We did this numerous times last year to help get Patrick Willis Rookie of the Year honors (because clearly he needed our help). Patrick Willis is the first 49er to be nominated for a weekly honor, Week 2 GMC Sierra Defensive Player of the Week. It looks like you can vote multiple times in a given day, so time to go to town. 3 votes already for Bamm Bamm.
The nominees this week are:
Willis: Willis made eight tackles, defensed a pass and returned an interception 86 yards for a touchdown to tie the game in the 49ers' 33-30 overtime win over the Seattle Seahawks.
Kirk Morrison: Morrison made six tackles, had one sack and snagged a fourth-quarter interception that led to a touchdown drive in the Oakland Raiders' 23-8 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Justin Tuck: Tuck made three tackles, had two sacks, defensed a pass and returned one interception 41 yards for a touchdown in the Giants' 41-13 win over the St. Louis Rams.
Charles Woodson: Woodson recorded two tackles and intercepted Lions QB Jon Kitna on back-to-back series in the fourth quarter in the Packers' 48-25 win over the Detroit Lions.
Troy Polamalu: Polamalu recorded his second interception of the season, defended two passes and made one tackle for a loss to help the Steelers defeat the Cleveland Browns, 10-6.
While this is quite a contingent of talent, I think it's safe to say Willis's interception return for a touchdown was the biggest momentum swing of the weekend. Also, when he was off the field you could see the difference in the 49ers run defense. Is there any question Bamm Bamm is the man this week (and every week obviously)?
EDITOR'S UPDATE 10:50AM: Over at Goal Posts, they've got a quotation from Willis following the game:
“I just knew someone had tipped it up,” Willis said after the game. ”My eyes got big and I thought, ‘Oh, there it is.’ As soon as I got it into my hands the first thing I thought was high and tight. I just looked straight at the sideline and thought if I could get around the corner maybe I could have a straight run. Once I got around the corner I just kept seeing all these people show up. Walt (Harris) carried me in and some other guys made some blocks. I was just grateful they helped me score.”