Aldon Smith finally made his long-awaited season debut Sunday in the 49ers’ 16-10 win over the Giants at MetLife Stadium. And even though the star pass-rusher might not have made much of a dent in the stat sheet, his return sure had a huge impact on the field, and in the locker room.
“It was really exciting,” said Smith, 25, who had served a nine-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on personal conduct and substances of abuse. “When I came out for the pregame warmup, it was a real good feeling. Then I came and heard the crowd get a little loud, so it was cool.
“By the time the third quarter came around, I was feeling good. I started off a little slow and rusty, but as the game went on I was able to go out there and try to pick up where I left off.
“I was able to get back there and put some pressure on the quarterback and some of those turned into interceptions, and force bad throws.”
And in his first game back, he helped spark a defense that harassed Eli Manning all day, notched five interceptions and at times took the game over.
“I’ve learned a lot, just being grateful playing this game,” he said. “Realizing the situation, to play this game I’ve learned a lot, but I’m grateful for it … I’ve always appreciated the game, I’ve always loved it. Being away from something you love just makes you appreciate it more.’’
Smith came off the bench in the second quarter, and his mere presence forced the Giants to at least chip him, or even double and triple-team.
“They were definitely aware when 99 is out there,” said 49ers defensive lineman Justin Smith. “They’re looking for him. They protect different when he’s out there. They have to change their scheme up. You’ve got to account for a guy like that.
“It’s kind of like having that No. 1 wide receiver: You know you’re going to roll coverage over to him. We know they’re going to roll the line over to him and we go from there.’’
Linebacker Chris Borland added: “It was great. He’s a premier pass rusher and a leader on our team. I know they accounted for him, I saw them chipping him a few times and it’s a big deal … Formationally they account for him, put guys to chip, so that limits what they can do on offense. Beyond that, he’s a great pass rusher.’’
Not everyone sounded quite so happy, with Smith’s return cutting into Ahmad Brooks’ snaps, and the defender not taking it well.
After checking in, Smith played 21 of 22 snaps before the half, most at Brooks’ expense. Brooks did not play at all in the second half.
Asked afterwards if Brooks was injured, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said, “We’re working through something.” Asked if he meant he was or Brooks was, Harbaugh huffed: “I answered the question.’’
It should be noted Brooks has a large cap hit next year, and was at the center of a trade rumor to the Browns last month. For his part, he said only “I’m not taking questions today…Maybe later in the week. Yeah, we’re working through something.’’