Rookie inside linebacker Patrick Willis, the 49ers' top draft pick, was moved into the starting lineup today as part of a shuffle affecting four players. Willis becomes the "Mike" linebacker, in essence the team's middle linebacker, in place of Derek Smith. However, the 49ers decided to keep Smith on the field by sliding him to the other inside linebacker position known as "Ted," displacing Brandon Moore.
Moore, who led the team last year with a career-high 114 tackles after a midseason promotion to the starting lineup, will back up Smith. On passing downs, Moore will serve as a pass-rushing defensive end. He led the team with a career-high 6 1/2 sacks last year. Jeff Ulbrich, previously the backup to Moore at the "Ted," or strongside inside linebacker, will move to middle linebacker as Willis' backup.
Coach Mike Nolan said the change was made now, three weeks before the team's Sept. 10 opener against Arizona, to allow time for the players to become accustomed to their roles.Moore missed several tackles in the 49ers' first two exhibition games, but Nolan said those performances didn't factor into the moves as much as Willis' strong play in practice and in the games. Willis' 12 tackles are the most on the team, reflecting his constant presence around the ball.
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