San Francisco 49ers: Aldon Smith Pulling Away from Von Miller for Defensive ROY

San Francisco 49ers defensive end/outside linebacker Aldon Smith is pulling away from Denver Broncos rookie outside linebacker Von Miller for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Smith added to his impressive rookie campaign with another sack when he slipped around the outside of the Seahawks' offensive line in the third quarter and got one of those rare opportunities defenders dream about in their sleep: a free shot at the quarterback.

His continued dominance for the 49ers is a big reason why the team is 12-3 and in the race for the second seed in the NFC playoffs. His sack in Week 16 brings his season total up to 14 sacks, only one-half a sack away from tying Jevon Kearse's all-time NFL record for a rookie.

For much of the 2011 NFL season, Miller was the player making all the headlines, as the Broncos were winning games with a stifling defense accompanied by the late-game heroics of a certain quarterback. 

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I took a look at the remaining schedules for both teams and determined that Smith could go on a tear to end the year while Miller would face stiffer competition and flounder. You can see that post here.

It turns out my analysis was correct. Miller has since struck out the last couple of weeks while Smith has eaten up inferior opponents for lunch (eight tackles and 3.5 sacks). Miller's total contribution to the Broncos for these last two games is two tackles...that's it.

There is still the argument for Miller that he should get the award due to his capacity as a starter. He has almost double the amount of tackles as Smith (64 to 35) while playing in almost twice as many plays.

I can understand that side of the argument, but I'm not swayed by it. I see what Smith has done this year for the 49ers and I can't help but think they would have lost at least two to three games if not for his timely, game-altering sacks.

It's not Smith's fault that the 49ers are a more complete team than that of Miller's Broncos.

Let's take a quick look at these two phenomenal rookies' stats side by side:

• Miller: 64 tackles (50 solo), 11.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 4 passes defended
• Smith: 35 tackles (29 solo), 14 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 4 passes defended 

The only thing Miller has done better than Smith is that he has more tackles. The only reason he has more tackles is because he's been in on more snaps. Otherwise, this contest wouldn't even be close.

What's next?

Von Miller's Broncos host the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17. He should get an opportunity to pass-rush, but now that Kyle Orton is slinging the rock for the Chiefs, the going will be tougher. 

Aldon Smith's 49ers travel to St. Louis to face off against the Rams. The Rams are the worst pass-protecting team in the NFL, and I expect Smith to tee off once again in Week 17.

Stay tuned for this final week. Both rookies are fantastic players that we will compare for the entirety of their careers.