08-24-2007, 01:01 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Both of them
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,225
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Smith's emergence bolsters Steelers' defensive backfield
Harris: Smith's emergence bolsters Steelers - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Quote:
Locked in a battle with veteran Ryan Clark to become the Steelers' starting free safety, Anthony Smith no longer lets his game speak solely for him.
His personality is emerging, along with his confidence.
"This year I know the guys a lot better. I'm just more comfortable with everybody -- on and off the field,'' Smith said Thursday. 'Nobody's bigger than anybody. You're allowed to hang around the vets, not just be around the young guys."
Smith came on like gangbusters toward the end of 2006 when he started the final four games and recorded interceptions in his first two career starts. He had a game-high seven solo tackles in his third start, and he emerged as a hard-hitting playmaker.
This season, as expected, Smith, the newcomer, is challenging Clark, the incumbent, for the starting job.
Coach Mike Tomlin hasn't named a starter, and he may not do so until the season opener at Cleveland.
In practice, Clark and Smith continue to rotate with the first-team defense.
"We just go out there and play our roles and let them determine who's going to be the starter," Smith said. "I think I'm doing good. I know all my assignments. I had good games in the preseason games I did play in. I just want to continually make plays. That's all I want to keep putting in their eyes and make them see that."
Smith missed last week's game at Washington because of an abdominal injury. He's expected to play Sunday night against Philadelphia.
During training camp, Smith's new off-field personality merged with his aggressive playing style, and he became more vocal with teammates and unloaded on Steelers receivers.
Smith is a ferocious hitter who's coming into his own.
Smith is the antithesis of Clark, who plays a more cerebral game.
"I think they'd make a mistake not to play both of us," Smith said.
"Everyone wants to start," he said. "You're going to get more reps, and it gives you more opportunities to make plays."
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Smith's emergence bolsters Steelers' defensive backfield
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