49ers' Aldon Smith believes he 'can't be stopped' when on his game

The San Francisco 49ers have lost several key contributors to retirement during the offseason, but they are hoping that one player returns to top form.

Pass rusher Aldon Smith played in just seven games in 2014 because of a suspension and the 49ers will need the full 16 from him this year if they hope to survive the tough NFC West. Smith told the team's website that his first order of business is regaining the consistency in his game.

"With the new coaching staff, you've got to learn fast so I can play my game at the speed I like to play at," said Smith. "I'm focusing on my job, making sure I know what I'm doing and going out there everyday and being consistent."

Smith is going to have to pick up the slack after the retirements of Patrick Willis, Justin Smith, and Chris Borland.

"With those guys leaving, they were here when I got here and showed me the ropes," Smith said. "I learned a lot from them on how to lead and how to be a professional, how to come in here and do your job and then go out there on gameday and perform. I'm going to use everything they taught me and things that I've learned and show the other guys the ropes to make sure we keep this thing going in the right direction."

The 25-year-old has averaged 11 sacks in his first four seasons and if he can return to an elite level, the 49ers defense will be no fun to play against in 2015.

Whether or not Smith can carry the defense is a big question mark, but at least he's not lacking for confidence.

"I don't think I played to my level, and I want to do everything it takes to play consistently at my level," Smith said. "I know that when I'm playing consistently and I'm on my game, I can’t be stopped."