I look for a monster game from Patrick Willis tomorrow.

by zacksf on Jan 21, 2012 9:22 PM PST

I know these prediction posts are generally not worth much, and I am generally a pretty conservative poster, but here goes. I think Patrick has been steaming ever since the touchdown pass to Jimmy Graham last Sunday. He put the responsibility for that on himself and he was feeling pretty upset about it (to put in mildly) until Alex hit Vernon with the last TD.

As prepared and motivated as Willis always is, I think he will take it to another level against the Giants on Sunday. I would look for the following:
1) monster play against the run, freeing Goldson and Whitner to concentrate fully on pass coverage (ok, he does that every week),
2) man covering the Giants tight end, who is good but not especially fast, without help and shutting him down (allowing our safeties to help the corners with Nicks, Cruz and Manningham),
3) several big impact plays including a sack, forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
The third item, of course, contains the monster plays that can transform a game. (Like the hit by Whitner last Sunday.)

In my imagination, Patrick's experience, how he felt when Graham scored on his coverage, will enable him to transcend to a even higher plane of competitive fire and intensity. (Sort of like when Gandalf comes back from near death as Gandalf the White in LOTR.) A great warrior transformed and reforged to become even greater.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.

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I dig it

He’s due for a Def TD

by mrg80 on Jan 21, 2012 11:56 PM PST reply actions

Isn't it funny

how the greatest, most ferocious MLB is being completely ignored by the media going into this game? I’ve had a similar feeling all week.

by BruinMW on Jan 22, 2012 12:45 AM PST reply actions

totally agree.

but that is a good thing for us. I wonder if Patrick has been a bit careful since the games he missed with the hamstring?

I don’t think he will be careful today. I think he will play like it is his last game.

by zacksf on Jan 22, 2012 9:58 AM PST up reply actions

I am feeling

a Willis strip fumble for a TD, like he is engaging Bradshaw on a running play, but just hits him, steals the ball, and runs for 6

by sanfranfanmdk on Jan 22, 2012 8:47 AM PST reply actions

my prediction

he lights up any WR who dares to cross the middle.

BOOM!

by SH0ck-D on Jan 22, 2012 9:26 AM PST reply actions

I made the same prediction that Willis will be the defensive player everyone is talking about tomorrow

However, I worry that he is not the player he was before the injury
He is not nearly as explosive. Hopefully he can play through it today. Against these Giants, our best need to play at their best for us to win.

by Togna Balogna on Jan 22, 2012 10:07 AM PST reply actions

good point

the same question lingers in my mind. I think he has been careful to avoid re-injury so far and, exactly as you say, less explosive. His last play against New Orleans may have change that mindset, and will we see the re-emergence of the best Patrick.

by zacksf on Jan 22, 2012 10:35 AM PST up reply actions

I'm also looking for

a BIG game from Crabtree.

"One game at a time. Let's just keep it rolling." Justin Smith

by riderless on Jan 22, 2012 11:32 AM PST reply actions

Yes!

He will be looking to make up for last week. In his interviews, I was impressed by how Michael acknowledged his drops, but did not get down on himself. He will rebound. I think the Giants will be focused on Vernon and Crabtree will be our go to guy. Michael has has the athleticism, physical presence and hands to excel in a mud game!

by zacksf on Jan 22, 2012 11:44 AM PST up reply actions