Linebacker Derek Smith went over the 100 tackle mark on a season for the ninth straight time in his career after notching 11 tackles against Arizona this past week. Smith shares his review of the game with fans in this week's 50 on 50.
Coming out of the Arizona game, I think the defense for the most part played pretty well. You don't want to say that it comes down to one play, but you can take that third-and-long situation away and you probably have a different outcome. It just wasn't a complete game, and that's what we have to play.
We did a good job of stopping the run, but that wasn't really what they were trying to do on offense. When they did try to do that, we stopped them. Still, they racked up quite a few yards passing on us, but we kept them out of the end zone for the most part. They were just trying to get the ball to number 81 and number 11. They're two really good players and definitely made some plays. We just have to do a better job of knowing what the situation is and having the urgency to take care of that situation.
The play to Boldin was a game-changing play. If they don't get that play, the offense gets the ball back, and the defense definitely was playing well enough to stop them for the rest of the game. There was a pressure that we had on, and because it was a pressure they had a hot route. Basically that means that someone is unblocked, so the quarterback needs to get rid of it quick before the pressure gets there. It was just a matter of having the guy tackles several times, but he got away. He made a great play and was able to get the touchdown.
One player that has really stepped it up on defense is Brandon Moore. Brandon has definitely been maturing. This is the first year he's been able to get out there and consistently play in games. He's doing a great job of rushing the passer from the linebacker position, even getting some sacks in the game. He's playing well now, but in my opinion he's got a lot of potential. Brandon is really a good player that can become a great player.
I know everyone keeps asking about surpassing the 100-tackle mark for the ninth straight year, and maybe when I'm finished with football, I'll look back and think that's pretty cool, but right now I'd rather win. That's all I really care about, and I am ready to get work for the Seattle game.
