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.

Jan 27, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Justin Smith (94) speaks during a press conference at the Marriott New Orleans after arriving in New Orleans to discuss their upcoming game in Super Bowl XLVII to be held February 3, 2013. Mandatory Credit: Tyler Kaufman-USA TODAY Sports

“You can’t coach heart.” Those are some words of wisdom that I learned from my coach, at a very young age. It is the ability to do whatever it takes to help the team win. Whether it is giving up your body or playing injured, you can’t coach heart, goes beyond the x’s and o’s.

No player exemplifies this more than 49ers defensive end Justin Smith. The player known as “Cowboy” has been playing with a partially torn left triceps throughout the playoffs. Playing at a position that’s physically demanding while dealing with constant double-teams, Cowboy has been surprisingly productive. When Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee asked him about his threshold for pain he said:

I know how many games I have left-four quarters.

Although Cowboy has yet to record a sack in this year’s playoffs, he is already making players around him better, especially linebacker Aldon Smith, who has been experiencing some pass-rushing success as of late.

If the 49ers hope to win Super Bowl XLVII, they will need to have Cowboy suck it up for just 60 more minutes as they prepare for their “Quest for Six.”

December 9, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) celebrates after recording a sack against the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Dolphins 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

With second-year All-Pro linebacker Aldon Smith setting the season franchise-record for sacks with 19.5, it would be hard pressed to believe that he would need tips on getting to the quarterback. However, he has been held sack-less in his last five games (including the playoffs), and is now receiving tips from former 49ers defensive end/outside linebacker Charles Haley.

Haley who played for both the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, was one of the best pure pass rushers the game has ever seen. He knew how to rush the passer and always need to be accounted for. He is the only player in NFL history to have been on five Super Bowl winning teams.

Aldon trying to regain his form had this to say:

Nov 6, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys ring of honorees Larry Allen Charles Haley and Drew Pearson (left to right) during a halftime ceremony from the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

He gave me tips in our first five minutes of talking. It was legit. He said, “You need to turn your foot like this and start rushing like that.” And I was like, all right. You can tell he played football and was a great player.

Whether or not Aldon Smith regains his “swag” remains to be seen, one thing is for sure, having a healthy Justin Smith back in action, can only help his cause.