San Francisco 49ers' Aldon Smith Dominates on MNF: Is He Defensive ROY?

The San Francisco 49ers dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers in front of a national audience on Monday Night Football, and Aldon Smith dominated the Steelers' offensive line on his way to a 2.5 sack performance.

Smith is now at the forefront of a two-horse race to the finish line for the NFL defensive ROY award with Denver Broncos' rookie outside linebacker Von Miller.

I documented each players' remaining schedule and probabilities for success given their circumstances in this post a couple of days ago.

My prediction for the way things might turn out in Week 15 turned out to be accurate. Miller went without a sack against the New England Patriots, leaving him with 11.5 sacks on the year.

Smith, on the other hand, gobbled up Max Starks and the rest of the Maurkice Pouncey-less Steelers offensive line on his way to 2.5 sacks. This strong performance brings his total for the year up to 13 sacks.

Smith's 13 sacks ties him with Baltimore Ravens' outside linebacker Terrell Suggs for fifth in the NFL. It also breaks a 49ers' franchise record for sacks by a rookie. This record had previously been held by Charles Haley, who collected 12 sacks in 1986 for the 49ers.

Smith is also only 1.5 sacks away from tying Jevon Kearse's NFL record for most sacks by a rookie (14.5).

With the Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams remaining on the schedule, things are looking good for the 49ers stud pass-rusher to build on his record-breaking season.

The Seahawks rank 27th in the NFL, giving up 42 sacks on the year, and the Rams rank 32nd, giving up 49 sacks to their opponents on the year.

Smith's strong play will also encourage more playing time, furthering his ability to pad his impressive stats.

The biggest thing Smith has going against him in this discussion is that he has been a part-time player for the 49ers, only playing for the most part in the 49ers base "nickel" package as a defensive end. Miller, on the other hand, has been a starter most of the season for the Broncos and has more tackles.

If Smith can continue his strong push to the finish line, I don't see how he isn't a lock to win the NFL defensive ROY award. His eye-opening performance on Monday Night Football surely helps his cause,.