Who Was More Talented? (Willis or Lewis)

4everFaithful · 2017-03-06T17:34:41-08:00

I believe what made Ray the greatest was his brains, leadership, and longevity. But I believe Patrick was more talented. Much faster, just as strong, could tackle just as well if not better. His ability to cover sideline to sideline was the best I've ever seen from a LB. I believe part of the reason his career was so short was because his toe injury was a result of his speed. No man that size should be that fast and hustle that hard. Wore out his feet. Had 49ers remained in Candlestick it's possible he'd still be playing due to the natural grass rather than turf in Levis.

Mar 6, 2017 at 5:38 PM

RonMexico
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lewis is better at murder

Mar 6, 2017 at 5:42 PM

jcs
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Interesting comparison. Physically I think Willis was more talented but he didn't have the football IQ or the love for the game as much as Lewis. Just look at that pick you posted, Lewis came into the league as a 235+ lb speedy LB and as he lost his physical ability he evolved over 17 seasons into a 255+ lb grinder who could still dominate and vocally lead an entire team where as soon as Willis lost a step he chose to retire.

[ Edited by jcs on Mar 6, 2017 at 5:43 PM ]

Mar 6, 2017 at 5:50 PM

49AllTheTime
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Hate to say it, but Lewis was easily

Mar 6, 2017 at 6:04 PM

genus49
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Originally posted by 49AllTheTime:
Hate to say it, but Lewis was easily

More talented? No way. Better player? Unfortunately yes. But it was more so because of his health and passion that inspired the guys around him.

Mar 6, 2017 at 6:04 PM

JimA49ers
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Still kills me that they didn't give the ball to Gore for a run up the middle in the Super Bowl when Lewis was not in on those plays.

Mar 6, 2017 at 6:11 PM

49AllTheTime
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Originally posted by genus49:

Originally posted by 49AllTheTime:
Hate to say it, but Lewis was easily

More talented? No way. Better player? Unfortunately yes. But it was more so because of his health and passion that inspired the guys around him.

as big as Lewis was he moved pretty fast. He was great in the pass defensive game also

Mar 6, 2017 at 6:13 PM

genus49
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Originally posted by JimA49ers:
Still kills me that they didn't give the ball to Gore for a run up the middle in the Super Bowl when Lewis was not in on those plays.

Lewis wasn't the issue. Dude was a liability at that point. Ngata was out however and we were gashing them in the run game. Inexcusable.

Mar 6, 2017 at 6:14 PM

Dr_Bill_Walsh
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/threat

Mar 6, 2017 at 6:14 PM

NTeply49
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Patrick Willis had more talent. So sad he retired.....
Ray Lewis had more talent around him and a better leader.

Mar 6, 2017 at 6:17 PM

#10

thl408
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Originally posted by RonMexico:
lewis is better at murder

Lewis is the more talented dancer. Tried his dance once and all my ACLs cramped up.

Mar 6, 2017 at 6:47 PM

#11

Waterbear
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The only MLBs I would put ahead of Willis was Lewis and Butkus. Willis was the most athletic MLB of all time though.

Mar 6, 2017 at 7:02 PM

#12

CityKing415
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Willis more talented but Lewis had more passion for the game. Lewis wouldn't have retired due to injury. Not a knock on Pat, He'll always be a favorite player of mine and a Niners great.

Mar 6, 2017 at 7:15 PM

#13

RishikeshA
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Patrick has the rare quality of humility and never had any negative press.

Mar 6, 2017 at 7:17 PM

#14

SofaKing
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Ray Lewis was a little more talented imo. Both HOF caliber talents.