Big congratulations are in order for 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith, who was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for November. For the month of November, Smith accumulated 9.0 sacks and forced two fumbles. He joins Calvin Johnson, who was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month. The previous defensive player of the month awards went to Bears cornerback Charles Tillman in October and Bears cornerback Tim Jennings in September.

What might be most amazing about this award is that the 49ers had their bye in November, so Smith put these numbers together in just three games. The big performance against the Bears certainly helped, but he also had two sacks against the Rams and 1.5 sacks against the Saints.

With one month of football left, Aldon Smith has to be squarely in the running for defensive player of the year recognition. There is a lot of talent out there, but Aldon is putting up some historic numbers this year. J.J. Watt and Von Miller will be in the running in the AFC, and Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman will both be in the running in the NFC. It's a tough race, but with the Bears potentially splitting votes in the NFC, if Aldon can keep up the big numbers, he could bring home some hardware after the season.