Can somebody convince me that Steve Smith (1 Viewer)

[packersfan]

Steve Smith is going to remind everyone why he is one of the best WRs in the game.

I was pimping him hard last season. Unfortunately he got hurt in the opener (a game in which he was doing very well I might add) and things didn't work out. But I'm back on board the Smith LoveTrain again this season.

He is clearly the Panthers' go-to WR and that was clearly the case last season prior to his injury. Nothing will change that this season. Will he receive the lion's share of attention from opposing defenses? Of course he will, but how is that different from every other No. 1 WR in the NFL? The keys are whether Smith has the talent to produce despite being the focal point of opposing defenses (which I believe he does); whether Delhomme has the talent to get the ball to him (which I believe he does) and whether the Panthers have enough diversity in their offense to prevent teams from loading up against the passing game (I believe they do).

I'm picking 9th in my league (one keeper per team) and in all of my pre-draft prep work Smith has been sitting on the board in the third round when I'm going to be targeting my WR1. All of the mocks I've done suggest he'll be there and all of the ADP's I've studied indicate he'll be there. I'm hoping like hell that won't change between now and my draft because I'm very high on him and his potential once again.

Oh, and the Panthers are my sleeper pick to make it to the Super Bowl from the NFC.

 

[cstu]

Steve Smith kicks ###...literally.

 

[diesel7982]

When healthy and not being thrown to by Rodney Peete/Chris Weinke, Muhammad has always been a much MUCH better WR than what Smith is.

Smith is an undersized possession WR, who is best suited to play across a guy like Muhammad.  Hes not a #1 guy.

But he was the #1 ahead of Moose in 2003. Yet you are asserting that Moose is easily a #1 guy. If Moose is a #1, Smith is a great #1.

Riiiight. Thats like saying since Terrell Owens was more of a #1 WR than Rice in the last year they played together in SF, Owens is a better #1 WR than Rice.Smith had one good season when Moose battled nagging injuries all of '03. Moose produced at a level that Smith could never dream of in '04. Moose has produced in previous seasons at levels Smith could never dream of.

But yeah, Smith is a great #1. 12.6 ypc. Awesome.

 

[phrozen]

Smith just went at 4.02 in a 12 league with PPR. 

For the Smith lovers - what kind of numbers do you see from him?

Do you have him ahead of Moss, Holt, C. Johnson, Harrison, Owens, J. Walker, Horn, R. Wayne, A. Johnson?

Ahead of:Moss - NO

Holt - NO

CJ - No

Harrison - No

Owens - No

Walker - On the fence if I went with my gut I would say no (mainly b/c of Walkers 12 TD's last year)

Horn - Yes

Wayne - Yes

Johnson - Yes

I could see Smith with 90 rec 1320 yds and 9-10 TD's

Mmm, kool-aid

Edit to add: Sorry Phrozen, I just saw BNB's "top 5 WR in the NFL" remark. Thats far more insane than anything you posted.

you can call it sipping to much of the kool-aid but I am really high on Smith and his chances to perform this year.

 

[diesel7982]

Steve Smith is going to remind everyone why he is one of the best WRs in the game.

Oh, and the Panthers are my sleeper pick to make it to the Super Bowl from the NFC.

Correct me if Im wrong, but arent the Panthers considered along with the Vikes and Eagles to be the frontrunners for the NFC crown by oddsmakers?

 

[phrozen]

Steve Smith is going to remind everyone why he is one of the best WRs in the game.

Oh, and the Panthers are my sleeper pick to make it to the Super Bowl from the NFC.

Correct me if Im wrong, but arent the Panthers considered along with the Vikes and Eagles to be the frontrunners for the NFC crown by oddsmakers?

don't forget the Saints

 

[LHUCKS]

More food for thought:Week 15: @ New OrleansWeek 16: Dallas

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Steve Smith is one of the top five WR's in the league from a football perspective.

which of these WRs is he better then from a "football perspective"?Terrell OwensRandy MossChad JohnsonMarvin HarrisonTorry HoltHines WardJoe HornDerrick MasonEric MouldsLaveranues ColesJavon WalkerAndre Johnson

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Week 16: Dallas

tough matchup

 

[diesel7982]

Steve Smith is going to remind everyone why he is one of the best WRs in the game.

Oh, and the Panthers are my sleeper pick to make it to the Super Bowl from the NFC.

Correct me if Im wrong, but arent the Panthers considered along with the Vikes and Eagles to be the frontrunners for the NFC crown by oddsmakers?

don't forget the Saints

Thats going to be one brutal division this year. IF Tampa's OL gels, they'll compete. The Falcons should be at least 9-7, and the Panthers look to be good for 10 wins. And maybe somewhat remarkably, the Saints actually look like they may be able to compete too. I like the personnel additions they've made the past 2 seasons.

 

[LHUCKS]

Steve Smith is one of the top five WR's in the league from a football perspective.

which of these WRs is he better then from a "football perspective"?Terrell Owens

Randy Moss

Chad Johnson

Marvin Harrison

Torry Holt

Hines Ward

Joe Horn

Derrick Mason

Eric Moulds

Laveranues Coles

Javon Walker

Andre Johnson

Answer: Moulds, Ward, MasonComparable: Johnson, Horn, Harrison, Holt, Coles

Not as good: Chad Johnson, Moss, TO, Walker

 

[packersfan]

Steve Smith is going to remind everyone why he is one of the best WRs in the game.

Oh, and the Panthers are my sleeper pick to make it to the Super Bowl from the NFC.

Correct me if Im wrong, but arent the Panthers considered along with the Vikes and Eagles to be the frontrunners for the NFC crown by oddsmakers?

I don't gamble on the NFL so I have no idea what the oddsmakers are saying. If that's correct, then I guess I'd have to temper my "sleeper pick" description. But that doesn't change the fact I like the Panthers a lot this season.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Steve Smith is one of the top five WR's in the league from a football perspective.

which of these WRs is he better then from a "football perspective"?Terrell Owens

Randy Moss

Chad Johnson

Marvin Harrison

Torry Holt

Hines Ward

Joe Horn

Derrick Mason

Eric Moulds

Laveranues Coles

Javon Walker

Andre Johnson

Answer: Moulds, Ward, MasonComparable: Johnson, Horn, Harrison, Holt, Coles

Not as good: Chad Johnson, Moss, TO, Walker

ok, guy.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Steve Smith is one of the top five WR's in the league from a football perspective.

which of these WRs is he better then from a "football perspective"?Terrell Owens

Randy Moss

Chad Johnson

Marvin Harrison

Torry Holt

Hines Ward

Joe Horn

Derrick Mason

Eric Moulds

Laveranues Coles

Javon Walker

Andre Johnson

HornMason

Moulds

Coles

Walker

 

[LHUCKS]

Week 16:  Dallas

tough matchup

Terrence Newman cannot cover Steve Smith and Dallas was less than stellar against the pass as a team. I like this matchup.

 

[LHUCKS]

Steve Smith is one of the top five WR's in the league from a football perspective.

which of these WRs is he better then from a "football perspective"?Terrell Owens

Randy Moss

Chad Johnson

Marvin Harrison

Torry Holt

Hines Ward

Joe Horn

Derrick Mason

Eric Moulds

Laveranues Coles

Javon Walker

Andre Johnson

Answer: Moulds, Ward, MasonComparable: Johnson, Horn, Harrison, Holt, Coles

Not as good: Chad Johnson, Moss, TO, Walker

ok, guy.

so a lot has changed since he was the consensue #3 twelve months ago. Except now Muhs isn't on the squad.

 

[diesel7982]

Steve Smith is one of the top five WR's in the league from a football perspective.

which of these WRs is he better then from a "football perspective"?Terrell Owens

Randy Moss

Chad Johnson

Marvin Harrison

Torry Holt

Hines Ward

Joe Horn

Derrick Mason

Eric Moulds

Laveranues Coles

Javon Walker

Andre Johnson

Answer: Moulds, Ward, MasonComparable: Johnson, Horn, Harrison, Holt, Coles

Not as good: Chad Johnson, Moss, TO, Walker

ok, guy.

Apparently LHUCKS knows something 32 NFL Front offices dont

 

[LHUCKS]

Steve Smith is one of the top five WR's in the league from a football perspective.

which of these WRs is he better then from a "football perspective"?Terrell Owens

Randy Moss

Chad Johnson

Marvin Harrison

Torry Holt

Hines Ward

Joe Horn

Derrick Mason

Eric Moulds

Laveranues Coles

Javon Walker

Andre Johnson

Answer: Moulds, Ward, MasonComparable: Johnson, Horn, Harrison, Holt, Coles

Not as good: Chad Johnson, Moss, TO, Walker

ok, guy.

Apparently LHUCKS knows something 32 NFL Front offices dont

which is?

 

[Burning Sensation]

Steve Smith is one of the top five WR's in the league from a football perspective.

which of these WRs is he better then from a "football perspective"?Terrell Owens

Randy Moss

Chad Johnson

Marvin Harrison

Torry Holt

Hines Ward

Joe Horn

Derrick Mason

Eric Moulds

Laveranues Coles

Javon Walker

Andre Johnson

Answer: Moulds, Ward, MasonComparable: Johnson, Horn, Harrison, Holt, Coles

Not as good: Chad Johnson, Moss, TO, Walker

ok, guy.

Apparently LHUCKS knows something 32 NFL Front offices dont

Like what?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Steve Smith a top-5 WR in the NFL is about the funniest thing I've read here in awhile.Thanks guys.

 

[phrozen]

When healthy and not being thrown to by Rodney Peete/Chris Weinke, Muhammad has always been a much MUCH better WR than what Smith is.

Smith is an undersized possession WR, who is best suited to play across a guy like Muhammad.  Hes not a #1 guy.

But he was the #1 ahead of Moose in 2003. Yet you are asserting that Moose is easily a #1 guy. If Moose is a #1, Smith is a great #1.

Riiiight. Thats like saying since Terrell Owens was more of a #1 WR than Rice in the last year they played together in SF, Owens is a better #1 WR than Rice.Smith had one good season when Moose battled nagging injuries all of '03. Moose produced at a level that Smith could never dream of in '04. Moose has produced in previous seasons at levels Smith could never dream of.

But yeah, Smith is a great #1. 12.6 ypc. Awesome.

I know it is only the pre-season but Smith has the second most Receptions in the entire NFL (he has 13) so far this pre-season (only behind Mark Bradley with 14). Delhomme is definately locked on to Smith and I look forward to big numbers.

 

[ffnut]

I was pimping him hard last season. Unfortunately he got hurt in the opener (a game in which he was doing very well I might add) and things didn't work out. But I'm back on board the Smith LoveTrain again this season. He is clearly the Panthers' go-to WR and that was clearly the case last season prior to his injury. Nothing will change that this season. Will he receive the lion's share of attention from opposing defenses? Of course he will, but how is that different from every other No. 1 WR in the NFL? The keys are whether Smith has the talent to produce despite being the focal point of opposing defenses (which I believe he does); whether Delhomme has the talent to get the ball to him (which I believe he does) and whether the Panthers have enough diversity in their offense to prevent teams from loading up against the passing game (I believe they do). I'm picking 9th in my league (one keeper per team) and in all of my pre-draft prep work Smith has been sitting on the board in the third round when I'm going to be targeting my WR1. All of the mocks I've done suggest he'll be there and all of the ADP's I've studied indicate he'll be there. I'm hoping like hell that won't change between now and my draft because I'm very high on him and his potential once again.Oh, and the Panthers are my sleeper pick to make it to the Super Bowl from the NFC.

Couldn't agree more. I'm picking 11th in a 12 team, 1 keeper league and looking to get him as WR1 at 3.11 - should be there. Good luck to you!

 

[LHUCKS]

Steve Smith a top-5 WR in the NFL is about the funniest thing I've read here in awhile.

Thanks guys.

Was it funny when he was a consensus top 5 WR at FBG last year?

 

[Chase Stuart]

Steve Smith a top-5 WR in the NFL is about the funniest thing I've read here in awhile.

Thanks guys.

Was it funny when he was a consensus top 5 WR at FBG last year?

What are you talking about? When was he ever a consensus top 5 WR?

 

[Chase Stuart]

Steve Smith is one of the top five WR's in the league from a football perspective.

which of these WRs is he better then from a "football perspective"?Terrell Owens

Randy Moss

Chad Johnson

Marvin Harrison

Torry Holt

Hines Ward

Joe Horn

Derrick Mason

Eric Moulds

Laveranues Coles

Javon Walker

Andre Johnson

Answer: Moulds, Ward, MasonComparable: Johnson, Horn, Harrison, Holt, Coles

Not as good: Chad Johnson, Moss, TO, Walker

ok, guy.

so a lot has changed since he was the consensue #3 twelve months ago. Except now Muhs isn't on the squad.

Consensus number 3?IIRC, Steve Smith was right on the edge of being a top 10 by most fantay rankings. He was in that 9-12 tier with Coles, Darrell Jackson and I think Javon Walker.

 

[phrozen]

Steve Smith a top-5 WR in the NFL is about the funniest thing I've read here in awhile.

Thanks guys.

Was it funny when he was a consensus top 5 WR at FBG last year?

What are you talking about? When was he ever a consensus top 5 WR?

If I remember correctly Clayton Gray had him in the top 8-9 range on the subcriber site so that is not the top 5.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

http://apps.footballguys.com/04wrrank1.cfm

Steve Smith was ranked #9 in our last posted expert rankings for 2004, and was #8 in the message board rankings.

The highest ranking from any staff member was Mike Anderson, who ranked him #6. His lowest ranking was #15, by Bob Henry.

 

[Da Guru]

Actually I love Rod Gardner as a value pick. Gardner is about the same size as Moose was and could have a very solid year as a #3 WR.

 

[Chase Stuart]

In Survivor League I last year, Steve Smith went at 4.08. He was the 8th WR taken, but WRs went at 4.09 (Coles), 4.10 (Boldin), 4.11 (Moss), 4.12 (Moulds) and 5.01 (Horn). Little separated WR8 from WR13 last year.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Steve Smith a top-5 WR in the NFL is about the funniest thing I've read here in awhile.

Thanks guys.

Was it funny when he was a consensus top 5 WR at FBG last year?

it is very funny how you can continue to make outrageous claims (consensus top-3 and consensus top-5) yet refuse to back them up with anything verifiable.

what possible reason would anyone have to continually argue that Steve Smith is a top-5 WR in the NFL? BnB has an excuse as he's a Panthers homer, but what's yours?

if you're not here, you may have finally lost your mind.

I better go check the calendar to see if this is hyperbole day.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Steve Smith a top-5 WR in the NFL is about the funniest thing I've read here in awhile.

Thanks guys.

Was it funny when he was a consensus top 5 WR at FBG last year?

it is very funny how you can continue to make outrageous claims (consensus top-3 and consensus top-5) yet refuse to back them up with anything verifiable.

what possible reason would anyone have to continually argue that Steve Smith is a top-5 WR in the NFL? BnB has an excuse as he's a Panthers homer, but what's yours?

if you're not here, you may have finally lost your mind.

I better go check the calendar to see if this is hyperbole day.

 

[diesel7982]

Steve Smith a top-5 WR in the NFL is about the funniest thing I've read here in awhile.

Thanks guys.

Was it funny when he was a consensus top 5 WR at FBG last year?

it is very funny how you can continue to make outrageous claims (consensus top-3 and consensus top-5) yet refuse to back them up with anything verifiable.

what possible reason would anyone have to continually argue that Steve Smith is a top-5 WR in the NFL? BnB has an excuse as he's a Panthers homer, but what's yours?

if you're not here, you may have finally lost your mind.

I better go check the calendar to see if this is hyperbole day.

LHUCKS is probably still in shock from seeing "Chrissy" Brown run so well last night. Or from watching Atrain get nowhere near the 1st team offense Monday night with the Cowboys.

 

[LHUCKS]

http://apps.footballguys.com/04wrrank1.cfm

Steve Smith was ranked #9 in our last posted expert rankings for 2004, and was #8 in the message board rankings.

The highest ranking from any staff member was Mike Anderson, who ranked him #6. His lowest ranking was #15, by Bob Henry.

For whatever reason I had the #'s 3 and 5 in my head...so I was wrong about that.

Regardless, I have him ranked #8 this year for all of the reasons previously mentioned. He has fewer question marks than many of the WRs in his tier IMHO...which puts him at/near the top of my tier #3.

 

[Not Nipsey's Alias]

http://apps.footballguys.com/04wrrank1.cfm

Steve Smith was ranked #9 in our last posted expert rankings for 2004, and was #8 in the message board rankings.

The highest ranking from any staff member was Mike Anderson, who ranked him #6. His lowest ranking was #15, by Bob Henry.

If he was ranked so high last year, and given the numbers Moose had last year, why is Smith ranked so low this year when Moose is no longer there? Purely because of the injury?

 

[LHUCKS]

Steve Smith a top-5 WR in the NFL is about the funniest thing I've read here in awhile.

Thanks guys.

Was it funny when he was a consensus top 5 WR at FBG last year?

it is very funny how you can continue to make outrageous claims (consensus top-3 and consensus top-5) yet refuse to back them up with anything verifiable.

what possible reason would anyone have to continually argue that Steve Smith is a top-5 WR in the NFL? BnB has an excuse as he's a Panthers homer, but what's yours?

if you're not here, you may have finally lost your mind.

I better go check the calendar to see if this is hyperbole day.

LHUCKS is probably still in shock from seeing "Chrissy" Brown run so well last night. Or from watching Atrain get nowhere near the 1st team offense Monday night with the Cowboys.

So you'll be drafting Chris Brown this year? I did believe A-Train would have a better preseason than he has...but I guess you are right about everything.

 

[LHUCKS]

http://apps.footballguys.com/04wrrank1.cfm

Steve Smith was ranked #9 in our last posted expert rankings for 2004, and was #8 in the message board rankings.

The highest ranking from any staff member was Mike Anderson, who ranked him #6. His lowest ranking was #15, by Bob Henry.

If he was ranked so high last year, and given the numbers Moose had last year, why is Smith ranked so low this year when Moose is no longer there? Purely because of the injury?

 

[jurb26]

http://apps.footballguys.com/04wrrank1.cfm

Steve Smith was ranked #9 in our last posted expert rankings for 2004, and was #8 in the message board rankings.

The highest ranking from any staff member was Mike Anderson, who ranked him #6. His lowest ranking was #15, by Bob Henry.

If he was ranked so high last year, and given the numbers Moose had last year, why is Smith ranked so low this year when Moose is no longer there? Purely because of the injury?

Short term memory syndrome.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

http://apps.footballguys.com/04wrrank1.cfm

Steve Smith was ranked #9 in our last posted expert rankings for 2004, and was #8 in the message board rankings.

The highest ranking from any staff member was Mike Anderson, who ranked him #6. His lowest ranking was #15, by Bob Henry.

If he was ranked so high last year, and given the numbers Moose had last year, why is Smith ranked so low this year when Moose is no longer there? Purely because of the injury?

rankings are relative. I don't happen to think he's ranked low this year at all. It's just that there are other WRs who are more deserving of higher rankings this year than there were last year.Javon Walker, Michael Clayton, Drew Bennett, Reggie Wayne, Darrell Jackson, and Nate Burleson are all in better situations than him now and all are coming off great seasons from 2004. Nobody would have ranked those guys ahead of him last year.

 

[jurb26]

Terrell Owens

Randy Moss

Chad Johnson

Marvin Harrison

Torry Holt

Hines Ward

Joe Horn

Derrick Mason

Eric Moulds

Laveranues Coles

Javon Walker

Andre Johnson

I would rather have Smith over:Ward

Horn

Mason

Moulds

Coles

Walker

Right now anyways.

 

[diesel7982]

http://apps.footballguys.com/04wrrank1.cfm

Steve Smith was ranked #9 in our last posted expert rankings for 2004, and was #8 in the message board rankings.

The highest ranking from any staff member was Mike Anderson, who ranked him #6. His lowest ranking was #15, by Bob Henry.

If he was ranked so high last year, and given the numbers Moose had last year, why is Smith ranked so low this year when Moose is no longer there? Purely because of the injury?

Well, lets analyze the situation.Do you believe Smith is better/just as talented as Muhammad?

Do you expect the Panthers to lose half of their starting defense to injury again?

Do you expect their top 4 RBs will be injured again?

Do you expect the Panthers to be playing from behind, unable to run the ball well, and thus forced to throw quite a bit again?

Do you believe that Keary Colbert(2nd year), Rod Gardner, and Ricky Proehl are less of an option to steal receptions than Keary Colbert(rookie), Ricky Proehl, and Karl Hankton?

If the answer to all of those questions are yes, then it might be reasonable that Smith could approximate Muhammad's numbers. (This is not even including the injury, which in addition to a broken fibula also tore several tendons in his ankle)

 

[LHUCKS]

http://apps.footballguys.com/04wrrank1.cfm

Steve Smith was ranked #9 in our last posted expert rankings for 2004, and was #8 in the message board rankings.

The highest ranking from any staff member was Mike Anderson, who ranked him #6. His lowest ranking was #15, by Bob Henry.

If he was ranked so high last year, and given the numbers Moose had last year, why is Smith ranked so low this year when Moose is no longer there? Purely because of the injury?

rankings are relative. I don't happen to think he's ranked low this year at all. It's just that there are other WRs who are more deserving of higher rankings this year than there were last year.Javon Walker, Michael Clayton, Drew Bennett, Reggie Wayne, Darrell Jackson, and Nate Burleson are all in better situations than him now and all are coming off great seasons from 2004.

Walker - I agreeClayton - A lot went right for him last year, Delhomme > Griese

Bennett - Not even close

Wayne - Can Indy match last year's output?

D-Jax - Same tier

Burleson - We'll see if he can handle being the #1 for an entire year...has looked good thus far.

 

[diesel7982]

Steve Smith a top-5 WR in the NFL is about the funniest thing I've read here in awhile.

Thanks guys.

Was it funny when he was a consensus top 5 WR at FBG last year?

it is very funny how you can continue to make outrageous claims (consensus top-3 and consensus top-5) yet refuse to back them up with anything verifiable.

what possible reason would anyone have to continually argue that Steve Smith is a top-5 WR in the NFL? BnB has an excuse as he's a Panthers homer, but what's yours?

if you're not here, you may have finally lost your mind.

I better go check the calendar to see if this is hyperbole day.

LHUCKS is probably still in shock from seeing "Chrissy" Brown run so well last night. Or from watching Atrain get nowhere near the 1st team offense Monday night with the Cowboys.

So you'll be drafting Chris Brown this year? I did believe A-Train would have a better preseason than he has...but I guess you are right about everything.

Not everything, but seemingly everything we disagree about. You make is pretty easy though with opinions like "Steve Smith is a top 5 NFL WR". You've got to watch it with that kinda stuff. You'll give Rudnicki a heart-attack.

 

[Buckychudd]

When healthy and not being thrown to by Rodney Peete/Chris Weinke, Muhammad has always been a much MUCH better WR than what Smith is.

Smith is an undersized possession WR, who is best suited to play across a guy like Muhammad.  Hes not a #1 guy.

But he was the #1 ahead of Moose in 2003. Yet you are asserting that Moose is easily a #1 guy. If Moose is a #1, Smith is a great #1.

Riiiight. Thats like saying since Terrell Owens was more of a #1 WR than Rice in the last year they played together in SF, Owens is a better #1 WR than Rice.Smith had one good season when Moose battled nagging injuries all of '03. Moose produced at a level that Smith could never dream of in '04. Moose has produced in previous seasons at levels Smith could never dream of.

But yeah, Smith is a great #1. 12.6 ypc. Awesome.

Owens was by far a better #1 WR than Rice the last year they played together.

Moose was injury free in '03.

Moose's best year prior to '04 was in '99 where he had 1250 yards. Smith had 1100 yards in '03 and I'm betting he surpasses 1200 this year.

You are obviously delusional.

 

[BassNBrew]

Steve Smith is one of the top five WR's in the league from a football perspective.

which of these WRs is he better then from a "football perspective"?Terrell Owens - Wouldn't have the cancer on my team.

Randy Moss - Takes plays off, smokes dope, leaves the field early...no thanks.

Chad Johnson - Top 5

Marvin Harrison - Declining...would take Smith in front of him.

Torry Holt - Top 5

Hines Ward - Really torn here...wish he had a better QB

Joe Horn - On par with Smith

Derrick Mason - I don't think he's as tough or blocks as well.

Eric Moulds - No thanks, maybe not the best WR on his team.

Laveranues Coles - Concerned about that foot injury. If he's that great, why's he so tradeable?

Javon Walker - Borderline, but maybe ahead of Smith. Not thrilled with his attitude, but Smith was there earlier in his career.

Andre Johnson - I don't think so, but would allow that I could be wrong with a lack of data.

 

[diesel7982]

When healthy and not being thrown to by Rodney Peete/Chris Weinke, Muhammad has always been a much MUCH better WR than what Smith is.

Smith is an undersized possession WR, who is best suited to play across a guy like Muhammad.  Hes not a #1 guy.

But he was the #1 ahead of Moose in 2003. Yet you are asserting that Moose is easily a #1 guy. If Moose is a #1, Smith is a great #1.

Riiiight. Thats like saying since Terrell Owens was more of a #1 WR than Rice in the last year they played together in SF, Owens is a better #1 WR than Rice.Smith had one good season when Moose battled nagging injuries all of '03. Moose produced at a level that Smith could never dream of in '04. Moose has produced in previous seasons at levels Smith could never dream of.

But yeah, Smith is a great #1. 12.6 ypc. Awesome.

Owens was by far a better #1 WR than Rice the last year they played together.

Moose was injury free in '03.

Moose's best year prior to '04 was in '99 where he had 1250 yards. Smith had 1100 yards in '03 and I'm betting he surpasses 1200 this year.

You are obviously delusional.

Yes, that seems like the most obvious explanation.

 

[Not Nipsey's Alias]

Do you believe Smith is better/just as talented as Muhammad?

Without question. He's a gamebreaker who can do as much after the catch than anyone in the league.\

Do you expect the Panthers to lose half of their starting defense to injury again?

No, but like any team, injuries happen.

Do you expect their top 4 RBs will be injured again?

Given who those RB's are, I'd say there's a chance.

Do you expect the Panthers to be playing from behind, unable to run the ball well, and thus forced to throw quite a bit again?

It's possible.

Do you believe that Keary Colbert(2nd year), Rod Gardner, and Ricky Proehl are less of an option to steal receptions than Keary Colbert(rookie), Ricky Proehl, and Karl Hankton?

I believe more talent on the other side equals MORE quality chances for Smith, not less.

If the answer to all of those questions are yes, then it might be reasonable that Smith could approximate Muhammad's numbers. (This is not even including the injury, which in addition to a broken fibula also tore several tendons in his ankle)

Bones heal even stronger than before they broke. Are torn ankle tendons a reason for concern? Has anyone seen anything indicating they could be a problem? I honestly don't know. I read his ankle was sore after his first preseason game, but Fox said that was to be expected.

 

[LHUCKS]

Not everything, but seemingly everything we disagree about. You make is pretty easy though with opinions like "Steve Smith is a top 5 NFL WR". You've got to watch it with that kinda stuff. You'll give Rudnicki a heart-attack.

The only thing that gives Rudnicki a heart attack is my MB v. Staff lineup. Steve Smith supporters will have a strong argument that he is a top 5 WR after this year. I currently have him ranked 8th.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Bennett - Not even close

who the heck is going to catch balls in Tennessee? Aren't you high on McNair this year? That defense is going to be terrible and they will be forced to pass early and often. Their offensive line has some issues as well which will hurt the running game more than anything. All these things suggest another big season for Bennett.Meanwhile, in Carolina, you have a conservative coach who would much prefer to run the ball if given a choice. The Panthers defense and running game should be much better this year than it was in 2004. How do we know that Smith's 2003 season was not a fluke, and why would we expect him to do better than those 2003 numbers?

 

[diesel7982]

Do you believe Smith is better/just as talented as Muhammad?

Without question. He's a gamebreaker who can do as much after the catch than anyone in the league.\ Thats why he struggles to break 13 ypc as a #1 WR

Do you expect the Panthers to lose half of their starting defense to injury again?

No, but like any team, injuries happen.Yes, but you do realize the odds of that many key injuries happening again are very, very low, correct?

Do you expect their top 4 RBs will be injured again?

Given who those RB's are, I'd say there's a chance. Again, we're talking low odds

Do you expect the Panthers to be playing from behind, unable to run the ball well, and thus forced to throw quite a bit again?

It's possible. Only if the other two low odd scenarios both happen

Do you believe that Keary Colbert(2nd year), Rod Gardner, and Ricky Proehl are less of an option to steal receptions than Keary Colbert(rookie), Ricky Proehl, and Karl Hankton?

I believe more talent on the other side equals MORE quality chances for Smith, not less. You should ask Marvin Harrison about that

If the answer to all of those questions are yes, then it might be reasonable that Smith could approximate Muhammad's numbers.  (This is not even including the injury, which in addition to a broken fibula also tore several tendons in his ankle)

Bones heal even stronger than before they broke. Are torn ankle tendons a reason for concern? Has anyone seen anything indicating they could be a problem? I honestly don't know. I read his ankle was sore after his first preseason game, but Fox said that was to be expected.Yikes...ok. When a player suffers a bone injury, yes, it is typically not a concern, because as you said, bones heal back stronger. But, you do realize this was a surgery situation right? One with a long recovery period? One that probably kept him from physical activities for 6+ months? Ankle soreness is to be expected...because he tore a bunch of tendons in it. That doesnt mean its not a huge deal, and that doesnt mean it won't slow him down. It will likely be a pain issue he'll have to deal with throughout the season. Not saying the injury is a huge deal, but to flippantly write it off is just silly, especially with all of the other factors working against him

 

[diesel7982]

Bennett - Not even close

who the heck is going to catch balls in Tennessee? Aren't you high on McNair this year? That defense is going to be terrible and they will be forced to pass early and often. Their offensive line has some issues as well which will hurt the running game more than anything. All these things suggest another big season for Bennett.Meanwhile, in Carolina, you have a conservative coach who would much prefer to run the ball if given a choice. The Panthers defense and running game should be much better this year than it was in 2004. How do we know that Smith's 2003 season was not a fluke?

Fair warning LHUCKS. If you say Calico, Im coming ot find you and beat you with "Chrissy" Brown's walking boot from last year.