1. Linebacker Patrick Willis is the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his 18-tackle, 1-fumble recovery effort against the Bucs. It is Willis’ first such honor. The last 49ers defender to win it was Brandon Moore in Week 9 Walt Harris in Week 17 of 2006. Other nominees for this week’s award were Jared Allen (Vikings, two sacks and fumble recovery), Brandon Browner (Seahawks, six tackles, 94-yard INT return for TD), Chris Clemons (Seahawks, two sackes and forced fumble), Brian Robinson (Vikings, two sacks, forced fumble) and Jamarca Sanford (2 INT).
2. The 49ers offensive line as named the John Madden Protectors of the Week, in conjunction with Prilosec OTC. That makes the 49ers eligible for the 3rd annual Madden Protectors Award. “Last year the 49ers started two rookies on their Offensive Line and with a year experience they have become a formidable group,” Madden said in a release.
3. Alex Smith won the Samsung Next Level Player of the Week. He is ranked third in the NFL with a 104.1 passer rating.