NFL San Francisco 49ers

Patrick Willis Will Be X-Factor For San Francisco 49ers In Week 5

Fresh Videos

By @sdmeyers1

Patrick Willis

Getty Images

The San Francisco 49ers scored a critical victory over the previously undefeated Philadelphia Eagles last week in large part thanks to the incredible play of the 49ers’ defense. That unit held the potent Eagles offense scoreless, and came up with the game-saving goal line stand in the closing moments.

In Week 5, the 49ers’ defense will face another daunting task against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs exploded for 41 points and nearly 450 yards of offense against the New England Patriots in a dominant victory on Monday night.

For the 49ers to have success on the defensive side of the ball, inside linebacker Patrick Willis will need to have his best game of the season.

Willis, a perennial Pro-Bowl player, has been an anchor of the San Francisco defense for the past eight seasons. With the injury to fellow inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman, however, Willis has been even more crucial to the success of the defense this year.

Thus far in 2014, Willis has produced mediocre statistics by his standards. He has notched just 23 tackles through four games, and aside from an athletic interception in the season-opening victory, has made very few splash plays.

Against Kansas City, Willis and the entire linebackers corps will be tested by the Chiefs’ prolific rushing attack. The Chiefs boast two impressive running backs, Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis. Charles rushed for 92 yards and notched three touchdowns, including two receiving, against the Patriots. Additionally, Davis surpassed the 100-yard mark, as he totaled 107 yards on just 16 carries. This duo has proven to be arguably the best tandem of running backs in the NFL this season, and stopping them will be the top priority for Willis.

After recording just three tackles against the Eagles, expect Willis to be much more active around the line of scrimmage, as he must prevent the running backs from reaching the second level of the defense. If he cannot accomplish that task, the Chiefs could once again crack the 200-yard rushing mark.

Additionally, the Chiefs’ top target in the passing game will be the responsibility of Willis, at times. Second-year tight end Travis Kelce has paced the Kansas City receivers, as he’s caught 24 passes for 259 yards this season, more than 100 yards ahead of the next receiver. Kelce possesses a massive frame, weighing 260 pounds, and has quickly become the go-to option for Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith.

Because of Kelce’s size, he will likely present a mismatch if covered by one of the 49ers’ safeties, Antoine Bethea or Eric Reid. Willis has both the size and speed to defend Kelce, though, and will likely draw the assignment on several occasions.

As a result, Willis should have more responsibilities this week than any of his teammates on the 49ers’ defense. Containing the suddenly explosive Kansas City Chiefs offense appears to be a formidable challenge, but Willis has the attributes and pedigree to shoulder the burden.

If he plays a key role in stopping the run and taking away the tight end in the passing game, expect the 49ers to be successful against the Chiefs.

Sean Meyers is a professional wrestling writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter or “Like” him on Facebook.

 

Share Tweet
Trending Now on