size, he it the fastest and most productive ILB in the game today. With another Pro Bowl on the horizon, this kid is putting his mark on the League. He is already an early consideration for Defensive Player of the year! This Kid is the Anchor of our defense and plays with a motor that doesn’t quit !! He’s Defensive Player of the Year in MY book!

Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!

by FaStRmAn on Oct 5, 2009 1:20 PM PDT reply actions

It's a matter of time

Physically he already has it.
He also has the right attitude, humility, willingness to learn, team player…
The rest will just come in time. The football wisdom. The instinctivness that puts him in the right place at the right time. It’s what Lewis has, what Bruschi had….

…just a matter of time.

by Krowley on Oct 5, 2009 2:22 PM PDT reply actions