New York Giants' Steve Smith aims to step into the limelight

by Ed Valentine on Aug 2, 2009 11:35 AM EDT in New York Giants News

Before he hit the road for training camp in Albany, Ralph Vacchiano of the Daily News posted a great piece on New york Giants' wide receiver Steve Smith.

Here is the money quote from Smith, who is beginning his third year.

Deep inside that calm, cool exterior he desperately wants to become Manning's go-to guy.

"I definitely want that opportunity," Smith says. "When we need a big play I want to be the guy that they come to. And I want the lights on me when it's tough and everybody's sweating and bloody. I want to be that guy that makes the big play."

Smith is always open, it seems, catches everything and was often a great security blanket for Eli Manning in 2008, when he caught 57 balls.

It would not surprise me at all if Smith significantly betters that mark this year, and becomes the go-to guy he wants to be.

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I agree...

Smith has speed, runs great routes and has guts..and he can catch the ball.

by Bobbiblue on Aug 2, 2009 12:03 PM EDT reply actions

Smith's big problem

kinda like most Giants WR in the past, is catching that deep ball.

All the knock usually goes to Eli, but most of the time I see a near perfect ball to them. Smith has been a main culprit of dropping them during his brief career.

Not saying he needs to make all of them cuz some of them would require spectacular catches. Im saying Steve needs to NOT drop the ones he gets his hands on.

by FreeBradshaw on Aug 2, 2009 12:44 PM EDT reply actions

Smith will step nicely in the

Amani Tommer 3rd down possession role. His job is not really the deep ball. That will have to come from one the Hixon/Nicks/Barden group.

by DoctorK16 on Aug 2, 2009 1:27 PM EDT reply actions

I still can't figure out

who’s better.. Vacchiano or Garafolo.

President of the Ramses Barden Fan Club

Fact on Villanova Sports

by Hoyadestroya85 on Aug 2, 2009 2:59 PM EDT reply actions

One thing though

I’m getting tired of the term “number one receiver.” What does it take to be a number one receiver? Obviously you need a go to guy, but a number one receiver is such a loosely defined term.

President of the Ramses Barden Fan Club

Fact on Villanova Sports

by Hoyadestroya85 on Aug 2, 2009 3:09 PM EDT reply actions

yes he is known as the other steve smith in the league but I have confidence he will be better than the steve smith of the panthers this year. [heavy on the this year part] What do you think my blue family?

by go gmen on Aug 2, 2009 3:45 PM EDT reply actions

I like our Steve Smith

but IMO comparing our Steve Smith to Carolina’s Steve Smith is a joke. The Panther’s SS is a proven commodity and a game changer. He is one of the most feared receivers in the league. Pound for pound, he may be the best WR out there. Our SS is good but the only the things they have in common are position and name, maybe size.

by njgiant on Aug 3, 2009 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions

I enjoy reading Vacchiano and Garafolo

But the comments sections make my IQ points drop at an alarming rate. It makes one appreciate the (usually) intelligent and (usually) non-insulting banter from all of the SB Nation blogs.

Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!

by bigbluethruandthru on Aug 2, 2009 4:42 PM EDT reply actions