APThe Patriots were going to have to worry about 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith anyway.
But since they won’t see him until tonight on Sunday Night Football, they have to be extra careful.
Smith has a league-high 19.5 sacks this season, but 10 of them have come in four prime-time games, including his 5.5-sack outburst against the Bears on a Monday.
“Those Friday night lights,”Smith said, via Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. “You knew it was showtime. It’s just that feeling you get again from being under that spotlight.”
Of course, he’s playing against a guy who has been fairly successful himself under the lights.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has been sacked just 20 times this season, and leads the league’s highest-scoring offense.
So it’s natural for him to be highlighted, but Smith admitted surprise at being used as the face of the 49ers in NBC’s promos for the game.
“I just had one word – ‘Wow,’ ” Smith said. “I didn’t know what to say. . . . It’s Tom Brady. He’s won Super Bowls. Me? I just got here.”
If he can keep getting there tonight, the attention is only going to grow.
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Dude is DPOY its not even close
This is setting up to be a nice game as long as San Fran brings the defense from the very beginning. New England will role up those critical early points fast, and the Texans before getting rolled, looked better equipped to play from behind than the 49ers do.
The Niners would bring their A game like they always do in nationalized and prime time games. Go 49ers!
Great to see hes staying humble just hope he can keep his act right off the field hes a great player.
@jakec4
Texans don’t run the Wild-Kaep. ‘nough said.
pleasefirecam;
Dude is DPOY its not even close
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J.J. Watt has twice as many defeats as smith. That is two times the amount! That is just insane
his success is due to justin smith’s defensive holding………..consistently
Even as a lifelong Giants fan, I wouldn’t mind if this kid breaks Strahans sack record. Hell of a talent, and seems like a good man.
He’s gonna break Strahan’s record. The 49ers have one more game with Arizona left too.
Strahan doesn’t even deserve that record.