Patrick Willis believes 49ers can still be great defense even without Justin Smith
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Patrick Willis believes the San Francisco 49ers can still be a great defense even without All-Pro tackle Justin Smith.
The 49ers might have to spend the rest of this season finding out whether or not Willis, their All-Pro linebacker and defensive leader, is correct.
Smith is unlikely to play Sunday in the regular-season finale against Arizona because of a partially torn left triceps. The injury could force Smith to miss some or all of the postseason.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The San Francisco defense has been gouged for big yardage and points since Smith was injured early in the third quarter Dec. 16 at New England. But the NFL's second-ranked defense hopes to regroup and regain momentum for the playoffs against an Arizona team that ranks last in the league in total offense.