Steve Smith Sr. Faces His Old Team
By Brandon Suir
After three weeks of Ravens football, Steve Smith Sr. has emerged as Baltimore’s best receiver. The arrival of Smith has been amazing for Joe Flacco. How sweet it is. And in a time where the Ravens find themselves without key offensive players such as starting tight end Dennis Pitta, the cagey 35-year-old veteran is showing the world he’s as good as he’s ever been.
I remember someone predicting this. Someone told me Smith should not be slept on. He’s about 5’9″ and strikingly handsome. Oh yeah, that was me.
Now this is a very big week for Steve Smith from a personal standpoint. This Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium the Ravens host the Carolina Panthers, Smith’s former team.
Steve put in 14 years of exemplary service in Carolina, where we saw him last season record his 800th reception. Remember Smith’s clutch play against New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib in Week 11 putting Carolina ahead? Smith’s post-game rant was one of many memorable ones: “Ice up son, ice up!!”
Smith’s exit from Carolina unfortunately wasn’t a pretty one. Against the divisional opponent New Orleans Saints, Smith suffered a PCL sprain. Carolina would eventually go on to win 17-14, but for the first time, Steve Smith’s future in Carolina was in question.
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Smith was not at full health come playoffs where the Panthers sorely needed him against a stout San Francisco secondary. The Panthers lost at home, and Carolina decided Steve was washed up as a player and not worth the money they were paying him.
A hurt Steve Smith did not take the news of his release well. In an interview when asked about Sunday’s upcoming game Smith replied, “…there’s going to be blood and guts.” A bit over the top but hey, I’m an American. Give me a little football violence and I’m a happy guy.
Let the Panthers be warned. Steve circled this date on his calendar the day the Ravens schedule released. Carolina can downplay the situation surrounding this game, but we all know this one is of particular importance to Smith.
And it all finally comes to a head Sunday. Smith gets his chance to show the Panthers they should have never let him go, and for the rest of us, sometimes the grass is greener on the other side. Expect Steve Smith with a chip on his shoulder to play the game of his life.