Camp Notes 8/6/2008 - Specifically about Anthony Smith

[Mosca]

Also remember that this year, training camp rosters are a lot smaller, and the vets have to take more reps, and that means they need to be thinking about health and injury risks from the increased exposure. That is probably a lot of the difference in attitude toward big hits between last year and this year; before, a couple rookies tangling it up was no biggie; but when everyone on the field is for real and not cannon fodder, it is a lot different. These are all guys we're going to need in week 14, after all.

[Steel Pit]

As I recall, Smith was whacking Reid in last years camp as well. He and Reid must not get along for whatever reason, maybe Reid pinched Smith's girlfriends butt or something?????

I don't know, I'm not ready to give up on him just yet, I'm sure that Lambert, Lloyd and a host of others have whacked a teammate or two during practice drills but I'm also sure that they knocked the crap off after being scolded by a coach. I say that Smith will be cut if anything remotely close happens again.

The only thing that I don't understand about Smith is how he let's anyone get behind him as he did versus the Patriots. I mean the dude obviously loves to whack WR's. In order to do that he has to keep the WR in front of him.

[LVSteelersfan]

Unfortunately we don't have much depth at that position. Do you all really want Tyrone Carter to be the backup? I think Smith stays because the Steelers don't have a choice but to keep him for depth.

[lilyoder6]

shit happens, but u also can't go pus sy evry rep b/c then u get no good.. honestly the person is going to get hit like that during pre-season/ during the season so y not get hit like that once or twice a day to get back to the feeling?? it's football deal with it

[Mosca]

Originally Posted by lilyoder6

shit happens, but u also can't go pus sy evry rep b/c then u get no good.. honestly the person is going to get hit like that during pre-season/ during the season so y not get hit like that once or twice a day to get back to the feeling?? it's football deal with it

I don't think that's the point. You don't really think that guys like Hines Ward and Anthony Smith need cheap shots in practice to stay sharp, do you? Of course not.

At the very most basic level it's disobedience and disrespect towards the coaches; "no contact" means no contact. Our million dollar guys need to have that time to get the steps and plays and timing down, without being clocked AFTER THE PLAY by their own guys, so that they CAN execute at full speed later. The coaches set it up this way on purpose, because that is what is best for the Steelers.

At the next level it's a lack of sense of team; it's "me" above "us". A Smith thinks getting his lick in is more important than H Ward getting injured and missing a couple games.

At the next level it's stupidity, for not being able to figure out the first two.

And finally it shows a lack of confidence; after 3 years, the guy still thinks he has to whack someone (well after the no contact play) to be sure he gets noticed. And if THAT is the case, then maybe he just isn't good enough in the other aspects of his game. A million dollar hitting machine with a ten cent head, to paraphrase Crash.

Or... and no one has mentioned this, but I bet some of us are thinking it... maybe he's just barely this side of being a thug.

[jasonpirkle]

Anyone have a link to a video of the hit?

[steelwall]

Originally Posted by Mosca

I don't think that's the point. You don't really think that guys like Hines Ward and Anthony Smith need cheap shots in practice to stay sharp, do you? Of course not.

At the very most basic level it's disobedience and disrespect towards the coaches; "no contact" means no contact. Our million dollar guys need to have that time to get the steps and plays and timing down, without being clocked AFTER THE PLAY by their own guys, so that they CAN execute at full speed later. The coaches set it up this way on purpose, because that is what is best for the Steelers.

At the next level it's a lack of sense of team; it's "me" above "us". A Smith thinks getting his lick in is more important than H Ward getting injured and missing a couple games.

At the next level it's stupidity, for not being able to figure out the first two.

And finally it shows a lack of confidence; after 3 years, the guy still thinks he has to whack someone (well after the no contact play) to be sure he gets noticed. And if THAT is the case, then maybe he just isn't good enough in the other aspects of his game. A million dollar hitting machine with a ten cent head, to paraphrase Crash.

Or... and no one has mentioned this, but I bet some of us are thinking it... maybe he's just barely this side of being a thug.

Great post, hit the nail right on the head ..

[I-Want-Troy's-Hair]

Originally Posted by jasonpirkle

Anyone have a link to a video of the hit?

Haven't found a video but but here an article with a photo. One usually doesn't see Ward in this position.

http://postgazette.com/pg/08220/902472-66.stm

[lilyoder6]

rly? our million dollar guys need that time 2 know the steps? they should alrdy know them unless ur a rookie.. i mean it's the same off from last yr so they should know the plays...

[Atlanta Dan]

Gene Collier of the P-G thinks it is time for Smith to say goodbye

This week's training camp thuggery at the expense of one of the franchise's most decorated veterans smells to me like strike three. There was a time in Smith's alleged development when his wealth of athleticism and general disregard for the safety of himself and opponents was thought to be manageable by a veteran coaching staff. But Smith just doesn't listen....

Waning depth at safety will likely keep Anthony Smith around for awhile, which just as likely means, again, somebody's going to get hurt. If I know Hines Ward, it might be Anthony Smith.

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/08222/903121-150.stm