Baltimore Ravens vs Carolina Panthers: 3 Matchups to Watch

Sep 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) gains yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Smith versus his own emotions

Steve Smith versus the Carolina Panthers’ secondary will be worth watching, but Smith alone controls how he will do in this game. He is a true competitor, so he should manage to harness all his emotion and aggression into production Sunday.

But there remains the possibility Smith will let his emotions get the better of him. Sometimes, emotion works against a receiver. We saw it Week 1, when Smith dropped several balls in an emotional first game for the Ravens. The Panthers would be wise to provoke Smith to provide a repeat performance.

Rest assured of one thing, though: When Steve Smith gets the ball, he will be looking to score. He won’t be running out of bounds (unless in the two-minute drill), and he won’t shy away from contact. The same goes for blocking, be it run blocking or screen blocking. Smith will be out to destroy.

So even if Smith’s motor overheats at times Sunday, all that emotion will ultimate produce some big plays for the fiery veteran.