San Francisco 49ers: 10 best single-season performances in franchise history
By Peter Panacy
No. 6: EDGE Aldon Smith’s Pass-Rushing Prowess in 2012
One can argue the Niners boasted the league’s most-feared defense back in 2012, the year they reached the Super Bowl for the sixth time in franchise history.
That team had plenty of defensive standouts, yes. But few came close to reaching the levels set by EDGE Aldon Smith.
In tandem with his defensive linemate, Justin Smith, Aldon Smith was one of the most prolific pass-rushing forces yet seen this century. A year before, Smith was half a sack short of former Tennessee Titans pass-rusher Jevon Kearse’s mark of 14.5. So it was easy to see why Smith’s arrow was pointing straight up.
When 2012 rolled around, Smith’s 19.5-sack campaign nearly broke Hall of Famer Michael Strahan’s single-season record, and the former’s efforts were a prime reason why San Francisco’s defensive line was so feared.
Unfortunately, Smith’s career took a turn for the worst in the following years, stemming from run-ins with the law and addiction.
But as far as fear-factor goes, Smith’s 2012 campaign was about as good as it gets.