Justin Smith, one of the all-time best 49er defensive linemen appreciation thread.

Originally posted by WINiner:
Looked like as early as mid way through the 3rd he started spending time on the bench. I think he's really hurt.

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by eonblue:

He b looked as strong as ever but i think he was a little cautious. Which is understandable. I really didn't want himself reinjuring him in the first game or any game for that matter. He drew the double team and McDonald beat his.man a couple of time. All around the line was great. I'm a little worried about Aldon tho he doesn't seem as hungry and the thing its that i know he wants to win. So he has to be fatigued. He played a good game and he's getting better at controlling the pocket.

True, Aldon didn't look very good last night...OK by his standards and if you get to the first level in the run game, he's pretty weak. He's stellar at TFL but I think he's worn out and may be hurting more than we realize. He's WAY less aggressive and explosive.

Originally posted by Leathaface:
First of all, #94 is a force. I feel like he was using his shoulders and trying to get inside instead of using that left arm as much...he was still effective and I saw him double teamed quite often.

I think he was at like 85%.

By next week, hopefully he's at 95%.

Originally posted by Rubberneck36:
@MaioccoCSN: 49ers DT Justin Smith played 53 of 49ers' 58 defensive snaps, 5 tackles, commanded double teams. "And his legend grows," Jim Harbaugh said.

Originally posted by LoneWolf:
Good news on Justin Smith here http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/2/21/4013484/trent-baalke-nfl-combine-justin-smith-injury-update-49ers

"Baalke was asked about Justin Smith and his recovery from triceps surgery. The 49ers all-world defensive lineman suffered a triceps tear against the New England Patriots, and his absence and subsequent return at less than 100% were noticeable. The 49ers defense had some issues late in the year, and a decent amount of that can be traced to Smith's injury.

According to Baalke, Smith had successful surgery on his triceps muscle. Baalke said it went well and the team expects a short by Text-Enhance">rehab for him, likely getting back in July, in time for the start of training camp."

Originally posted by YoungWifey:
This is definitely great news. I seriously don't understand how this guy is not in the running for DPOY. I know there were talks of it last season but gee whiz, give this guy some recognition. I get that JJWatt deserved the award but I cannot think of one guy who makes as much of an impact on defense like the Cowboy does, not even Watt.

Originally posted by LoneWolf:

Originally posted by YoungWifey:
This is definitely great news. I seriously don't understand how this guy is not in the running for DPOY. I know there were talks of it last season but gee whiz, give this guy some recognition. I get that JJWatt deserved the award but I cannot think of one guy who makes as much of an impact on defense like the Cowboy does, not even Watt.

I think they base awards like that more off of numbers then they do impact. What Moss said about numbers vs impact does have some merit. Smith undoubtfully has more impact as a defender in the NFL then any other player.