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darkknight49
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Coming to grips with poor tackling
Quote:
SAN FRANCISCO -- Patrick Willis had heard all the whispers about Arizona Cardinals running back Edgerrin James.
Now he was about to face reality.
Willis was starting his first game as the San Francisco 49ers' middle linebacker two years ago when he found James barreling toward him on an off-tackle play. It was the kind of moment when Willis expected to justify his value as a big-hitting first-round pick.
Instead, James crashed into him with so much force that Willis blacked out briefly upon impact.
If that play wasn't humbling enough, Willis found himself racing toward James later in the same game. This time he took a perfect angle, lowered his shoulders and slammed into James near the goal line. By the time Willis looked up after landing on his back, the official was raising his arms to signal a Cardinals touchdown.
A good read by Chadiha on how tackling has gotten so poor, with lots of niner talk as well. Its VERY long tho.
Enjoy!
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SybErkRimInAL
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"first NFL game" nuff said. Willis is one of the best tacklers in the NFL.
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darkknight49
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Originally posted by SybErkRimInAL:
"first NFL game" nuff said. Willis is one of the best tacklers in the NFL.
yea, it does explain what willis did to improve to the point he is, like wrapping up like hes grasping a tree.
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darkknight49
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Quote:
But every time a 49ers player shoots him a dirty look after Willis has thumped him in practice, Willis explains he doesn't want to be another player with bad tackling habits.
"When people see me on film," Willis said, "I want them to know I'm playing this game the right way."
We need more people like this on the team--those who don't care what other think, but that want to play the game the way it should and at the highest level.
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tohara3
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Great read!
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danimal
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I think each season, especially after losing seasons, the worst starting defender in terms of tackling needs to be replaced.
I am not sure who that would be this year?
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darkknight49
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Originally posted by danimal:
I think each season, especially after losing seasons, the worst starting defender in terms of tackling needs to be replaced.
I am not sure who that would be this year?
probably Goldson. He keeps running into players rather than tackling them.
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danimal
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Originally posted by darkknight49:
Originally posted by danimal:
I think each season, especially after losing seasons, the worst starting defender in terms of tackling needs to be replaced.
I am not sure who that would be this year?
probably Goldson. He keeps running into players rather than tackling them.
yeah he is part of that discussion for sure, I was never a fan of goldson myself
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Nes49
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Originally posted by danimal:
Originally posted by darkknight49:
Originally posted by danimal:
I think each season, especially after losing seasons, the worst starting defender in terms of tackling needs to be replaced.
I am not sure who that would be this year?
probably Goldson. He keeps running into players rather than tackling them.
yeah he is part of that discussion for sure, I was never a fan of goldson myself
I wants hitters....I wants guys who wanna HIT!!!!!
lol @ the other coaches initially asking what the point of singletary's tackling drill was for
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Wubbie
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I like just how much Singletary and Willis show up in this article.
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jcs
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Originally posted by Nes49:
Originally posted by danimal:
Originally posted by darkknight49:
Originally posted by danimal:
I think each season, especially after losing seasons, the worst starting defender in terms of tackling needs to be replaced.
I am not sure who that would be this year?
probably Goldson. He keeps running into players rather than tackling them.
yeah he is part of that discussion for sure, I was never a fan of goldson myself
I wants hitters....I wants guys who wanna HIT!!!!!
I would rather they tackle than hit...some guys just go for the big hit (Goldson) and just miff or bounce off.
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SolRebe1
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As i recall, his debut game was great.
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Niners99
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Originally posted by SybErkRimInAL:
"first NFL game" nuff said. Willis is one of the best tacklers in the NFL.
Willis might be the BEST tackler in the NFL...
ive seen him bring down Steven Jackson in the backfield with ONE ARM.
btw, dont know how many have noticed, but Willis is back in the NFL lead for tackles again this year.
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PowderdToastMn
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That is the thing that I like about our defense. There are a lot of good tacklers. Willis, Clements, Smith, Franklin, and even Manny is coming around. I hope they keep getting better because the potential is there.
In fact, the potential for both the offense and defense are there. This team could end up being REALLY good with a little more experience and some tweaks here and there.