He ain’t lying.
The Panthers defense looked dismal against Pittsburgh last week and things were no different today in Baltimore. Steve Smith put on a clinic in the first half with over 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns. When asked to describe his performance he did so in a way only fitting of Smitty.
“That was coaching film,” Smith said. “I’m 35 years old and I ran around on those boys like they was school yard kids.”
Panther’s players Cam Newton and Jerricho Cotchery has no choice but to give the vet props on his impressive game.
“He’s got a lot of tread left on his tires,” Panthers quarterback Cam Newton said. “And his tires are big Tonka truck tires.”
“He played his usual game – passionate,” Panthers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery said. “And he’s always been a heck of a player. That hasn’t changed. He is a playmaker at the position and he went out there and made plays today.”
Carolina DB Josh Norman, who replaced Melvin White in the lineup after he was gave up a score to Smith, sounded a little salty when asked about his performance.
“It is what it is,” Norman said of Smith’s performance. “I’m on to Chicago now, man. He did what he did. So what?”
I’ll tell you what…you should be embarrassed. For a defense with aspirations of being the league’s best, the Panthers looked like swiss cheese all game. They played with a lack of enthusiasm that’s not synonymous with a team that’s trying to be the first to win back to back NFC South titles.
Good thing for the Panthers it’s still early in the season, but things won’t get easier as they’ll face a Bears team next week coming off a loss to the Packers.
Tighten up Carolina.
H/T: Charlotte Observer