Smith not too impressed with Panthers’ receivers

[KillerKat]

“Then they’ll come to me and I’ll kind of give them their space and I’m like, ‘What do I know?”’

Who lines up opposite Smith in that game remains a mystery. LaFell may have a slight upper hand, but Smith thinks the entire group needs to mature—and listen to its elders.

“I’m not frustrated that nobody’s grabbed the No. 2 spot. Ultimately, it’s not my decision. I’m not the coach,” Smith said. “I think I’m more frustrated as a wide receiver unit, as an offensive guy, there were plays out there that we left on the field.

“I’m also a guy that sits there every week and I hear them talk.”

Hmm so you want them to listen to you but when they come to you for advice you dont do anything.

[Squirrel]

To get help they need to ask for help. Smitty isnt going to take them to the side and tell them what they need to do. He didnt help Colbert or Carter after Moose left he wont do it for these rookies.

[natty]

Smith is not a mentor or leader, you can't ask him to be something he's not. Seeing how well this defense is playing I'm even more pissed that one of the big WRs weren't picked up in the offseason.

Being great is just as much about recognizing your weaknesses as it is playing to your strengths. And lets face it, Fox and Hurney have been horrible drafting WRs. If the deciding factor in not going all the way this year is mainly due to lack of a 2nd WR then Richardson will have to face up to the fact that he had a chance and @#$%ed it up.

[Swarly]

To get help they need to ask for help. Smitty isnt going to take them to the side and tell them what they need to do. He didnt help Colbert or Carter after Moose left he wont do it for these rookies.

this. you guys act like all these rookie receivers are going to go up and ask Smitty for advice like it's nothing. these guys are professional athletes with big egos. we don't know if they've shrugged off advice from Smith all off season, or if he has already told them what they need to know and they just keep struggling..

I'd be pretty frustrated too if I were Smitty.

[panthers34]

either lafell jarett or moore really need to step up but once smith is back i think the others wrs will be better because smith draws double teams and draws the safties to his side and that will free up lafell or jarret

[monstercat]

I wish people wouldn't read too much in to what Smitty says. Hell, I don't think he even knows what he really means half the time.

Anyway, we have young WR's who have a lot to learn...did any of you not know that already?

[SorthNarolina]

Most Vets want the rookies to come to them, they aren't going to go out of their way to help somebody. The rookie's ego's usually keeps them from sliding under someone's wing. It's a real shame.

I doubt Smith gives advice very gently. It's probably a turnoff for those guys as he's very intimidating.

Smith is totally willing to be a mentor. He's just not going to babysit. Does anybody remember Drew Carter? Carter worked out with Smith and showed great improvement.

Smith hasn't had a #2 for most of his career here. His patience is running out. He's not very eloquent or even right sometimes but I understand where this talk is coming from.

[tattoorhino]

Why cant we get a friggin threat on the other side that can catch and warrant a double team as well. Hell it shouldnt be smith everytime, he needs some help. And after the last three years of him begging for some help he is still in the same spot. Can you imagine what our team would be like with 2 good reciever and our two headed monster run game. We would win the Superbowl easy. I can see his frustration. We all know he has already tried to mentor Jarrett and we see how much he paid attention.

[SOJA]

I love Steve Smith he is my favorite Panther player and thus NFL player of all time. But come on man. It's the NFL. This interview doesn't make you look any more of a bad-a**, it just makes you look like a stubborn teenager who doesn't want to help out nine year olds. Yes clearly our recievers aren't the best. And clearly some of them haven't made the most of their chances *cough Jarrett cough* But you are one of the veteran leaders on this team. Complaining to the media is a terrible reflection on the character of the Steve Smith I know and love. The Steve Smith I know would shut up and prove to everyone on game day that it doesn't matter if Betty White lines up as the number two, Steve Smith is still going to produce and be one of the best in the league. Grow up Steve, Panthers fans have forgiven you for acting out before, but now more than ever the Panthers need you giving it your all.

Prove me wrong Steve and tear up the Giants secondary for 150+ yards.

[OneBadassCat]

Pretty sure Smith has helped Treny Guy and Kenny Moore out. Edwards doesn't seem like he has the ego to ignore the tutelage of an all pro, plus he said he hasn't had the chance to work with Smitty because of his arm. It could be DJ, it could be LaFell. Who knows.

At the same time however they shouldn't have to kiss his ass just to get some advice.

[tattoorhino]

And I watched Smith mentor Kenny moore all last season training camp, staying 30 minutes after everyone just him and moore going over routes. He has worked with the young guys, if they cant get it hell he cant make them better if they dont have the ability. What more do you want the guy to do?

[Samuel L. Jackson]

I'm pretty sure I saw him all in Trent Guy's ear during pregame warmups, and I saw him getting hyped over some of Guy's returns...

Smitty had to pave his own way in a league where people were constantly underestimating him and writing him off as a slot guy at best...

That is all he wants from the rest of the crew... Step up and shut the critics up... Play with a fire and not with a fear... Stop running your mouth in the background about how good you are and go out there and prove it...

I don't blame him at all for being the way he is, but I don't really agree with his methods sometimes...

[SorthNarolina]

He's probably talking about Jarrett mostly.

[House]

He took Ryne Robinson under his wing also.