He's back

[neverlosethefeeling]

Enjoy.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Steve Smith is back.

The attitude. The big plays. Even the touchdown dances.

Smith said when he reported to training camp on July 29 with the Carolina Panthers – something many thought would never happen -- that he wanted to have some fun.

On Sunday he did just that.

On the eve of the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, Smith addressed his teammates a players-only meeting at the team hotel and talked about the importance of leaving it all on the table.

Then he went out and walked the walk on Sunday.

Smith, now in his 11th season, caught eight passes for 178 yards, including touchdowns of 77 yards and 26 yards from his new favorite quarterback Cam Newton.

To put Smith’s numbers in perspective, he only scored two touchdowns all of last season with Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen at the helm and Jeff Davidson calling the plays. It was the fourth-highest regular season receiving total of Smith's illustrious career.

Smith believes many wrote him off as being done.

“Nobody wants to admit it but there were a lot of articles being written that I’ve lost a step and he’s 32 and all of that stuff,” Smith said. “If you Google it, it’s out there. I’m disgruntled and this and that.

“And like I’ve been saying all of camp and all of the lockout, I want to have fun. Wherever I go and wherever I am, I’m going to have fun. So haters need to get a new hobby because I’m not on the list anymore.”

Smith said he's excited to play in this offense because it offers so many different players a chance to make plays.

“In this offense there are going to be times when I’m the focal point and times when I have to occupy the safety,” Smith said. “And that’s fine with me. Other guys were getting involved and that’s fun.”

Read the rest:http://carolinagrowl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1042:hes-back-panthers-get-smith-involved-and-he-responds-in-a-big-way&catid=1:articles

Article by Reed

[rmoneyg35]

Nice read. I was very happy to see Smith back, I honestly thought I would never see this kind of game from Smith again but I guess all he needed was a new QB. Glad to see Smith hasn't lost a step yet.

BTW whos the girl in your avatar?

[neverlosethefeeling]

I agree. Seeing Steve chop it up with the defensive guys, going apesh!t after almost every catch, etc was very nostalgic.

And I used to know her name at one point. I think I made a thread in LL dedicated to her.

[setzer2030]

[neverlosethefeeling]

Bump so it doesn't get lost before morning. I think people will enjoy this.

[jtnc]

Good to see 89 having fun.

[Marguide]

Gotta admit it. I didn't think Steve still had this kind of game in him.

Watch out NFL, Smitty's back, and he's pissed.

[rmoneyg35]

Ever find the girls name lol :)

[smitty_89]

Smitty is out to prove people wrong and that is not a good sign for defenses. Its like he's re-entering the NFL all over again lol

[caatfan]

Who woulda thought we'd have the #1 QB in passing yds and #1 WR in receiving yds after game 1, especially with a new staff and offense?

Smith didn't lose anything except a QB that could deliver the ball. Since that's no longer a problem, I see him returning to the Pro Bowl.

[Kurb]

First time in his career when an offense is there to score and not hold the ball while the D rests.

[SmokeScreen]

i knew smith always had it in him...he didn't like Fox & Co.

[Mr. Scot]

The league believed they had found a cure for octoninophobia, and for a while, it looked like they had.

Unfortunately for them, a more virulent strain of this disorder may be on the horizon.

[davos]

His intensity on the field is unmatched by any other player atm...maybe ever

end homerism