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Defensive tackle Justin Smith, linebacker Patrick Willis, punter Andy Lee and placekicker David Akers named to PFW/PFWA All-NFL team, while rookie Aldom Smith took home DROY honors as well.
The PFW/PFWA All-NFL team has been announced and the San Francisco 49ers have four players listed among its ranks.
Defensive tackle Justin Smith, linebacker Patrick Willis, punter Andy Lee and placekicker David Akers all made the squad.
Smith was the key cog on the line for a Niners defense that was one of the league's premier units. He started all 16 games and made critical play after critical play for San Francisco.
Willis made 97 tackles despite missing three games. His 12 passes defensed and four forced fumbleswere both career-bests.
Lee is considered one of the NFL's best directional punters and he led the NFL in net average at 44.0 yards, including 28 punts inside the 20.
The 37-year-old Akers attempted a league-high 52 field goals, connecting on an NFL-record 44, including seven field goals (in nine attempts) from 50 yards or longer.
For more on the 49ers and their great season, visit Niners Nation.
49ers Aldon Smith Named 2011 PFW/PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year
After finishing the season only half a sack shy of Jevon Kearse’s 1999 rookie record of 14.5, San Francisco 49ers Aldon Smith was named the 2011 PFW/PFWA defensive player of the year, according to the Bay Area Sports Guy.
Smith accrued 37 tackles and 2 forced fumbles along the way as well, edging Broncos rookie Von Miller for this year’s DROY award. He also broke the franchise record for sacks by a rookie as well.
Although these aren’t the AP awards, the more prestigious of the two, the two entities have only differed in opinion four times since the late 1960’s, with the latest coming in 2004 with the AP picking Dunta Robinson from the Texans and PFW/PFWA selecting Jonathan Vilma from the Saints.
Other 49ers to have won this award include Patrick Willis (2007), Dana Stubblefield (1993), and Bruce Taylor (1970), the opposite of lightweights to say the least.
For more on the 49ers, make sure you check out Niners Nation to get in on the action.
Jan 19 10:45a by Ernie Pomin