3 Cowboys who pose biggest threat to SF 49ers in Week 15
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Cowboys EDGE Aldon Smith
It might be a sweet reunion for former Niners EDGE Aldon Smith greeting the team that drafted him, although only a handful of players are left over from when Smith was donning the red and gold.
That said, Smith’s return to the field after years away with personal issues has been something to watch this season, and he’s already making an impact with five sacks on the year.
Granted, Dallas hasn’t been a prolific pass-rushing team this year, boasting just 24 sacks on the season. Yet Smith leads the Cowboys in this particular category, as well as notching 11 quarterback hits, which are both above his pass-rushing counterpart, DeMarcus Lawrence.
Both Smith and Lawrence are threats, but one figures Dallas will line Smith up on the strong side of the formation to go up against San Francisco’s right tackle, Mike McGlinchey, who has allowed a team-high 29 quarterback pressures this year.
Smith might be looking to get some vengeance against his former team anyway, and the questionable pass-blocking efforts from the SF 49ers offensive line this season presents a perfect opportunity.
If Smith does damage on Sunday, the Niners offense could be in a lot of trouble.