@ESPNNFL Stat of the Day

[TN05]

"Cam Newton converted 56% of 3rd-down attempts when targeting Steve Smith in 2013, compared to 35% when targeting others."

https://twitter.com/espnnfl/status/439479007524835328

[jarhead]

[Judo Thoreau]

Cam did really well on 3rd down when he targeted himself, too.

[TN05]

Cam did really well on 3rd down when he targeted himself, too.

 

It's a lot easier to run when you have a receiver who can block, but can also slip behind coverage and so demand's the defense's attention constantly.

[OneBadCat]

That's because Smith is the fuggin man.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In before CRA hate

[PhillyB]

i still think steve's most clutch play last season was that 4th-down catch that kept us alive against the dolphins. he might not be good for 80-yard bombs anymore but his ability to keep drives alive is absolutely invaluable. gettleman has to know that

[MHS831]

Smitty is a baller, and he steps up on third down.  It really sucks that Lafell didn't step up like he needed to.

[Cary Kollins]

i still think steve's most clutch play last season was that 4th-down catch that kept us alive against the dolphins. he might not be good for 80-yard bombs anymore but his ability to keep drives alive is absolutely invaluable. gettleman has to know that

 

 

also a couple of clutch catches against the 49ers in SF.

[OneBadCat]

i still think steve's most clutch play last season was that 4th-down catch that kept us alive against the dolphins. he might not be good for 80-yard bombs anymore but his ability to keep drives alive is absolutely invaluable. gettleman has to know that

 

 

So was the 40+ yarder against Talib vs Patriots. That was a statement play. The offense needed it, Smith needed it and so did the fans. It set the tone for the game.

[MHS831]

i still think steve's most clutch play last season was that 4th-down catch that kept us alive against the dolphins. he might not be good for 80-yard bombs anymore but his ability to keep drives alive is absolutely invaluable. gettleman has to know that

 

Absolutely.  If he agrees to a reduced contract, moves to the slot, and we get a solid #1 WR in here, Smitty will continue to make a difference. Imagine if we could move him around inside, covered by the nickel.

[MHS831]

Smitty was clutch when we needed it, I just noticed that he was having to pick his places and times a bit in 2013.  He went to the sideline more.  Not a bad thing, but he is aging.  We have to be smart about how we use him if he is going to continue to be clutch.  I just think he would be a pro bowler again in the slot.

[TheNewStandard]

56% of the time, it works every time.

Seriously though, Smitty and Olsen were our possession receivers with Ginn being our big playmaker.

Smitty missed some easy catches too, way more than characteristic for him. It's just time for him to move to the slot but that's not an option without a definite #1 on the outside.

Making the right decisions this offseason is crucial to the future of this franchise buy regardless, Smitty is no longer a number 1 and gets paid way too much for his production.