If you were looking for a sign that Anthony Smith is maturing and putting his knack for stupid plays behind him, yesterday was not a good sign. Smith is continuing to show that he seems to think rules are for everyone else. Yesterday he delivered a forearm that knocked Hines Ward to the ground during a 7-on-7 drill. As Jim Wexell explains, it didn't go over well:Ward got up slowly as offensive coordinator Bruce Arians shouted an obscenity at Smith. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau walked over to talk to Smith, who was pulled from the field and sat on his helmet on the sideline. Smith did not appear to acknowledge LeBeau, and moments later, during team scrimmage, found himself running third team with undrafted rookie safety Roy Lewis.Smith had already raised eyebrows by hitting Willie Reid harder than the drill called for during an earlier scrimmage. He also had a knack for stupid penalties and overagressiveness that drew him out of position when he was filling in for the injured Ryan Clark last year. Two years ago, Bill Cowher absolutely ripped him a new one during a late season game (as you can see from the photo).
Smith seems to have an overabundance of confidence/cockiness. Usually that's a good thing for a defensive back, but in Smith's case, it's bled over into an inability to learn from his mistakes. At this point, no matter how much confidence he has in himself, if he doesn't start putting the stupid plays behind him, he may find himself looking for a job. Clark is back to start, while late-round pick Ryan Mundy is trying to make the team, and undrafted free agent Roy Lewis has impressed. Teams can live with a lot of stuff if a player produces, but Smith is yet to prove he's even a decent backup, which makes it a whole lot tougher to live with the dumb stuff.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-07-2008 @ 10:24AM
Craig said...
I like Smith and I think his fire can be used for good punishing hits but he embarrassed all Steelers faithful last season with his antics against the Pats. I pray he gets and epiphany soon.
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8-08-2008 @ 9:04AM
buddytoledo said...
Smith is yet to prove he's a decent backup? I think 53 solo tackles is pretty decent for a back-up. His over-aggressiveness draws him out of position? That must be why the Steelers gave up so few big plays last year - half of what they give up most years.
Complain about Anthony Smith's antics all you want, but don't pretend he wasn't a great player last year.
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8-08-2008 @ 10:10AM
marc said...
buddytoledo, are you out of your mind? when smith was put into a starting position after clark got hurt he was repeatedly burned deep by play action. so much so, that he eventually was benched because "he" gave up too many big plays! his 53 solo tackles can be attributed to his aggressiveness at stopping the run, and a good job at that. but he is far from a complete player. far from a smart player. and clearly was not a "great" player last year.
fact is, he continues to do the same bonehead things he did last year. if he doesn't figure it out this year, he will be gone come 2009.
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8-11-2008 @ 12:01PM
Jayrow said...
You think he's gonna make it ALL the way to next year?? I don't. This last stunt may have gotten his foot "OUT" the door!
8-08-2008 @ 2:03PM
Bill said...
Seeing ANthony play in high school. this is not him. Definately doing dumb things. Believe me he has great ability and he is smart. I just dont know why he is doing this.
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8-08-2008 @ 5:38PM
STILLERFAN said...
I like A Smith I think he's gonna be a great safety someday when he learns a little discipline, in terms of playing his position and not getting beat deep, but you don't want to take away his aggressiveness and his eagerness to hit. Poor Hines Ward. HIT AWAY ANTHONY!
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