As usual, even-quicker Steve Smith is good to go...........

[AKPantherFan]

As usual, even-quicker Steve Smith is good to go

At 30, Steve Smith goes zero-to-60 faster than anybody else on the Panthers' roster.

By Tom Sorensen

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Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith has fun before practice Thursday at Wofford. Smith is having fun on the field also. His pass routes have been precise, his hands certain and his timing uncanny.

At 30, an age when Steve Smith has more football behind him than in front of him, he goes zero-to-60 faster than anybody on the Carolina Panthers' roster.

SPARTANBURG

To break up the monotony, there's a training camp drill I like to attempt.

I pretend I know nothing about the players. I pretend I don't know who starts or who stars and focus solely on the number on the uniform.

Different players, some of whom are so obscure you've not heard of them or their school, have moments. But one player stands out at almost every practice, and he is No.89.

You're thinking, great work, Sherlock. Since Steve Smith is Carolina's best player, he ought to dominate.

But if you believe that, go to the camps of other teams and notice how often the best player fails to separate himself from his colleagues.

Smith goes hard every time I see him on the practice field at Wofford College. Because he has to depend on the kindness of quarterbacks to get him the ball, he can't excel unless they find him. They find him.

Smith runs a post, makes his cut and from the sideline I can see how free he's flying. From the pocket, the quarterback can, too.

Smith grabs the ball almost in stride and sprints to the end zone. Then he turns around and runs past the defender he just beat. He says nothing as he returns to his offensive brethren, who greet him as if he's been gone for years.

At an earlier practice, Smith charges out of his stance, convinces the defense he is coming at it and almost instantly drops back. He takes a long lateral and takes a step forward before the cornerback and linebacker react.

The most entertaining play is the one on which Smith lines up right, runs left, grabs a handoff and sees in front of him what looks like a rehearsal for the TV show “Biggest Loser.” The play has fooled nobody, and a lot of big fellows are in a pile in Smith's way. Reinforcements are right behind them.

Smith changes speed, skips around the scrum and suddenly he's down the sideline, the defenders so far away they could yell, “Be sure and write.”

So far in camp, Smith's routes have been precise, his hands certain and his timing uncanny.

But what distinguishes him is quickness. I'm not talking about speed. Speed is the time required to run from A to B. Quickness is the time required to take the first step.

At 30, an age when Smith has more football behind him than in front of him, he goes zero-to-60 faster than anybody on the roster.

But he is more than an athlete. On Tuesday, Smith runs a little route, a defender with him, and the ball comes anyway. The best two times to throw to Smith are when he's covered and when he's not.

The defender reads him, but Smith gives nothing away. Smith doesn't even appear to see the pass. A moment before the ball arrives he drops his hands slightly, almost imperceptibly. The catch is so subtle the defender doesn't know Smith has the ball.

Based on what I see, and on what I hear in our lone one-on-one conversation in camp, I would contend there's a peace about Smith.

more....http://www.charlotteobserver.com/tomsorensen/story/879463.html

enjoy

[OneBadassCat]

Nice article. Smith is the man. I hope his prime can extend well into his 30's. I kind of hope we just let him skim the water in pre-season, keep him 110% healthy. Its a shame that even though he's the best his total stats don't really show how good he is. I mean he basically had 2 years, maybe 3 wiped out to show his WR ability, 02 he's a KR, 04(leg) and 07(Jake). He was the most productive WR in the game last season and had he played the 1st 2 games he would be in range of another triple crown.

Plus you have to look at how long he's been the single threat at WR. No one else to really take the double teams off since 03 and we've been a wannabe run team until this past season. Though I will say he has the benefit of a true run game now, which help makes the big plays and his yards per reception.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

The best two times to throw to Smith are when he's covered and when he's not.

I loved this. It resembles one of those bits of Chuck Norris folklore.