Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith (94) tackles Green Bay Packers running back DuJuan Harris (26) during the second quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

When the San Francisco 49ers signed DE Justin Smith to a six-year, $45 million contract in 2008, few knew who he was. Regarded as a second tier free-agent signing, he was considered solid but not great. Fast forward five years, and Smith has quickly become a household name. The player now known as “Cowboy,” has registered 322 tackles, 32 sacks, and 7 forced fumbles. In addition, he has been named to four consecutive Pro Bowls from 2009-2012. Regarded as one of the best defensive ends in the game, Smith has been nothing short of spectacular since signing with the Niners. However, last year proved to be a different story, as he was fighting numerous injuries throughout the season, including a partially torn left triceps.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) kneels for a moment late in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. The 49ers won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Smith known for his durability, was unable to finish out the regular season, making it the first time he has missed a regular season game, since his rookie year. And the 49ers defense suffered because of it, especially OLB Aldon Smith. In Aldon’s, last three regular season games, he was unable to record a single sack, whereas in his previous 13 games, he had racked up 19.5. Their seemed to be a strong correlation with the “Smith Brothers” being on the field at the same time, and it showed.

And although, Justin only record 3.0 sacks during the regular season, he still garnered Pro Bowl recognition from the coaching staff, fans, and his peers. One of the top defensive lineman in the game, Smith needs to have yet another Pro Bowl season while remaining healthy, if the 49ers hope to reach the Super Bowl again in 2013, and I believe he will.

For one, Smith is an absolute workhorse in the off-season. He is 100% business, all the time. And although stats are not everything, you can bet he was highly disappointed with his sack total last year. He is consistently double teamed on every play, but yet Smith somehow finds a way to get pressure on the quarterback. Look for him to register around 8 sacks this up coming season, as he’s out to prove he still has it.

November 19, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jason Campbell (2) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99, left) and defensive end Justin Smith (94, right) during the first quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Another reason “Cowboy” needs to have another stellar season is due to the lack of depth along the defensive line. The 49ers lost key free-agents in NT Isaac Sopoaga (Eagles) and DE Ricky Jean-Francois (Colts), so having a healthy “Cowboy” is imperative more than ever. Even if the 49ers decide to draft a top flight defensive lineman in this year’s draft, there is no guarantee that player will pan out. This makes “Cowboy” more valuable in Vic Fangio’s complex 3-4 scheme.

Lastly, if  ”Cowboy” goes down, you can bet your money, the 49ers pass rush will be among the worst in the league. If you take away Aldon’s sack numbers last year, the 49ers have a mediocre pass rush at best. Furthermore, the next best pass rushing threat other than Aldon last year, was OLB Ahmad Brooks. And that is not saying much considering he only had 6.5 sacks. I’m not saying the 49ers pass rush is horrible, but they clearly need “Cowboy” saddled up, if the 49ers hope to get consistent pressure on the quarterback.

Whether or not “Cowboy” regains his dominance as a 3-4 defensive end remains to be seen, however, one thing is for sure, the 49ers must have a healthy Justin Smith if they have any hope of making it two consecutive trips to the Super Bowl.

Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week it was reported San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith underwent surgery on his shoulder. Smith said the surgery fixed a torn labrum and he is expects to be healed up in time for the start of training camp in late July.

I had surgery a couple weeks ago on my shoulder. I’m just rehabbing and healing up.

The linebacker talked about his shoulder surgery on KNBR 680-AM on Wednesday and said the injury occurred on November 19, against the Chicago Bears. In that game the linebacker recorded a career-high 5.5 sacks. He thought the injury was just a “bad stinger” but after the season he was diagnosed with a torn labrum and surgery was required.

When the news first broke that Smith would need shoulder surgery, I immediately thought it had to with his Mixed Martial Arts training he did back in February. But he said the tear did not occur during his MMA training. Speaking at the NFL owners meeting this week, Jim Harbaugh also said Smith will be ready for training camp.

It should be noted Smith only had 4.5 sacks after tearing his labrum against the Bears. After defensive lineman Justin Smith went down with an injury for the last three regular season games, Aldon had zero sacks. However, the linebacker did say on Wednesday his shoulder injury had nothing to do with his lack of sacks.

Hopefully, with the Aldon’s surgery and Justin getting back to full health, the dynamic duo will cause havoc for offenses again in 2013. From the looks of the video below from Smith’s visit to the Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco, his shoulder did not seem to bother him in a game of Junkyard Dog.

 

Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith recently had minor shoulder surgery and he is currently recovering. Smith recently said the shoulder injury was from a nerve problem he suffered in a win over the Chicago Bears back on November 19.

The surgery Smith underwent repaired a torn labrum. Recently, the linebacker was filmed practicing MMA on February 15 and he showed no signs of a torn labrum. Now, he is shut down from any physical activity but let’s hope his MMA ambition did not cause the injury.

Aldon is an integral part of the 49ers defense. Even though he set a franchise record of 19½ sacks last season, he slowed down towards the end of the season and into the playoffs. Many point to Justin Smith getting hurt for Aldon’s lack of production, but it seems as if he was also hurt, which limited his effectiveness down the stretch. Let’s hope this surgery is just minor and Aldon comes back to full strength quickly.