Is Smith's lost step that obvious (if even true at all)?

[top dawg 6,211]

I was talking with my boss this afternoon (who is also a Panthers fan), and he mentioned to me how Steve Smith has definitely lost a step. He said that back in the day, Smith would have burned Leodis Mckelvin all day long. He also pointed to the pass where McKelvin just popped the ball out of Smitty's hands. He said that the Steve Smith of old would have not only completed the catch, but would have taken McKelvin's arm with him. 

 

I hadn't really thought about it, but perhaps my boss is right. I am not necessarily the most objective about this situation---donning my Smitty-colored glasses---so I welcome other thoughts.

[TheRumGone 13,911]

he's definitely not as explosive, but he is still a hell of a player.

[jtnc 3,667]

This has been obvious for the past two seasons, Smith used to fly by people. Still a good receiver though.

[Fox007 3,406]

If you have to ask if Smitty has lost a step then you clearly didn't watch the Panthers back in the day.

 

 

[PhillyB 34,937]

he's definitely best suited for the slot for the rest of his career. he doesn't have the over-the-top speed that allowed him to overcome his size on the outside.

[camtheone 158]

I think maybe we has lost a bit of a step...he's still up with the elite receivers..Him losing a small step is making him still a top 10 WR...The pass knocked out while he was in the air not a big deal...was a hard catch for anyone....Smitty is still smitty for the most part....maybe just minus a small amount of quickness...but damn he's still good...

[Growl 6,537]

I'd say there are bigger fish to fry given his level of production in comparison to the rest of our receiving corp

 

 

 

 

[The Huddler 8,420]

We wasted his talent.

[nosuchthingasapanther 2,551]

i wish he would lose the screaming, howling, and chest thumping after a short gain.

[Eazy-E 763]

Like PhillyB said he should be in the slot. He doesn't have the top end he once had but he is still quick as hell and a top receiver in this league. Thank Hurney for being the worst evaluator of WRs in the history of football.