Coach Rivera on Jim Rome Show in 10 minutes

[jayflip]

I think I came in late, but the gist of the interview:

-Time for the Panthers to build upon a solid win against the Saints. Rome brought up Newton's comment that the team feels they have taken a step up.. Rivera says it's time to get past the thinking this is the "same 'ole Panthers"...

- Rome says he's a huge fan of Smitty.. asks Ron what it's like to coach him and why the team respects him so much.. It's due to the way he practices, prepares, and plays the game.. He goes 100mph even in practice, and always goes for the tough catch whether that's speeding up or slowing down to make the catch.. Guys respect that.. He's never coached anyone like him and says there are definitely not enough guys in the league like him..

- Says He knows what to expect from the Bucs in the victory formation. Will never pull that move and will show the opponent respect, and will be prepared in all situations.. Guys will line up ready to go, QB will drop back to a knee quick, hand the ball off.. but OL will be ready.

Keep in mind I am paraphrasing so do NOT take this word for word.... ;)

A million thank you's!!!

God I hope 89 just tears it up the rest of his career here and goes to the HoF. I think even we as Panther fans take this man for granted.

[bleys]

I hope so... No greater 1st HOF for the Panthers than one of (if not THE) greatest player to ever put on a Panther uniform...

[Ivan The Awesome]

Damn it. I missed it.

[Frizzy350]

A million thank you's!!!

God I hope 89 just tears it up the rest of his career here and goes to the HoF. I think even we as Panther fans take this man for granted.

If Smith stay's on pace this year, he'll pass Don Maynard on all time receiving and be just behind Michael Irvin, at 22nd all time. From there if he can manage another 2k yards in his career he'll be in the top 10 all time. The only active player's that are a serious threat to him (that aren't surefire HoFers already) are Reggie Wayne, Larry Fitzgerald and possibly Calvin Johnson (He's still quite young).

If Smith wins a ring him and Wayne will probably go in around the same time. If highlight reels and overcoming adversity count for anything, Smith will go in before.