Justin Smith retires

[*SHRacerX*]

(05-19-2015, 01:48 AM)Shake n Blake Wrote: 7 years with Bengals: averaged 67 tackles and 6.2 sacks
7 years with 49ers: averaged 59 tackles and 6.2 sacks

He actually had the same exact sack total (43.5) in Cincy and SF. Justin Smith was just as good here as he was in SF.

The only thing that changed was perception. Here he was stuck on below average defenses with teams that barely contended.

In SF, he was on an elite defense with teams that went deep in the playoffs. Also, people didn't appreciate him here because he didn't meet sky high expectations.

It was also a different position. The 3-4 end has a bit different responsibilities compared to a 4-3 end. He was a solid pass-rusher here, but had a good motor and never gave up on the play. I could be wrong, but I believe one year he led the team in tackles (the Bengals), which is rare for a DE. However, he became bigger and stronger in SF and helped to form an incredible defense. Remember, the 49ers weren't that good when he went there.