Aldon Smith leads strong defensive showing

BOX SCORE

SAN FRANCISCO -- Aldon Smith is known for his ability to get to the quarterback via his speed rush.On Monday night, Smith made a point to flex his power."I really just try to make people respect my power," Smith said following the 49ers' 32-7 beating of the Chicago Bears at Candlestick Park. "I don't think I'm one of the bigger linebackers or ends, but I want people to know there's some power in here, too."He does not need to convince Bears left tackle J'Marcus Webb or right tackle Gabe Carimi.With a steady diet of bull-rushes, Smith pulverized the Bears linemen in front of him on his way to dropping quarterback Jason Campbell for 5.5 sacks. His effort was just shy of the 49ers team record of six sacks, recorded by Hall of Famer Fred Dean against the New Orleans Saints in 1983.Smith's performance, which included seven quarterback hits and two forced fumbles, keyed a huge 49ers defensive performance. He accounted for minus-45 yards of offense for the Bears. The 49ers limited Chicago to just 143 total yards of offense, which is the second-lowest total in the NFL this season.Dashon Goldson and Tarell Brown recorded interceptions. And Justin Smith, who was often right there along with Aldon Smith at the quarterback, had the other half-sack for the 49ers' defense.Aldon Smith, in his first season as an every-down outside linebacker, has already eclipsed his rookie mark of 14 sacks. Smith heads into the final six games of the season with a league-leading 15 sacks. The NFL record of 22.5 sacks belongs to Michael Strahan.The 49ers recorded their first safety of the season when Smith sacked and stripped Campbell. Bears lineman Chilo Rachal recovered the fumble and was promptly tackled by 49ers defensive lineman Ray McDonald.Smith set a record for most sacks on "Monday Night Football.""I have a thing for night games," Smith said. "I love playing at night. I love the lights."