I think it's time to say... Steve Smith isn't elite anymore.

[SpeedOFLight]

I wonder about some of these post on here. Steve Smith isn't elite? While is numbers on the field this year isn't great, has anyone else on offense numbers been great? He is the ONLY reason why Gettis was in single coverage the whole game. With Smith on the field, opposing teams has to take an account for him in the game if not look for a 200 yard game from the guy. He still has a lot in the tank. I guess going by some of your perspectives on here, that when Moss was with the Raiders, he wasn't elite? Give me a break. The guy still has it. Hopefully improved QB play and playcalling helps him get more involved.

[Grammer]

This coming from the guy that tells us to watch a "real NFL qb" in Jake Locker. I think i'll pass.

yea, he then proceeded to throw for 5 tds

[monstercat]

I hope Smitty read this thread. If so, I feel sorry for the Rams secondary.

[Grammer]

he's nowhere near as fast as he was at least, smitty homers cant deny that

[PantherFanForLife]

he's nowhere near as fast as he was at least, smitty homers cant deny that

Well age kind of plays a role in that but again, most of that noticeable drop in speed also came when our offense was really struggling and this past weekend he came back after a sprain. Plus, with age also comes experience which can sometimes make up for what you lose in abilities.

Smith still has a good 2 years in him as an above average receiver. And probably 3-4 years before he retires, barring injuries, if he learns how to take on a more minor role like Ricky Proehl. But he has to learn that role and drop the ego and this past game where he went back as a punt returner makes me think Smith is willing to play any role or position just to keep playing.

[Baschski]

Call me crazy but I haven't seen this drastic drop in Smitty's speed, nor do I see how anyone here thinks that they are in the position to make that judgment. He smoked his defenders multiple times on Sunday. Even if he didn't get the ball, he was still beating people like a drum.

[ChucktownK]

[SorthNarolina]

I watched the 2005 wildcard game a few hours ago. Smith isn't as speedy but he's still just as quick except he looks more powerful.

If our WR's are for real then hopefully smitty can become our Wes Welker. Smitty underneath is gold 5-6 yards every time.

[Catdaddy]

He is, he just is a New York Giant!

[bleys]

Steve Smith floor is Hines Ward.

He'll contribute for a good long while.

this. I had a friend tell me Smitty won't last long once he loses his speed..

I guess he forgot Hines Ward is still playing football.. and that Smitty has more talent than Ward.

[Swan]

Idiot OP. Watch the games plz?

[unicar15]

If we keep him on PRs then I will be willing to bet that we have a better ST season than we have had since...the last time he was our PR. The guy is still one of the best in the game no doubt in my mind. If you are going to say that Wes Welker is "elite" then you better be willing to say that Steve Smith is outrageous because he is a MUCH better all around receiver than a lot of these little slot receivers that play in pass-happy offenses.

[ed bell]

I'm comfortable with any way folks want to categorize Smitty at this point, because it doesn't change the fact he has more drive and competitive fire than any receiver in this league. The opportunities to showcase his abilities have been limited the past three years, yet he still brings the work ethic every game. I hope the other receivers and the run game open it up for him as the year moves on and our QB gets more time with him. He has gas in the tank.

[AnalyzeThIs#28]

I guess my opinion differs from others, and I'm bias because he's been my favorite player for a long time now. His speed I'm sure has dropped some over the last decade, but not that much as he still can blow past even the best DBs.

Remember the game last year against the Jets, when he was one on one with D. Revis? He had the step on Revis and Jake under through the ball, which was of course intercepted. But if the ball would have been thrown accurately, that would have been a TD easily against the supposed best corner in the game.

Smitty is still a f**king beast, and those who don't think so need to bend over now.