Patrick Willis Making His Case for NFL Defensive MVP

Patrick Willis is making his case to win the NFL Defensive MVP award. As the season continues to unfold, so does the repertoire of Willis. 

He leads the NFL's best defense. He also hits like a freight train. When he meets an opponent, they are either stoned on the spot or he drives them back. 

People have been disappointed with his "down" numbers for the year. Please. It's not his fault he has been given a pupil worthy of his pedigree. Second year stud, NaVorro Bowman, has been soaking up the knowledge he offers like a sponge. Willis was tutored by Hall of Fame linebacker, Mick Singletary. For all his faults as a head coach, Singletary was invaluable to Willis' development. Now, Willis is passing on the legacy to another.

Some may rightly point out the lofty statistics that players like Jared Allen, DeMarcus Ware and Charles Woodson have been collecting and say that Willis isn't even close to them. My appeal to those of you who have this opinion is that Willis is the best all around defensive player in the NFL.

Consider the many ways the 49ers use him. He is a lethal pass rusher when asked to do so, and he has two sacks. He is one of the best in the league at forcing fumbles (he has four, which is tied for first in the NFL). He is excellent as a zone defender in the passing game. He is one of the only middle linebackers that can consistently defend a tight end one on one, as if he were a cornerback. I'm sure I forgot something, but you get the point.

The game against the Arizona Cardinals isn't even over, and WIllis has had a banner day. Through two and a half quarters, he has four tackles, an interception and a forced fumble, which teammate Donte Whitner recovered. 

Just another day at the office for Patrick Willis, the leader for NFL Defensive MVP.