Spotlight: Steve Smith chats with BBV
by Ed Valentine on May 13, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
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| Steve Smith |
New York Giants' wide receiver Steve Smith answered some questions from me via e-mail. Here is our conversation.
Big Blue View: You have been asked about Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden a bunch of different ways lately. Let me try to put a different spin on it. Can you explain what kind of adjustment a receiver has to make coming from college to the pros, and why does it seem like it takes many receivers a while to become productive at the NFL level?
Steve Smith: Well it's a job now, which a lot of people don't understand it. There's no more showing up late, because now you'll get fined for it. You have a lot more independence but it's a lot of responsibility. Playing four pre-season games, 16 regular-season games, and four playoff games is real tough on a players' body. That's where stretching and taking care of your body is very important.
BBV: You run some terrific, precise pass routes. What goes into developing that kind of ability? Are there certain things you watch for in terms of 'setting up' a defensive back?
SS: I think it's a little bit of natural given ability and paying attention to the details, like keeping your head straight so you don't tip off the DB. You need to be deceptive and be on the same page with your quarterback. You have to be creative getting off of the line, too.
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| Smith celebrates after the Giants won the Super Bowl in his rookie season. |
BBV: Fairly or unfairly, I think the perception is that you are a 'possession' receiver and not a stretch the field, deep threat. Does that bother you? Is it really just a function of the way you have been utilized?
SS: I believe that's how I've been utilized here. I know I have the ability to stretch the field and can be a big time playmaker, but when you have Plaxico and Amani, they were choosing to use me in the role they did. I mean I did run a 4.37 at the combine!
BBV: In your mind, who are the best 5 receivers in the league? Why?
SS: Randy Moss, T.O., Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Smith (Panthers), and Andre Johnson. They all have the ability to take over a game and change the dynamic with one big play.
BBV: You played in college at USC. You are playing professionally in New York. Other than the weather, what is the biggest difference in atmosphere between the two coasts?
SS: The hustle and bustle of New York City compared to the relaxed, cool, calm demeanor out west. I also don't like the roads out here in NY.
BBV: The 2008 season ended in disappointing fashion for the Giants -- earlier than a lot of people thought it would. Is that a motivating factor heading into 2009?
SS: Yeah, it definitely is. No one was happy with how the season ended and I think everyone has a little bit of an extra bounce in their step getting ready for this season.
BBV: There is so much talk among fans and columnists about the wind at Giants Stadium affecting the passing game late in the season. Is there something a receiver can do/needs to do to help a quarterback playing in those kinds of conditions?
SS: I definitely see that. It's just that much more important to be on the same page with your QB and know how to adjust.You just have to be aware of the conditions.
BBV: As a kid growing up, your favorite NFL player of all time? Why?
SS: Jerry Rice. He is relentless and just a great competitor who loves to win. He inspired me a great deal.
FINAL THOUGHTS: First, I have to thank Steve for taking the time to answer my questions. It would really help the Giants this season if Smith continues his ascension toward the upper echelon of NFL receivers. He is a dependable target for Eli who catches everything, and can always be found for a key third-down conversion. It would be a great thing if the Giants could use that 4.37 speed Smith referenced and get some big plays out of him.
-- Check Steve's Facebook page or follow him on Twitter.
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Steve Smith
May he stay a Giant for a long time. Love that guy.
Smith as the #2
I’ve been pondering this since Toomer’s departure, assuming Smith will now be the #2. I have confidence in his ability as a receiver, but there is one thing that seperates him from Toomer, size! With Toomer at 6-3, and Smith at 5-11, my concern is Smith’s ability to get clean releases, his ability to fight off jams at the line.
As i have been thinking about this, and interestingly he stated that he needs to be creative getting off the line. Whereas bigger receivers might not think twice about getting jammed at the line. Perhaps opposing D’s not respecting his size, thus frequently pressing him.
It’s just that when i think of Smith, i can’t see him being physical. Should this be a concern, or a fair question? Then again, he could counter with his deceptive 4.37 speed (which i didn’t know) to keep thing’s honest.
Smith
The guy is always open when Eli needs him, so he has been getting off the line just fine. The question will be can he move out of the slot, where it might be easier for a corner to press him, get open and make big plays down the field. It seems the Giants are going to give him a chance, so we will find out. If he can’t, he is still one of the best slot receivers in the business.
by Ed Valentine on May 13, 2009 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I think we have seen a little of that
He has gotten behind DBs. I know we automatically think of him in the slot on crossing routes because that has been his MO, but there have been times when he’s out on fly and out patterns and gotten away with his speed. Of course it’s different when that is your job (& trying to get off the line), but I think we’ve seen enough of his speed to get an indication that he can do this as well. At any rate, we know he’s going to catch the ball. Between him & Nicks, nothing is going to touch the ground.
Watching the mixing and matching
of Smith, Hixon, Manningham, et. al. will be fascinating. I can’t wait to seewhat happens with the receivung cops. One thing for sure: they won’t all still be with the Giants come opening day, which opens up another interesting scenario—what moves will JR makewith those they choose not to keep?
The thing I don't like about Smith
Is that people think he is any less of a WR cuz he’s 5"11.
I really can’t stand this thinking.
Toomer was 6"3!!!!, but Eli HAD TO MAKE A PERFECT PASS cuz he was so slow that there was always a DB in his back pocket.
Id take a 5"11 WR ANY F"ING DAY over a 6"3 WR if the 5"11 WR knew how to get open and get separation.
THis is what Steve Smith does well, and he’s going to get better at it. He might get jammed at the line, but as WR get older they know how to get around this crap.
Can you give me any reason that Greg Jennings is the excellent WR that he is? He ran a slower 40 than Steve Smith actually??
What about Roddy White (now unleashed with Matt Ryan), Lee Evans, REGGIE WAYNE!! What about the most underreated 10,000 yd WR in the history of the game, Derrick Mason??
All are about the same size as Smith, all have similar speed.
And Oh yea,…..ALL Broke OUT in around their 3rd FULL SEASON!!!!
by FreeBradshaw on May 13, 2009 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Wouldn't it be awesome
if Steve Smith morphed into Steve Smith. Remember the “other” Steve Smith? He’s listed 2" shorter than our Steve Smith and in my opinion, he is the most dangerous player, not just receiver, in the game.
He'll never be
cuz little Steve Smith can jump out the building, probably runs a 4.2 now, and is possibly pound for pound the strongest guy in the league.
I’ll be fine if our Steve Smith morphs into a Mr. Reliable type like Derrick Mason.
Our Steve Smith will be entering his 2nd FULL season(missed most of year 1), so he’s got time to be like those WR I mentioned.
by FreeBradshaw on May 13, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions
This is also a great spot
to point out the fact that you don’t “need” a tall receiver. There’s always talk about Eli’s mistakes and how the tall receiver will help erase those mistakes but look at the other Smith’s QB. Jake has been know to throw some WTF type passes also. Our guys are going to be great. I can’t remember the last time I was this amped about a season kicking off.
Radio shows, interviews with players and coaches. This place went legit!
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on May 13, 2009 9:02 AM EDT reply actions
It just shows
that I have waaaay too much time on my hands to sit around and figure out ways to try and improve this place.
by Ed Valentine on May 13, 2009 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Coming soon: Big Blue View The Movie
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on May 13, 2009 9:02 AM EDT reply actions
Yeah, well
You’ve noticed no TV … yet … right? I’m too stinkin’ ugly for that!
by Ed Valentine on May 13, 2009 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
May I suggest that the first in the series be called BBV: Rucker goes to Hollywood
Starring Micah Rucker and Tom Cruise as NY17NE14
I'll take that as a no!!
I’m really quite surprised someone didn’t change the title to something like
BBV: Rucker Goes HOME!!! – NY needs a New Life!!!
I've been thinking of Steve Smith
as the Giants version of Wes Welker: cat-quick, sharp routes, and dependable hands. When the offense has a receiver who can be a threat 20+ yards down field, how frustrating is it for the defense to also have to account for a receiver mentally tough enough to catch everything underneath the coverage while polished enough to also take 7 yard sideline routes?
Anyone see this coming?
From Rotoworld…
Sinorice Moss currently Giants No. 3 receiver
Coordinator Kevin Gilbride calls this season Sinorice Moss’ “big chance” to earn a prominent role in the Giants’ offense.
“He’ll start off in the three wides,” Gilbride said, indicating that Moss is currently the third receiver. “We just hope…that he flourishes.” Moss is lining up at flanker opposite split end Domenik Hixon when Steve Smith moves to the slot. Don’t expect it to last, but it looks like Moss is getting the opportunity to play ahead of Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham. May. 12 – 3:18 pm et
Source: New York Daily News
I’m all for giving Moss a chance to prove he belong’s, but honestly, this adds to an already speculative scenario to how the WR’s will lineup. I’m guessing that this might be the end of the line if he doesn’t earn it?
Well he should
You HAVE to give the guys on he team who’ve been there the longest a shot first. He’s actually been there the longest, but I think the Giants would be nuts to have HIM as the #1 right now just cuz of tenure. But he has to at least get a shot.
I have not a clue as to why Sinorice was never given a shot, but at least he may be getting it now.
He still has to earn it of course. There is still the youngins waiting
by FreeBradshaw on May 13, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
That's what i was thinking too
Given Moss will be going into his 4th season (a veteran WR by Giants standards lol), i can see this working out as senoirity first, then let the chips fall as they progress. Afterall, Moss has been buried on the depth chart too, so maybe he can finally do something given the chance?! I know he’s had injury problems BUT, when healthy, perhaps he was buried for a reason? I don’t know!
For what it’s worth, maybe he’ll actually turn it around and resemble Santana, to a degree?!!!
Like Tucker said below
It always seemed that when Sinorice was on the field and got thrown too, that he made the play.
I really have no idea what’s wrong with him or what he’s done to Coughlin or the coaching staff for them to ignore him. I know I’ve seen him bobble the ball while he was YACing, so maybe that’s it??
I know he has the speed and the quickness to get open.
by FreeBradshaw on May 13, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
WOD
I just hope if he doesn’t JR can finagle a trade for a draft pick.
It will be interesting to see
Moss will be one of the most intriguing figures to watch in the preseason. I know Sinorice doesn’t get much love on this site, but he might surprise people. Last year 15 balls were thrown his way and he caught 12 of them for a respectable12.8 yards a catch. Obviously that’s a very small sample, but that’s an extremely high catch rate. So maybe he’s the guy waiting to have a break out year. If not, I’m with you BG, I just hope we can get something for him.
Smith is a guy who I could see going either way. He made nice strides last year and he could improve again this year. But last year he was the third receiver most of the year and wasn’t usually being covered by one of the other team’s top two corners. He’s going to get more attention from defenses next year which could keep him from improving on his numbers.
by Tucker Fredrickson on May 13, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
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