San Francisco 49ers’ Patrick Willis challenges teammates

San Francisco 49ers’ linebacker Patrick Willis called an impromptu meeting with the defense today and had a clear message for the below .500 49ers (1-2): it’s time for a W.

San Francisco rookie safety Eric Reid detailed the meeting with FOXSports.com’s Ross Jones.

“We were already in a defensive meeting and it was kind of out of the blue,” Eric Reid said “I guess [Patrick Willis] just felt the need to get up and say something to the defense.

“He called us up today, actually and told us that there is no need to panic. We know the type of guys we have on this team and we just have to play better and that starts on Thursday. We gotta go out against St. Louis and get a win.”

With a short week looming and the game against St. Louis just two days away on Thursday Night Football, many question marks remain for the 49ers’ defense:  Willis himself injured his groin in the game against Indianapolis and is an uncertainty;  Aldon Smith recently checked into rehab and is out indefinitely; DT Ian Williams  is out for the year with a broken leg; it’s unclear if Nnamdi Asomugha will be able to go; Eric Reid is most likely still a bit shaky after suffering a concussion a little more than a week ago…

The list seems to go on and on for the 49ers defense.

Needless to say, the short week couldn’t come at a worse time for San Francisco.  Willis is right, it’s time for a gut check, and time to step up before the season slips away from the defending NFC champs.