The San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis will likely be up for the running for tomorrow's Defensive Player of the Year, which will be announced at the NFL Honor awards.
There are a lot of excellent players in the running, but Willis has been a standout player once again. This season, he recorded 97 tackles with four forced fumbles and an interception. He only recorded two sacks, but the five-year defensive stud was just too much again this season.
There were many big plays this past season that just show how strong he has been all year long, and they are the driving force in why he deserves to take it all.
4. He Motivates His Team
Alright so maybe this isn't a play, but is the speech that was said right before the 49ers' big game against the Detroit Lions? This game of course ended in the epic handshake issue between coaches Jim Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz.
The 49ers defense played great this game, especially with seven tackles provided by Willis to knock off the undefeated Lions.
3. Willis Takes out Ricky Williams of the Baltimore Ravens
Back in Week 12, the 49ers were playing the Ravens in Baltimore. The game was just getting started, but Willis was ready to go.
Quarterback Joe Flacco had nobody to go to, so he found Williams open for a dump pass. The second he turned to make his move with the ball, he was leveled by Willis.
While this wasn't a huge play in the game, it was one of his best displays of his ability to just take out the opposition.
2. Willis Forces the Fumble on Washington Redskins WR Terrence Austin
Two of Willis' forced fumbles this past season came in a big game against the Redskins on the road. Although the team did win the game 19-11, the two forced fumbles came while the game was 19-3.
The potential outcome of this game could have been completely different if Willis wasn't able to make the other team turn the ball over twice.
1. Willis Handles the Arizona Cardinals
Against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11, Willis was all over the field. He recorded seven tackles in this game, as well as forcing a fumble and recording his sole interception on the year.
This was a huge game for the team, and they won it big 23-7. Although the pick was off John Skelton, the 49ers did a fine job in shutting them down, while showing them that they now run the NFC West.
Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.
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