The mop-haired Northern Irishman matched Woods's achievement at the 2000 Open by charging six shots clear after the second round at Congressional, where he has posted a tournament record total of 11-under-par 131.
"Everybody would agree he's probably got more talent in his pinky than I have in my whole body," American Brandt Snedeker told reporters after carding a one-under 70 to lie nine shots off the pace.
"He is unbelievably talented. If he keeps playing the way he's playing, we're all playing for second place."
Graeme McDowell, who won last year's US Open at Pebble Beach by one stroke, felt the par-71 Blue Course at Congressional was a perfect fit for his fellow Northern Irishman.
"He probably won't get a US Open layout that suits him better than this," said McDowell after following his opening 70 with a 74.
"You have to drive the ball very well and he's probably one of the best drivers to hit a ball that I've ever seen. We nicknamed him 'BMW' because he is the ultimate driving machine.
McIlroy became only the fifth player to dip 10 below par at the US Open.
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