Originally posted by dyNASTYmode:
Not the harder hitter or faster player in the 40....better player
There's a reason Bowman posted more tackles.
Much respect to #52 but I think #53 gets disrespected not being recognized as the best LB in the league.
Just noticed this is post 53
I can't disagree with that statement more. Remember Derek Smith? That guy was a tackling machine. 5 straight season's with the 49ers with over 100 tackles. Does that mean he is as good as Willis and Bowman? Hell no.
Defense is much like offense. Everybody has a role to play. Just because your RB has the most rushing yards, doesn't mean he is the best player.
Willis and Bowman have different roles on our defense. Because Willis is such an amazing athlete he's role involves more coverage responsibilities. This gives us a huge advantage because it often frees up a safety. Why do you think Whitner and Goldson are such ball hawks?
Let's say Willis and Bowman switched roles. Willis would go back to leading the league in tackles just like he did before we got Bowman. But Bowman, lacking all the physical skills that Willis has, would struggle covering TEs man-to-man and we would loose that matchup advantage that Willis gives us.
Willis is the better overall player.