Justin Smith's Left Arm Has Gotten Stronger with Time and More NFC West News

Despite partially tearing his triceps muscle just a month and a half ago, Justin Smith knows his left arm is slowing making progress, and he only has to deal with the pain for 60 more minutes. Smith had this to say when Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee asked him about playing with the pain: "I know how many games I have left—four quarters."

Smith went on to add that he would indeed have surgery after the Super Bowl to repair the injury. Sometimes torn triceps and biceps muscles can heal on their own, but in his case it simply won't. It's healing up enough so that some of the discomfort is alleviated, but that's about it.

Since returning to the lineup in the divisional playoff round, Smith's impact hasn't been felt as much as it was in the regular season. Yet, it's better than any backup could offer. His play against the run has yielded the most praise, as he has six defensive stops in the past two games, according to Pro Football Focus.

Unfortunately, rushing the passer hasn't been his forte over the last two weeks. He's managed a minuscule two quarterback pressures on 83 pass-rush snaps. However, his return to the defensive line has helped Aldon Smith pile up 12 total pressures during the 49ers' postseason run.

With one more week of rest until Super Bowl XLVII, we should expect Justin Smith to have his most productive game of the playoffs, yet, come Sunday. 

Arizona

Jess Root of Revenge of the Birds takes a look at a Boston writer who thinks Tom Brady to the Cardinals is a great idea.

Shaun Church of Bleacher Report analyzes NFL draft picks who would be instant starters in Arizona.

San Francisco

Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun tells us how Joe Flacco has made an impression on the 49ers.

Jamal Collier of Bleacher Report breaks down the reasons why Colin Kaepernick should not be scared of the Super Bowl XLVII stage.

Seattle

Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.com examines the Pro Bowl journey for both Russell Okung and Earl Thomas.

Thomas Holmes of Bleacher Report gives us his final thoughts on the Seahawks great season.

St. Louis

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch fills us in on center Scott Wells' second knee surgery since this past spring.

Dan Gruchala of Bleacher Report gives us an updated seven-round mock draft after the Senior Bowl.