Patrick Willis deserves the defensive rookie of the year and is the best linebacker this year.

Patrick Willis is having an outstanding season. He definitely deserves rookie of the year honors and is the best linebacker this year in the NFL.

Just a few statistics:

-Willis has 136 tackles heading into tonight's game against the Bengal's.

-Leads the NFL in tackles this year.

-Averages over 10 tackles a game.

-On pace to get over 150 tackles.

Good luck to my opponent

I can't really argue with defensive rookie of the year, it would take a miracle to beat him out. Best linebacker this year though is definately a stretch. All of your arguments seem to say the same thing.

WILLIS TACKLES PEOPLE......HE TACKLES A LOT. But, do tackling numbers, or statistics for that matter, make anyone the best at their position?

First, Willis does lead the league in tackles. Thats a fact. But, the 49ers are second in the league in defensive snaps. Compare that to other teams with notable linebackers. Ray Lewis of the Ravens has taken 110 less snaps than Willis, yet only trails him by 20 tackles. This play/tackle ratio means that if Ray Lewis had played the number of snaps Willis has, and played only to his average, it would put him at 139 tackles, just three behind Willis, in a much tougher division with a mucher tougher schedule.

Thats just tackles, taking a look at the intangibles and other stats, it makes it even more obvious that Lewis is better this year. Willis has, as of week 14, recorded one sack, one fumble, and zero interceptions. Lewis has 2 sacks,
2 fumbles, 2 INTs (one for a TD), and of twice as many tackles for a loss as Willis has. Additionally, Lewis has twelve defended passes, not only does this lead the league among linebackers, but it also speaks to his versatility to both defend the run and the pass, also compare his twelve with Willis' ZERO.

Beyond statistics, Lewis value is greater because of his veteran leadership. He plays a vital role in the Ravens D and is classically one of the greatest leaders in the game today. No rookie, no matter how gifted, can provide the kind of experience, leadership and knowledge of the game that a 12-year, 8-time-probowler, super bowl MVP, can provide.

There is no doubt that Willis has a bright future, but tackles aren't everything. He is definately tops among rookies, but has a little ways to go to be able to be considered the best LB in the league (even if its only for this year).

First of all, Ray Lewis is a great Linebacker, maybe one of the best all time.

However, if you look at the Ravens D, Ray has a lot of help around him. Patrick on the other hand, has no one who is performing at a high level this year on defense. Lewis may have a SB MVP, but if Willis was to go to a SB, I am sure he could definitely get one as well. Looking at pro-bowls, Lewis has 8. If Willis continues to play like he is, he could surely pass Lewis in that catagory. Just F.Y.I., in the vikings game 2 weeks ago, Adrian Peterson had 3 yards on 14 carries. Willis had at least 10 tackles on Peterson. Basically, he single handedly held Peterson. Lewis has one more sack, and one more fumble, and two more pics, that is not a whole lot. I did not say he was the best linebacker, I said the best this year.

First, I don't see how you can fault Lewis for the talent around him. If anything, this means that other players step up and make tackles or big plays. Willis makes all the plays himself, that is why his stats are so bloated. When a running back tears through their terrible d-line, Willis is right there getting more opportunities for tackles.

Also, Willis has NO other stats other than a high amount of tackles. Lewis contributes in several aspects of the game, as his stats indicate. Combine that with his equal amount of tackles and Willis has no offense here. We have already established the fact that if Lewis had the opportunities Willis did, he would have the same amount of tackles, against harder teams.

As for your Minn. example, Willis did not have 10 tackles, he had 6, which didn't even lead his own team (Nate Clements). Yes, Peterson did get shut down, but Chester Taylor ran for 110 yds......on 8 carries! Apparently, Willis is not the run-stopper you claim.

The fact is, Willis gets more opportunities to pad his tackle stats. Despite this, Lewis has an equal number of tackles when we consider the number of snaps they have each played. So, with the tackle stats equal, Willis has no other claim on Lewis. Lewis' intangibles go unanswered, as do his well-rounded and other league leading stats. Keep in mind that Willis plays in arguably the easiest division, while Lewis plays in arguably the hardest, with non-division games against the Pats and Colts. Lewis has better stats against more difficult competition and his experience, leadership and value to his team make him above and beyond the best LB this year.

*By the way, I have gotten all of my stats from nfl.com, if you could either cite yours or tell me straight that you are exagerrating, that would be great.

Ok, you may be right about the best linebacker this year, but Willis is the best defensive rookie this year. No Question. You definetely had good arguments. I had fun debating you.

I had fun as well. Like I said, I really can't fight you on the DRoY aspect, but best LB in the league this year is stretching it. Extend through my args about how awesomely awesome Lewis is. Obviously, he is an example of a better LB this year, which means Willis is not the best. Despite his bright future all of those things I pointed out mean Willis is at least second best this year. Thanks.