Steve Smith vs. Rashean Mathis (1 Viewer)

[AB in DC]

Mathis shut down WR1s for the first half of the season, but then he got hurt. He was back last week, but didn't seem to have much of an impact (only one tackle, and Reggie Wayne had a huge game).

Any thoughts on this matchup? Is Mathis even close to being 100%, and should this affect our projections for Steve Smith? Would love to hear from any Jacksonville homers (if such a thing exists), or anyone who had a good look at Mathis in the last game.

 

[laughinboy_2000]

Mathis shut down WR1s for the first half of the season, but then he got hurt. He was back last week, but didn't seem to have much of an impact (only one tackle, and Reggie Wayne had a huge game).Any thoughts on this matchup? Is Mathis even close to being 100%, and should this affect our projections for Steve Smith? Would love to hear from any Jacksonville homers (if such a thing exists), or anyone who had a good look at Mathis in the last game.

This match up wont be fair to analyze unless Jake Delhomme miraculously makes a comeback and starts this week. Stevo has a 44-YO QB throwing to him.

 

[PantherPower]

start Smith. Panthers finally realized they HAVE to give him touches if they want a chance to win. He got screens, deep balls, reverses, I think they will do the same this week. I'm starting him in all my leagues.

 

[Thin Spirit]

Mathis wasn't on Wayne last week.

He took on Gonzalez one-on-one and it allowed the Jags to double team Wayne. I'm seeing this more often this year... the #1 CB shuts down the #2 WR and it opens the defense up to double team the #1 WR.

 

[packersfan]

Mathis will remain on the left side of the field. As long as the Panthers move Smith around (which they typically do) they have an excellent chance of getting him the ball and having him do something with it. Having Mathis locked up on one side of the field only against a lesser WR (much lesser in this case as was the case last week against the Colts) gives the offense a huge advantage in my opinion.

Smith is still risky for all the reasons we all know about. But I'd be far more concerned about him this week if the Jaguars decided to match Mathis up against him for the entire game. The fact the Panthers can dictate the matchup by moving Smith around and away from Mathis gives them a decided benefit.

Now whether Vinny can take advantage and get the ball to Smith is the question. However, as noted in a previous post the Panthers are definitely making a more concentrated effort to get him the ball as both a receiver and runner the past two games. That helps his chances as well.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

"Still"? granted I havent watched a lot of Bears this year but that doesn't jump out as a name I'd pick for a top 5 corner in the league. Admittedly, May be because I havent seen him play a whole lot.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

It doesn't matter, because the Panthers have shutdown quarterbacks.

 

[Zoomanji]

"Still"? granted I havent watched a lot of Bears this year but that doesn't jump out as a name I'd pick for a top 5 corner in the league. Admittedly, May be because I havent seen him play a whole lot.

Actually he plays for JaxBut I still agree

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

"Still"? granted I havent watched a lot of Bears this year but that doesn't jump out as a name I'd pick for a top 5 corner in the league. Admittedly, May be because I havent seen him play a whole lot.

Actually he plays for JaxBut I still agree

no clue where I pulled "Bears" from.