49ers Hope Chris Borland Can Fill Void Sunday Night
By Jerrell Richardson
Chris Borland #50
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 248 lbs.
Born: 12/26/1990
College: Wisconsin
Experience: Rookie
When the season started one of the biggest concerns was how the defense was going to hold up until the return of their star linebacker NaVorro Bowman. This concern was quickly erased with Patrick Willis leading the way, the defense has played lights out this season, holding opponents to a meager 79.8 yards per game on the ground. The doubts are back though, as after this past Monday, San Francisco saw Patrick Willis leave the game with a toe injury. While the injury has been described as “not turf toe”, and “not long term”, all signs to Willis being out at least this week. So how will the defense survive this week against the Denver Broncos? The answer is Chris Borland.
Is He Good Enough?
Understandably there is some concern about Borland. Not only is he replacing a Pro Bowl talent in Patrick Willis, but is doing so against arguably the best offense in the NFL, and for a defense that is already seriously undermanned. He has not seen the field this season other then last week or on special teams, so nobody knows what he can do. But don’t let the lack of exposure fool you.
Impressive Resume
As with most NFL players, Borland wasn't just good in college, he was a beast. He was named the Big Ten's Freshmen of the Year in 2009 and in his final season earned several awards, including the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. But this is the pro’s right?
Well it’s hard to hold it against him when considering the 49ers line backing core. With Willis, Bowman and the recently discovered Wilhoite, it’s understandable that Borland wasn’t on the field more before Willis’ recent injury. How about giving Borland some credit for making the roster, and competing with Wilhoite throughout training camp.
Got His Feet Wet Last Week
Last week Borland stepped in for Willis, so the rookie already got his first taste of playing defense in the big leagues. This is week will be different as the opponent is considerably better, but Borland played well in his unofficial debut. While St. Louis is no Denver, there are two things to consider. One is that with Borland on the field, the 49er defense played just as well as it did in the first half, if not better. Two, the Rams, at least when Borland on the field were trying to pass on most downs, so the style of play he saw just last week will not change a lot, at least in theory.
The question as to if Borland can fill the void left by Willis is a loaded one. Of course not. Patrick Willis is a player capable of 20 tackles if required and is the heart and soul of the defense. Willis' role was even more magnified by the absence of Bowman, so with both out, there is no way the defense plays as well as it would with two of their best players offense or defensively. However, in terms of production, it’s not a stretch.
Not A Ton Needed From Borland
This year, the defense has tackled as a team. Willis, who once led the team in tackles by a large margin has seen the rest of the team catch up. This season, Willis’ 34 tackles are the team lead, but only by 2. With less needed from Willis it means less will be needed from Borland. In his limited role last week, Borland totaled 2 tackles and 2 passes defended so although just a small sample size, Borland can contribute against the pass and run.
There is no better team to get a crash course in the linebacker position from then the Denver Broncos, so the experience Borland will gain this Sunday will be invaluable. Nobody knows how long Willis is out, or if an injury at the linebacker position pops up later this season, so might as well see what Borland can do now. What to keep in mind as well is the opponent. With Willis and Bowman on the field, the 49ers defense would going to give up some yards against this high powered offense, so even a less than impressive performance Sunday Night from Borland does not necessarily mean the rookie is not NFL ready. As long as the rest of the defense plays as they have all year, expect a respectable performance from Borland and another solid outing from the defense.
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Jerrell Richardson is a Bay Area native who due to a college career at San Diego State University has grown an appreciation for all things sports related in California. His heart will always remain in San Francisco though where he currently resides and covers everything from the San Francisco 49ers and Giants to the San Jose Sharks and California Bears Baseball team. Jerrell is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
