Golden Nuggets: Bringing The Heat

The day we probably all thought would eventually happen, happened. Aldon Smith got himself in trouble one too many times and as expected, he was released from the team. It just happened to be during the offseason of horror. But all the other departures were players on the downside or players with little playing time. This one is the one that hurts most. Aldon is a rare talent. He was on his way to being a $100 million dollar defensive player. He is a gamechanger. Now, he is gone.

It is now next man up for the Niners with Aldon gone. Ahmad Brooks, Aaron Lynch, Eli Harold, and Corey Lemonier will be tasked to make up for Aldon. Fortunately for the Niners, it seems that this defense plans on ratcheting up the pressure. Eric Mangini will be blitzing from all positions, which wasn't used often in Fangio's defense. All the defensive players will be used to bring pressure on the quarterback rather than just using the front 4. This should make the loss of Aldon less significant, though it will be almost impossible to replace a talent like Aldon.

Aldon could have been a great 49er, but he couldn't keep himself out of trouble. He may be great for another team down the road.The Niners gave him many chances to correct his behavior. Some people thought they let him get away with too much. Maybe they did. Either way, he will need to get his act together or he could find himself out of football, which would be a shame for all NFL fans.

49ers Links

What a talent that was just let go | Can't Replace Aldon (Alper)

Your opportunity came faster than expected | All Eyes On Harold (Gutierrez)

Of course he will | A. Davis To Attempt '16 Comeback (Maiocco)

Throw it deep Kap and let Smith chase it | Torrey Can Run (Inman)

Eli Has A Big Opportunity (Williams)

Blitzing will be a major sight this season | Generating Pressure Without Aldon (Maiocco)

The State Of The Niners (Kawakami)

Top 6 TC Highlights (Fann)

No, but he can help soften the blow | Can Eli Replace Aldon? (Gutierrez)

Skov At Training Camp (Sacramento Bee Video)

9 Things We Learned From Mangini (Price)

Let's see the Bowman from before the injury | Another LB Leaves, Bowman Returns (Barrows)

No one knows why he isn't there | Why Isn't Eddie In The Hall? (Emerick)

Twitter Mailbag (Biderman)

Training Camp Remix (49ers Video)