San Francisco 49ers: 3 Smiths Primed for Awards

The NFL will announce the AP awards during Super Bowl Sunday and throughout the Super Bowl week. It's a bit ironic, considering the NFL wants to create extra drama yet in-game theatrics are frowned upon. 

Nevertheless, this should liven a process that not only seemed dull but somewhat disorganized. 

The San Francisco 49ers should benefit from the newfound attention brought to the announcement of the regular-season awards. Flashier teams like the Green Bay Packers and the New England Patriots receive the media love but 2011-2012 49ers deserve as much, if not more, attention.  

After wrapping up the NFC West division title in Week 13, the San Francisco 49ers concluded their magical regular season with a final record of 13-3, in addition to a first-round playoff bye. 

The presence of Jim Harbaugh and his coaching staff has made such a difference for an organization that craved stability and discipline. 

Harbaugh has been a "shoe-in" for the Coach of the Year award but there are several 49ers who are primed for regular-season accolades. 

Justin Smith: Defensive Player of the Year (DOPY)

2011 Statistics: 58 Tackles, 7.5 Sacks, 3 Forced Fumbles 

Justin Smith is not flashy or flamboyant in any sense but his blue-collar work ethic is bar none. His play epitomizes what Harbaugh has preached from day one. 

The statistics shown above are not eye-popping but Smith's impact is felt everywhere. He is crucial in how the 49ers operate in their 3-4 scheme. 

Smith is double-teamed often, which leaves one-on-one matchups for his fellow lineman––and linebackers––to dominate.

His ability to seal the edge and stop the run, makes him a stout run defender. Smith is also an effective pass rusher. Just ask the offensive tackles who've had the misfortune of facing him. 

DeMarcus Ware and Jason Pierre-Paul deserve recognition, but Smith should have the upper hand. 

Alex Smith: Comeback Player of the Year

2010 Statistics: 2,370 Passing Yards, 14 Touchdowns, 12 Interceptions (82.1 QB Rating)

2011 Statistics: 3,144 Passing Yards, 17 Touchdowns, 5 Interceptions (90.7 QB Rating)

Alex Smith is still heavily criticized despite leading the San Francisco 49ers to their first playoff berth since 2002. 

The above statistics don't begin to show the transformation the former first overall selection has undergone under the tutelage of Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman. 

Smith's confidence has skyrocketed and you see that poise in the pocket that was lacking in previous years. It's amazing what a coaching change can do for a player. 

The 49ers defense and power running game deserves major recognition but Alex Smith deserves a piece of that pie. 

There isn't a player in the league right now who has improved more than Alex Smith over a season. 

Aldon Smith: Rookie of the Year (ROY)

2011 Statistics: 37 Tackles, 14 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles 

Von Miller gets all the pub but Aldon Smith is more deserving of this award. His play for the 49ers has made such a difference for a defense that has lacked a threat on the outside in previous seasons. 

Smith adds a different dimension to the most dominating defense in football. He completes an already versatile defensive line. 

His play against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football should have opened some eyes. I expect his production in the postseason to increase and that should finally bring attention to this young superstar in the making.