Patrick needs to... | Page 3 | 49ers Webzone Forum

qnnhan7 · 2011-08-09T20:55:47-07:00

The following 2 statements from Fangio says it all about the inept coaching staff we had for several years. I thought every LB on a 3-4 should be expert at blitzing, especially a pass-rusher starved team like us, but apparently the previous coaching staff didn't bother to have Patrick Willis catchup on the finer points of being a blitzer. "Patrick needs to, right now, improve his blitzing ability and his pass rush, and that’s what we’re working on at this point." "I knew he was very good, he’s even better than I thought he was in most areas and we need to make him a better blitzer right now than he is."

Aug 10, 2011 at 4:47 PM

#31

qnnhan7
Veteran
Posts: 35,186

Originally posted by Memphis9er:

Originally posted by qnnhan7:
Not really expecting double digit sack numbers from a middle linebacker, even of Willis' caliber. Just surprised that they didn't give him all the knowledge and the threat of blitzing. After all isn't that what the 3-4 is all about, getting to the qb with your LB. Showcasing your 4 linebackers. Blitzing from the ILB is a weapon and threat if use sparingly. It's obvious to just about everyone, but apparently not done by the previous coaching staff. That's what coaching is all about, give your players the knowledge to be the best. The rest is up to that player. Total assward to me that we just started to talk about bring Willis up to speed on the technique of blitzing when he has been here 2+ years.

Our coaching has sucked, but the 3-4 ILB is more of the attack the ball carrier than attack the passer. This should only make the best LB in the game even better.

Just to be clear, I do understand that in conjunction with my criticism. But to not give Willis that in his arsenal wether he had been getting to the qb or not, until now...

Aug 10, 2011 at 4:49 PM

#32

Memphis9er
Veteran
Posts: 12,641

Originally posted by qnnhan7:
Just to be clear, I do understand that in conjunction with my criticism. But to not give Willis that in his arsenal wether he had been getting to the qb or not, until now...

Oh definitely brother, I have been around here a few years now, I know the good posters and know that you are one of them. Just making an observation.

Aug 10, 2011 at 5:58 PM

#33

NCommand
Hall of Fame
Posts: 123,365

Originally posted by Wodwo:
No, Justin Smith is by far our best pass rusher. Willis has had success blitzing (not the same as pass rushing) because of his incredible speed and instincts (reading the snap, shooting the gap).

However, Fangio is right in saying that Willis needs work. He's not a pass rusher at all... he doesn't beat blockers. He is held up way too easily by a RB.

He would struggle mightily as a full time OLB.

That said, I think he would be effective if we moved him around to blitz.

Aldon and Willis stunting around Justin Smith is =

Imagine this? LOL...but on a serious note, imagine how much this will open up the outside rush. Just the mere fact that an opposition is going to have to account for all FOUR of our LBers makes me happy. Night and day.

Aug 10, 2011 at 6:01 PM

#34

niners
Veteran
Posts: 66

Originally posted by valrod33:

just be him self and improve on coverage and blitzing.
oh yeah and kill everything that moves.

[ Edited by niners on Aug 10, 2011 at 6:11 PM ]

Aug 10, 2011 at 6:01 PM

#35

KowboyKiller
Veteran
Posts: 6,991

KILL THAT MOTHERFVCKER PATRICK WILLIS

Aug 10, 2011 at 6:08 PM

#36

elhebrewhammer
Veteran
Posts: 245

Originally posted by KowboyKiller:
KILL THAT MOTHERFVCKER PATRICK WILLIS

Why do you want to kill Patrick Willis?

/commas are awesome!
//just playing with you man, so don't be mad or anything

Aug 10, 2011 at 6:47 PM

#37

SonocoNinerFan
Veteran
Posts: 17,610

Originally posted by KowboyKiller:
KILL THAT MOTHERFVCKER PATRICK WILLIS

He needs to do what Kenny Powers tells him to do.

Aug 10, 2011 at 7:08 PM

#38

Esco
Hall of Fame
Posts: 26,033

How bout we give him a gun too

Aug 10, 2011 at 7:09 PM

#39

Wodwo
Veteran
Posts: 8,476

Originally posted by NCommand:
Imagine this? LOL...but on a serious note, imagine how much this will open up the outside rush. Just the mere fact that an opposition is going to have to account for all FOUR of our LBers makes me happy. Night and day.

No kidding, eh?

Some people are going to be in for a surprise when they see how differently we use our ILBs this season. I keep reading posts about how Bowman is a terrible fit for TED. Heh.

Aug 10, 2011 at 7:11 PM

#40

sincalfaithful
Veteran
Posts: 27,712

It's sad that it's taken this long for a coaching staff to get ahold of him to improve him as a pass-rusher but when you look at the last two coaches we've had it doesn't really surprise me that he's "behind" the curve so to speak.

patrick as a improved pass-rusher =

Aug 10, 2011 at 7:12 PM

#41

Wodwo
Veteran
Posts: 8,476

Originally posted by Esco:
How bout we give him a gun too

He already has guns.

Aug 10, 2011 at 7:14 PM

#42

monsterzero789
Veteran
Posts: 24,304

Originally posted by SonocoNinerFan:

Originally posted by KowboyKiller:
KILL THAT MOTHERFVCKER PATRICK WILLIS

He needs to do what Kenny Powers tells him to do.

if Patrick Willis gets 8+ sacks this year im giving the kudos to Kenny Powers, not Fangio

Aug 10, 2011 at 8:17 PM

#43

matt49er
Veteran
Posts: 7,655

More than anything else this just proves we have an actual coaching staff FINALLY! Willis is the best LB in the NFL already 4 seasons, 4 pro bowls, 3 all pro's, 3 NFL Alumni LB of the year awards ridiculous #'s. 6 sacks last year and apparently he's not a good passrusher! Best part is Fangio has the balls to actually say that Willis has a weakness, to challenge the teams best player. I can't wait for this season!

Aug 11, 2011 at 8:01 AM

#44

WRATHman44
Staff
Posts: 16,956

Originally posted by Wodwo:

Originally posted by Esco:
How bout we give him a gun too

He already has guns.

I have two guns, one for each of ya

Aug 11, 2011 at 8:03 AM

#45

WRATHman44
Staff
Posts: 16,956

Originally posted by Wodwo:

Originally posted by andes14:
A lot of criticism in the pass rush ability of a guy who led all ILB's in sacks.

Willis does a good job as a blitzer because he doesn't often have to beat pass blockers. A good pass rusher can consistently beat blockers. A good blitzer mostly avoids blocks.

Justin Smith = Good pass rusher (consistently beats double teams)

Patrick Willis = Good blitzer (with room to improve)

This. He gets it done w/ speed, unpredictability, and ferocity. Adding technique to that would be nasty. They should start tracking a new stat for QB pants soiled in a season.