Aldon Smith Named NFC Defensive Player of the Month and More NFC West News

Even though San Francisco had its bye week during the month of November, it didn't stop Aldon Smith from being honored for the first time ever as NFC Defensive Player of the Month. In three weeks, Smith managed to pile up nine sacks, 18 tackles and two forced fumbles.

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Congratulations to @aldonsmithjets, the NFC Defensive Player of the Month.#NFLSackLeader

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 29, 2012"

As the 49ers headed into their bye week during the first week of November, Smith had 7.5 sacks. By month's end, he has climbed to the top of the ladder and is leading the NFL in sacks with 16.5. The next two closest players are J.J. Watt with 14.5 and Von Miller with 14.

Smith's 16.5 sacks puts him just six away from tying Michael Strahan's single-season sack record—there's no question he could eclipse that mark by season's end. With five games remaining, he needs to average about a sack and a half a game to break the record.

His 14-sack season from a year ago has already been a thing of the past. It's safe to say Smith and Miller will be battling annually for the single-season sack record. Both players have the ability to do it, yet it always helps to have a little luck on your side when it comes to registering quarterback sacks.

Moreover, let's not forget Smith is the fastest player ever to 30 sacks. I know it is a long ways off, but it's not unrealistic to think he has a shot at the all-time sack record. Especially if he can continue on this pace year after year.

Arizona Cardinals

Mark Sandritter of SBNation.com takes a look at the Cardinals offensive line and how they have responded to injuries.

Zach Kruse of Bleacher Report examines Beanie Wells' fantasy stock at running back.

San Francisco 49ers

Brian Billick of NFL.com breaks down how the 49ers reign supreme in the NFL.

Tim Daniels of Bleacher Report says Colin Kaepernick should have no problem hanging onto the 49ers starting gig.

Seattle Seahawks

The Associated Press reports on the Seahawks and how they are doing their best to not get caught up in all the distractions.

Brandon Schulze of Bleacher Report lists seven players Seattle could take in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft.

St. Louis Rams

Kathleen Nelson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Danny Amendola was back in a walking boot on Wednesday.

Drew Copley of Bleacher Report insists this week's game against the 49ers is the Rams' biggest game of the season.

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