Patrick Willis missed the 49ers' last two games with a toe injury.
Watching from the sideline has given him the opportunity to watch what rookie linebacker Chris Borland brings to the table.
The third round pick from Wisconsin registered 18 tackles against the Rams, the most by any player in the NFL this season.
"He was everywhere," Wills told Yahoo Sports' Melanie Collins. "It was exciting to watch him play. I really felt bad that he had all them tackles and we didn't get that win, because I truly know that feeling of when you go out there and feel like you had the game of your life and you don't get the win.
"Chris is the type of the guy that no matter how good you play, if you don't win, then it really doesn't men a lot. And that's what makes him a special guy."
Borland had a terrific game against the Rams statistically, but St. Louis managed to capitalize on his one glaring mistake.
[MAIOCCO: Despite 18 tackles, Borland thinks of blown assignment]
His blown coverage led to a 21-yard Kenny Britt touchdown reception, and after the loss, Borland admitted to the mistake.
"They ran vertical routes to my right and a drag to my left, and I thought I had help, but I should have known I didn’t to the outside, so the drag, I should have covered it,” Borland explained.
“That’s our assignment, and I should have played better.”
His words certainly seem to back up Willis' statement.
“It’s hard to feel better after this game,” Borland said. “I think personally I played better and our defense played better overall, but just a sour taste in my mouth.”
