49ers Linebacker Patrick Willis Is Injured, How Will That Affect The Arizona Cardinals?

by Tyler Nickel on Dec 7, 2011 9:00 AM MST in General Arizona Cardinals News

When the 49ers roll into the desert this weekend to take on the Cardinals, they will probably be doing so without their star linebacker, Patrick Willis. During the first quarter of the 49ers/Rams game, Willis left with what has now been diagnosed as a grade two hamstring strain.

Even if Willis isn't able to suit up, don't think for a second that the 49ers defense is going to stall.

The 49ers have plenty of other options to replace Willis. Larry Grant spelled him during the Rams game and looked like a guy that has been starting all year long. Next to Grant in the 3-4 scheme would be linebacker Navorro Bowman, who has arguably been even better than Willis this season.

Yes, Willis' ferocity, drive and coverage skills may be missed, but we must take into account how much this game truly means for the 49ers at this point. San Francisco has already clinched playoff berth by securing their first NFC West crown since 2002. With that in mind, maybe resting Willis would be a good move anyhow.

The Cardinals will still need to step up their intensity if they want to be the first team to score a rushing touchdown on the 49ers this season. During their first meeting, Beanie Wells rushed only eight times for 33 yards. Chester Taylor was able to break the longest run the 49ers have given up this season, collecting 34 yards on his lone carry.

So does Patrick Willis being unavailable increase the Cardinals' chances of winning? I would say no. We have seen that the 49ers defense as a whole is still quite dominant, even without Willis in the lineup. Yes, Willis is a big time playmaker and one of the leading tacklers for his team, but the guys behind him on the depth chart have shown that they can step up. I would expect the rushing numbers for Arizona to look relatively similar.

What do you think, fans? Will Willis' absence affect the outcome of this game? Why or why not?

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Comments

Willis seems to force 1-2 turnover every game vs Cards

Grant was solid last week, but not sure if he’ll produce the turnovers

by mrg80 on Dec 7, 2011 9:17 AM MST reply actions

No it doesn't

The 9ers defense is good enough to make up for the loss of even an elite player like Willis. But if I were the cards I would take advantage of the lapse in coverage skills between p Willis and he backup.

by kardsfan on Dec 7, 2011 9:57 AM MST via mobile reply actions

If Whiz don't pound the rock, I want my eggs back!

I don’t want no stink’n finesse!

The stage is set to draw a line in the dirt and jump bad!

by AZ retiree on Dec 7, 2011 10:06 AM MST reply actions

I want both teams to represent!

The NFC West is tougher than the talking heads tell NFL audiences. The last meeting was pretty much a one sided affair. This time both teams have their reputations on the line as well as the perception of the ferocity of their Division.

I want Sunday to look meaner than a dog day afternoon in Michael Vick’s backyard. I also want both teams to leave behind a little skin and some blood in the mud to the point that even the L looks like playoff seasoning.

This game should be High Noon on mainstreet with women and children running for cover, anything less, is unacceptable!

by AZ retiree on Dec 7, 2011 3:00 PM MST up reply actions

The niners need every win because they are only one game ahead of the saints for a first round bye.
Yes we WILL get a rushing TD on them this week and they will blame it on Willis not playing.

If you don't have anything good to say about the Cards this season, you'd be correct.

by hevchv on Dec 7, 2011 1:36 PM MST via mobile reply actions

Eight times for 33 yds

is actually still a 4+ yds/carry average. Too bad we weren’t able to stick with it more in the first game because of Skelton’s performance and Wells still getting over his injury. I expect something completely different this week.

As long as we don’t turn the ball over, there’s no reason we don’t have a chance in this game.

by CardsFan1976 on Dec 7, 2011 4:26 PM MST reply actions

Does the outcome of this game say anything about Whiz's coaching?

Last time around the Cards laid down and rolled over. What if they do it again?

by AZ retiree on Dec 7, 2011 5:08 PM MST up reply actions

No they didn't?

The defense was just gassed and Skelton played like Derrick Anderson

by Airwave on Dec 7, 2011 5:13 PM MST up reply actions

You mean that wasn't Derrick Anderson?!!

My bad!

So I guess Whiz is off the hook, this time around also, if Kolb turns into Max Hall’s evil twin?

by AZ retiree on Dec 7, 2011 6:33 PM MST up reply actions

Oh god

shivers

by Airwave on Dec 7, 2011 7:52 PM MST up reply actions

Keep going to that Andre Roberts

I think he’s pretty good

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Dec 7, 2011 5:29 PM MST reply actions