http://www.thejetsblog.com/2009/06/25/link-is-this-brad-smiths-year/ I know a lot of people hate on B. Smith here, but he's been a good player for us if you look at what he's done objectively. Hopefully he is ready to blossom as a receiver.
I wanted to give Smith a chance to make it at WR, but if he can't do it this year, I don't think he'll ever do it. Circus catches in minicamp and TC need to translate to the regular season at some point, or you're just going to end up being Justin McCariens.
I agree this has to be the year he breaks out. This is his best opportunity to get on the field more and make an impact with our thin WR corps.
I would love Brad Smith to step up this year. He had some big plays for us last year and is obviously a ridiculous athlete. I think we have to be more creative with him as well. I am not a wild cat fan in the least but he is our version of Pat white from the dophins. I think some screen passes to him where he has the option to run or throw would be interesting to see this year. Our receiving corps is so unproven but there is that optimism that we can have young guys lead the way that I think we have to believe in for now.
He certainly has the physical tools. Even in the limited wildcat/option formations we've used him in for the past few years, he moves through traffic with ease because of his natural ability. I've seen him pull in a few very difficult passes as well, the best being a one-handed grab while he was vertical against the Browns a couple of years ago.
I'm going to give BS the benefit of the doubt and suggest that he was underutilized by the previous administration. I mean, we used him as a wide receiver. We lined him up under center, be he never (once? twice?) actually threw the ball. I hope it bothers Schotty to watch the success of the Wildcat gimmick in his division when he had the PERFECT WC combo in Wash and Smith on his own team.
I like Brad Smith. I dont think he will ever be a starter for this team but I think he could continue to grow in his role as a "gadget" player.
WSW, you and I (and of course some others) are the few who've been pretty outspoken about Smith's value and potential. I still can't figure out why everyone hates on him so much. Having said that, I have to agree with Byz on this one; if Smith doesn't break out this year, then he's not worth keeping. I love his athleticism and vision. He's definitely a threat when he has the ball in his hands-- in fact, aside from Leon, he's the only other real threat to break one loose at any moment. I wonder why there weren't more Bubble Screens and plays like that called for him where he can do some damage with blockers in front of him. I still think if he learns how to run routes crisply this year, he's going to be a contributor; his hands aren't really the issue.
I don't really care about his circus catches at training camp. I'd much rather see normal catches in games.
I would like to see Smith in on something other than a gadget play. How about just sending the kid down the sidelines or just simply run a conventional route or better yet, with his height, what about BS's favorite play: The dreaded Fade...
Even if he doesn't break out as a receiver he still has a lot of value as a special teams player and part time gadget guy. He's only making about .5 million a year. I do agree with him that this has to be his year if he's ever going to make it as a receiver though.
Brad Smith is a Baller...a football player, period. This is His chance to show us what he really has. Put Him on the field & let's see what happens
I think B.Smith is an excellent ST player.....and wasn't really given a chance to showcase his talent by the previous regime as a wideout. I'm hoping he gets that chance this season.
I agree. He can play in the league, if not a starter a good ST guy and backup WR. I can see Belicheck picking him up right away. He would fill the role that Kelley Washington played a year or so ago.
^ exactly......B.Smith and W.Wright are our 2 best Special Teamers.....Westhoff would go on a homicidal rampage if Smith was cut outright without injury.
Smith will get his chance this year. no mangina to hold him back. i just hope he capitalizes on it. he has been around long enough to know whats going on and to apply his pure athleticism into success on the field. if not, then i say off he goes.
I'm so psyched about ST this year. We had a great squad last year and then you add Izzo, a three-time ST pro bowler, Sheppard and Leonhard, solid punt returners, and some tough, young UFAs like Westerman and Potter. Awesome gunners, great long-snapper... If we signed a quality punter, we could play the field position game all year.
