Fans of the 49ers got a taste of what linebacker Chris Borland could do when Patrick Willis was injured last season, and he did alright. The rookie from Wisconsin played in 14 games and started in eight racking up 107 stops, two interceptions and a sack along the way. Had he started in more he very well could have been a candidate for defensive rookie of the year.
Not bad for a 248 pounder that just stands 5'11." So--now that Willis is retiring the question becomes whether he can do it for an entire season.
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New defensive coordinator Eric Mangini is certainly going to be hoping so especially considering the other losses the defense is expected to endure. Rumor has it that Navorro Bowman could be on the chopping block after failing a physical and Justin Smith may be retiring as well.
The addition of Darnell Dockett should help take some pressure off the linebackers, but Borland is going to be expected to pick up where he left off. If he doesn't, the heart of the 49ers defense is going to be hurting.
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