They might call him ‘The Cowboy’, but he’s not rooting for Dallas this weekend. Justin Smith is a Niner through and through.
The former 49ers defensive lineman used to terrorize opponents during the Harbaugh years. Now that’s the job for Nick Bosa on the edge. Smith joined 95.7 The Game’s “Damon & Ratto” Wednesday to explain just how highly he thinks of Bosa.
“Nick is a once-in-a-generation player,” Smith told hosts Damon Bruce and Ray Ratto. “Anytime you have one of those guys and you’re filled in with All-Pros across the board, you have a shot.”
Smith mauled his opponents and had some memorable moments, like the time he took down Drew Brees with one hand, but his career-high in sacks was 8.5 in 2010. Bosa racked up 18.5 this season and is the overwhelming favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year. Smith (87 career sacks) described what makes Bosa (43 career sacks) so special.
“Just what he brings to the table physically,” Smith said. “I don’t know if it’s his dad, his brother, how he dedicates to his craft. He’s got everything. He’s got all the tools. He’s got speed to power, he can do it all. He’s a complete player and one of the big reasons they’re gonna get there.”
The closest Smith got to the Lombardi Trophy was Super Bowl 47, when the 49ers lost a close one to the Ravens. San Francisco also lost Super Bowl 54 to the Kansas City Chiefs and remains on its quest for a sixth title.
With three more victories -- starting on Sunday against the Cowboys in the NFC Divisional Round -- the Niners can return the franchise to glory.
“Man I’m really rooting for the guys to be able to push one across the finish line,” Smith said. “They’ve been back and I think they can get it done this year, honestly.”
