Steve Smith Is Very, Very Average Now

[AceBoogie]

Oh yeah no problem cause Pro Bowl wide receivers are a dime a dozen. Well at least during training camp it seems like we've got 8 WR's poised to break out as number 1's and our only problem is which ones are we going to have to cut. Fact is, its hard to find receivers like Smitty even at 34. Also, we might have to accept a few more drops from our team than others cause of all that mustard Cam puts on his throws.

When your in the NFL the last thing I want to hear is that the qb is throwing it too hard.

[weymouthst]

As far as replacement #1 WR, I would go into FA. Still draft a WR in the first, but to grab a rookie and expect him to come in and replace Smith? I dunno about that.

 

If we get a FA #1 and a WR in the first, we are sitting pretty damn well. Let's face it, LaFell is not the answer, to any of our questions.

 

We have 4 recievers above 300 yards, Lafell, Smitty, Olsen, and Ginn. No one has broken out to be the go to threat. We need not one, but two of those guys. If Smitty stays with us he needs to be in a supportive role.

 

The draft is very circumstantial. We need to make moves in FA to bolster our offense, not rely entirely on the draft (SAMMY WATKINS DOE).

[PhillyB]

can't wait until we get a true number one receiver outside and teams have to ignore steve smith

[Gucci Mane]

I tried to make this argument like 5 weeks ago and everyone flamed me for it....

 

fugers.

[PantherFanOne]

I am not a big fan of trading up in the NFL Draft but if it would get us Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
Height: 6-5. Weight: 225. Projected 40 Time: 4.55, then I would be all for it. Otherwise, pick the best OT or WR available if neither position is addressed in free agency.

 

[Davidson Deac II]

Steve Smith has always dropped a few passes now and then. But then, most receivers drop a few. In the past, we haven't noticed so much because he would drop one, and then follow it up with some superb plays. He can't really make the superb plays anymore, so we notice the drops more than we use to.

And he really hasn't dropped that many this year, but they have come at some crucial times.

[SamMills4Life]

Holy crap, what's up with this thread? No, he isn't what he used to be, but he's still a solid reciever. He made that huge drop, but don't forget about the passes he made late that helped us run out the clock. He let himself hear about it more than anyone else. I don't think I've ever seen him take a drop as hard as he did that one. Also remember that he is a ridiculously good at blocking, you almost always see him downfield laying somebody out on big plays.

 

Do we need a new #1? Hell yeah! But don't talk crap about the greatest panther to ever play the game.

[tondi]

I think the most important thing SS brings to this team is his toughness.  He is probably the meanest, toughest, SOB on the whole team and he helps set the tone when he's on the field whether it's picking fights, trying to run over anybody who gets in his way or taking out defenders with his downfield blocking.  He isn't anywhere the receiver he used to be but he brings other things this team needs so I think there is still a place for him on the team going forward.

[Peppers90 NC]

as bad as people are making him out to be, he is still our best receiving threat.  not a single guy hasnt dropped some sort of easy pass, although Ginn has been pretty good(other than the easy would-be TD vs the Buccs)

[Peppers90 NC]

BTW, not sure if mentioned in this thread, but did anyone see Lafell get on Smitty after one of his drops, only to drop a 3rd down ball on the very next possession? 

[Frank Hollywood]

Also, Steve smith is 2 yards away from passing Michael Irvin on the all time receiving yards list. (Steve is #23)

There are only three receivers currently playing in the nfl that have more yards than Steve smith. (Gonzalez, Reggie Wayne and Andre Johnson)

If Steve can up his production by about 20% from where he is now he can finish the season at #18 on the all time receiving yards list.

Just some interesting stats I've been following for the past few years.

[top dawg]

Smitty has spoiled us for so long, that now some don't truly know what "average" is.

[ed bell]

Hard to acknowledge this for my favorite Panther of all-time, but he is not very good anymore. I don't ever remember him having this many drops in a three-season span as he has had just this season so far. Very disappointing.

This was the OP submitted while losing after a disappointing drop by Smitty during the game.... Textbook reactionary thread..... Followed by furious backpedaling.... He actually said Smitty has dropped more through the last nine games than any three year stretch COMBINED. Just calling it what it is. It's OK.... People overreact. Just admit it.

[General_Purr]

whoa whoa whoa replacements? You guys are super quick to jump the gun. On Offense he is one of the FEW playmakers we have.. I feel like he feels he has to make a huge play everytime he gets the ball.. everytime he runs a route he wants that ball coming to him. We need a big WR to take some of that pressure off him and let him play around. After he drops a ball and gets pissed I wish we would do a end a round to him to let him blow off some steam. Dude is still incredible. Lets add to the WR core not take away from it. Smitty in a slot or on a #2 CB is a nightmare if we had a big physical WR to go up and get the ball with Cam being so big and always throwing high.