Thursday, October 22, 2009

Smith doesn't back off? Good

I was glad to see Steve Smith didn't back off Wednesday from his comment on Sunday after the Panthers' win. Smith said he was no longer an "asset" after that one -- and while it sounded something like a prima donna, he also had a valid point. (Read my column on that incident here).

Sometimes, a truth-teller in an NFL locker room is pulled back down into the fold, by fines or peer pressure or what have you (Case in point: Jon Beason on Julius Peppers -- although I still think Beason's since-apologized-for comments helped light the recent fire under No.90).

Smith made a point that needed to be made, and it will force the Panthers' offense to be better. Jake Delhomme already said Smith practiced "at a different level" Wednesday -- I think ultimately what Smith said will turn out to be something of a positive.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

smith would still be an asset if we had a qb that didn't throw int's like crazy. jake is the liability hurting the entire team, we have to run it so we don't give the ball away.

worst extension in the history of the nfl. no shock that anyone can now obtain free tix for nfl games in CLT. nice work by the organization.

Anonymous said...

"Smith practiced at a different level"? Maybe he's realizing that he owns part of the problem. I love Smitty, but other top receivers find a way to get open! Sure hoping they figure it out and he starts back with unique TD celebrations...like the good ole days.

Anonymous said...

When is Jake gonna step up and perform at a different level?

Hey Scott - what are Coach Scherer (QBs) and Coach Williamson (WRs) doing to get out of this funk? Looks to me like the same thing every week. How about some investigative journalism here?

Newsinz said...

I'm glad he stood by his statement, too. I wish he had better timing (his comments dampened an otherwise pretty satisfying victory), but I knew the moment I read his quote that Smith would step up to try an be more of a force on offense. He sulks in post game interviews, and even on the sidelines, but I've never seen Smith sulk when that ball is snapped. He's all business on the field, and I'm eager to see how he plays this Sunday.

Anonymous said...

So its OK to blame the white QB but dont jump on Smith since the NFL is now double teaming him so he not only never can get open with his shortness but wont play defense to stop interceptions either?

And its realy stupid as hell for some sports writers and others to say just to get Smith the ball? How in the hell you gonna just him the ball when he cant get open?

Everytime JD has thrown SS this yr he gets it intercepted because of his short size and doubleteam and of course he gets the blame because we know the white QB and white coach always get blamed right? Screw you idiots.

Anonymous said...

Mark your calenders Panther fans. On November 8th your luck will run out and you will lose again. I can't wait to see the Carolina Pussies get dominated by the Saints.

Anonymous said...

i luv the white qb comments. couldn't agree more, i also wish rush limbaugh owned this team. we'd be better.

Curtis Watkins said...

I was thinking as I read this to queue the moronic nonsense comments but looks like the actual comments beat me to it.

Blame the white QB? Seriously?

I really do wonder sometimes how some of you even have enough brain power to type something or figure out how to use the internet. Tiny miracles perhaps...

Curtis Watkins said...

And another thing...Man, you guys are some pretty spoiled fans is all I can say. 6 weeks into the season, sitting at 2 - 3 the lack of belief that your team (of which you are supposed to be a fan) is just awful.

Perhaps a little history lesson from last season would help. Entering Week 6 of the 2008 season, Buffalo was 4-1 and led the AFC East. Denver was 4-1 and led the AFC West. Chicago was 3-2 and led the NFC North. Dallas and Washington were both 4-1, just a half-game back in the NFC East. None of those five teams made the playoffs, and we haven't even mentioned the Jets, who started 8-3 but didn't get to play in January. Last season at this point, four of the six eventual AFC playoff teams were either 2-2 (Miami, Baltimore, Indianapolis), or 2-3 (San Diego). In the NFC, two of the conference's eventual playoff teams were under water at 2-3 as Week 6 dawned (Philadelphia and Minnesota). Add those totals together and half of the league's 12-team playoff field last year was playing .500 or worse ball through the season's first five weeks. (Props to Don Banks for those stats).

So, get your head out of your arses and realize this season is not a waste yet. There is a lot of football left to be played and there is time to get this team back on track (like by continuing to get some wins and to build the ground game, which will lead to more Smitty touches).

Sit in the stands like I did for game 16 of the 1 - 15 season and talk about no hope, but recognize being a true fan for that. The same fools talking about "free tickets" (which you totally made up by the way) will be begging to get on board if this team picks up. But who needs you.

Jennifer said...

Has Smitty grown that much taller in the last few years?

Lets ask the white QB?

How assinine is that to bring race into it...

I had no doubt that Smitty would stick by what he said, and like the Peppers, Beason incident, if we get the same kind of results, then I for one will be anxiously awaiting the infamous catch and score!!!!!

Jennifer said...

WOOT WOOT....

YEAH WHAT HE SAID!!!!!

GO CURITS!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

free tickets to the bills game this weekend. I have 4 in the upper end zone.

Curtis you need them? catch me on craigslist.

We need Mcnabb at QB and Limbaugh in the front office.

Curtis Watkins said...

Thanks Jennifer...I just think it's about time for a little perspective around this city. All these damn Jake & "million dollar game" haters drive me nuts, mainly because they don't understand the first thing about football. Thank God they aren't running the team (although by their comments I'm sure they think they could do better).

As for your "free tickets on Craigslist", I call your bluff Mr. Anonymous...just checking the site, let's see. $150, $80, $700, $150...but free? Nope. Nada. None. Nice try buddy. Lame.

Besides, I have my tix...will be there, full force, watching DT run it down their throats. And if Smitty doesn't have a catch but we get a 'W', fine with me.

Perspective people. Perspective.

Anonymous said...

just messing with you guys. We need more Jennifer's and Curtis's.

Good fans.

I do hope we change QB next yr, but I am pro-panther.

Curtis Watkins said...

Oh, and don't forget peeps about tonight...GO HEELS!!!

Anonymous said...

To solve the riddle Fox needs to make Steve Smith the new QB so he can get his hands on the ball every single play so these whiners will shut their pieholes and then he can throw himself passes if he can get downfield quick enough to make the receptions. Should be no prob.

Anonymous said...

Jesus Christ. Has anyone looked at Smitty lately? The dude seriously looks like he lost an inch or two plus a couple steps and he is weaker. His arms and legs are smaller. Hes not as pretty as he was either.

Maybe its the 2 defenders all over him like white on rice every play but could he be shrinking and getting slower? Is somebody spiking the water bucket?

Curtis Watkins said...

Lol @ anon today @ 2:27. Mark it - you were the first one to call him out on not just shriking, getting weaker, and slower...but on getting uglier too.

Maybe he's Benjamin Button? ;)

Anonymous said...

Did someone inject race into this? Man this world is full of scary morons.. but i digress. Steve is always open jake can't lead receivers and is wildly inaccurate.