The wrap-up of the 2009 season includes one final set of power rankings. I wanted to focus in on one particular comment from Fox Sports:
Linebacker Patrick Willis should become a star next season on a defense that allowed the fourth-fewest points in the league this season...
Bamm Bamm was elected the starting inside/middle linebacker for the NFC Pro Bowl team this year. The vote is a 1/3 split between fans, players and coaches. Wilis finished first in the fan vote. It's arguable how valuable that is, but at the very least it shows he gets love from the people, and people know about him. Given that the 49ers weren't getting national coverage in terms of highlights, people at least could read his name at the top of the tackles list each week. Clearly we all love Patrick and know how awesome he is, but where exactly do you think he fits in the national landscape in terms of being considered a "star" ?
ESPN - #19 (21) - Continuity at offensive coordinator should help, no matter what you thought of Jimmy Raye.
- Arizona - #8 (6)
- Seattle - #27 (26)
- St. Louis - #32 (32)
Fox Sports - #19 (20) - OFFSEASON DIAGNOSIS: Mike Singletary didn't get his team to the playoffs, but he must be proud of what's starting to come together by the Bay. Linebacker Patrick Willis should become a star next season on a defense that allowed the fourth-fewest points in the league this season, a defense that kept opponents under double digits in five of the 49ers' final eight games (all wins).
- Arizona - #8 (9)
- Seattle - #30 (29)
- St. Louis - #32 (32)
CBS Sports - #19 (21) - I think Alex Smith showed well enough to earn the spot for next season. Do the 49ers think that?
- Arizona - #9 (9)
- Seattle - #25 (25)
- St. Louis - #32 (32)
Pro Football Talk (via NBCSports.com) - #18 (20) - The 49ers have gotten back to .500 for the first time since 2002, the last time they went to the playoffs.
- Arizona - #9 (6)
- Seattle - #30 (29)
- St. Louis - #32 (32)
NFL.com (Brandt) - #17 (21)
- Arizona - #8 (7)
- Seattle - #29 (28)
- St. Louis - #32 (32)
NFL.com (Brooks) - #19 (22)
- Arizona - #9 (5)
- Seattle - #27 (27)
- St. Louis - #31 (32)
NFL.com (Carucci) - #18 (20)
- Arizona - #8 (8)
- Seattle - #30 (24)
- St. Louis - #32 (32)
WhatIfSports.com - #20 (20)
- Arizona - #14 (15)
- Seattle - #26 (26)
- St. Louis - #32 (32)
Average 49ers Ranking: 18.63 (20.67)
Average Cardinals Ranking: 9.13 (8.11)
Average Seahawks Ranking: 28.00 (26.56)
Average Rams Ranking: 31.88 (32.00)