4. Aldon Smith will break the single-season sack record
May 22, 2013; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during organized team activities at the 49ers training complex. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, Aldon Smith was a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators and quarterbacks. Smith was among the elite last year, as he finished one sack short of the league lead and three sacks short of the single-season record for sacks.
Smith is one of the most efficient pass rushers in the NFL. He lead all 3-4 outside linebackers in pass disruptions with 70, as he consistently found a way to get into the opposing backfield to create pressure. Smith had 19.5 sacks last season, but failed to record a sack from week 15 to the Super Bowl.
Smith suffered a shoulder injury midway through the season, but never got it diagnosed until after the season. It turns out Smith played the end of the season with a torn labrum, which took away his ability to use his strength and hands to fight off the blocks of opposing linemen.
This season should see a 100 percent healthy Aldon Smith, along with a healthy Justin Smith. The added depth to the Niners’ front seven should force teams to have to concentrate on the whole, rather than just focusing on the Smiths’ side.
Smith has set the record for most sacks by a player in his first two seasons with 33.5. He passed the Hall of Famer Reggie White, who had 31 sacks in his first two seasons. Expect Smith to add another record to his resume shortly.