Getty ImagesFew players were better at getting to the quarterback last year than 49ers rookie Aldon Smith.
But this year, they’re going to ask much more of him, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.
While Smith was allowed to do nothing but rush as a right end in obvious passing situations as a rookie, they’ve installed him as the starting right outside linebacker this year, demanding much more of him.
Maiocco’s review from the non-contact practices seems mixed, as he notes there were times when Smith would get turned around in coverage, and the challenge of setting the edge in the run game is significant for a player who was asked to do one thing in 2011.
They have a competent outside linebacker in Parys Haralson in case the transition isn’t smooth. And as Smith learns and gets more comfortable with other parts of the game, his responsibilities will likely grow as well.
But when you’ve got a guy who can manage 14.0 sacks in a part-time role, you don’t do too much to diminish his chances to do that thing, and Jim Harbaugh is smart enough to know that as well.
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He gon blow it up.
They’d like Aldon to actually start a game for the first time in his career. For starters.
Anyone remember Mark Anderson? Yah….
He can have as many sacks as he wants…..as long as none of them come against the seahawks. Between bowman willis and the 2 smiths…. jeez. im just glad their secondary isnt as stacked.
not a niners fan, but the kid is a stud rusher. time to see if he can be an every down player
He really did alot better than I thought he would do. I thought maybe 6 or 7 sacks is tops but he came out with 14. Thi man is an animal.