SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Patrick Willis bounced from one drill to the next, dishing out hits and asking questions all over the San Francisco 49ers' practice field with a physical presence impossible to miss.
Even on offense.
The All-Pro linebacker and leader of one of the NFL's best defenses started studying all aspects of the game this offseason. Willis has worked with lineman on both sides of the ball in training camp, even spending time watching wide receivers and tight ends to learn how they adapt to coverages.
After a dominating defense carried the 49ers to the NFC championship game, Willis and the rest of his teammates are searching for new ways to sharpen a squad already considered among football's fiercest. All 11 starters are back from a young unit that had three All-Pros.