Justin Smith Is Finally On The Radar

by Eric Tellez ***31 Jan 2010*** nflpressbox@gmail.com


Defensive lineman Justin Smith was added to the NFC PRO-BOWL Roster as a late replacement for Kevin Williams of the Minnesota Vikings. Smith had 6 sacks, 90 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries for the 'Niners this season.

Smith has been with the 49ers since 2008 when he signed a 6-year contract after playing with the Cincinnati Bengals since 2001. Last season, Smith contributed 7 sacks, 73 tackles, and one interception. He has also started every game since 2002.

OK, those are the numbers. But here's what has me excited about the selection.

It's a well-known fact that when the awards and accolades are given it is the teams that are winning that get the lions share. There will always be players that go unnoticed and unrewarded because their team doesn't attract the same attention. I was afraid that Justin Smith was going to be one of those guys.

Ever since Smith arrived in San Francisco he has been a dominate anchor on the defensive line making the key tackle, tying-up multiple blockers, and tracking down running plays from behind. The television commentator says "Justin Smith on the tackle" and then continues to praise Patrick Willis or compare the play to something Dana Stubblefield would have done in the past. Meanwhile, where's Justin Smith? Knocking down a pass and forcing a punt on 3rd-and-long.

Having Justin Smith named to the Pro Bowl is showing that the league is paying attention even if you couldn't tell by reading the news releases. I don't even know if a Justin Smith football card even exists at the moment! (Note to TOPPS, I expect 2 next year; 1 regular, 1 All-Star.)

Having 5 'Niners in the Pro Bowl is outstanding for an 8 win team. But look at the names; Patrick Willis, Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, Justin Smith, Andy Lee. All young players, all the future of this team. The 49er's are getting respect nationally and it's only going to get better.


***Sorry for the delay, had to sit-out a week after surgery. I'll be back with regular updates as I get back to normal. Email me at nflpressbpx@gmail.com to talk sports anytime! Et

Gore Carries Pro Bowl Tradition

by Eric Tellez ***21 January 2010*** nflpressbox@gmail.com


Frank Gore was added to the NFC Pro Bowl roster replacing the Rams Steven Jackson who will sit out the game with injury. The selection is Gore's second, his first since 2006, and continues a proud legacy of Pro Bowl players coming out of the 49ers backfield.

The first 49ers ball carrier selected to an All-Star game was fullback Joe Perry in 1949 during the days of the old All-America Football Conference. Perry is often considered the best back in team history and attended All-Star games in 1952, 1953, 1954 and 1958.

The first halfback to make the team, as well as the back with the most All-Star selections, is Hugh McElhenny who went to a total of 6 games. His first game was in 1952 and he was selected again in 1953, 1954, 1956, 1957, 1958. When mentioning the great backs in team history McElhenny is never far from the top of the list despite never leading the league in rushing or scoring more than 9 touchdowns in a season.

Fullback Ken Willard, who is probably the most overlooked back in team history, made the Pro Bowl in 1965, 1966, 1968, and 1969. He started the 1965 and 1968 games. Do you remember who was the next 49ers fullback selected to a Pro Bowl?

Roger Craig was selected as a fullback for his first Pro Bowl in 1985. He would be named to NFC rosters in 1987, 1988 and 1989 as a halfback. Ricky Watters was also selected to 3 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1992-1994.

Garrison Hearst made the team in 1998 and 2001 while Charlie Garner earned a selection in-between being named to the 2000 NFC roster.

Here's a trivia question for you. Who was the first 49ers fullback to make the Pro Bowl after Roger Craig in 1985? Not Tom Rathman. Not William Floyd. It was Fred Beasley who started the 2003 game.

That's it for now, I'll be back on Saturday to go over next year's schedule. Email me at nflpressbox@gmail.com to talk 49ers or football in general. Et

BREAKING NEWS!!!! Gore Pro Bowl Bound

by Eric Tellez ***1/21/2010*** nflpressbox@gmail.com


San Francisco runningback Frank Gore is headed to Miami to play in the Pro Bowl on January 31st.

Gore was selected as an "alternate" when the names where released in early January and will be replacing St. Louis Rams runningback Steven Jackson. Jackson can not play in the game due to injury. Gore rushed for 1,120 yards, scored 10 touchdowns and was the featured player in the 49ers offense this season.

Gore was selected to the 2006 Pro Bowl and joins teammates Vernon Davis, Andy Lee and Patrick Willis on this year's NFC team.

Please see tomorrow's article for more information. Et