We had great success here today with Smith at FS and Rhodes at nickel. It would be insanity if we switched them back.
The only thing Smith has in common with Leonhard is that he is white (at least I think he is). Besides the obvious size difference, there is the fact that Leonhard is a superb athlete while Smith is average at best. Also not taking anything away for Leonhard's intelligence but Smith is like a genius. There isn't a scheme out there that he could not learn like the back of his hand in a short period of time; it's his physical attributes or lack there of that would hold him back.
it just so happens that the panthers offense is run-centric. it was the perfect time to insert Smith and have Rhodes come in on Nickel and Dime. We'll see how Rex plays it, but it seems like a really modular situation for him.
1. If he is dropped back into deep coverage then it is not freelancing. Rhodes definitely got that second pick from staying where he should be and doing his job. Delhomme made a bad, ill advised throw and Rhodes capitalized on it. It was just like Revis' picks; Revis wasn't freelancing, he stayed in good position, Delhomme made a terrible throw and Revis made him pay. Most DBs get picks from being where they should be, just like Rhodes. 2. What the fuck, man? You're either a terrible person or the world's worst comedian. I'm hoping it's the latter because that shit isn't funny.
Im black man we can say that shit its cool.. I was gon say trade that nigga but i figured that was too much..
Fellas, please watch the end zone replay of the Revis pick-6 (after they come back from the commercial and Billick is breaking the play down). The ball hits off Smith's heel, it's caroming toward Revis, and Rhodes is already looking away toward the bench getting ready to dance or whatever. Everyone else on the field is watching the ball, which is STILL LIVE. But not Rhodes. Too busy gettin' his swag on. Jesus man, can't you at least keep your head in the game while the play is going on? Don't you see that the ball didn't hit the ground? Right in front of you, for fuck sake!
Looks like Smith is still the starter: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2009/12/01/2009-12-01_eric_smith_kerry_rhodes.html#ixzz0YRzAHBOB
The Jets are facing another team without a good passing game. I think when its time for the Jets to face a top passing game like the Colts or Cincy, Rhodes will come back as the starter. Keep the pretty boy as a specialist for now. If he turns back into the player who invites the entire secondary over for film study again, then he regains my respect.
Exactly why he hasn't proven jack yet. He could use a little more humility before his reinstatement is even considered. I hope smith holds on to the job. Too bad sherry's making so much money or we could keep him around as a backup.
Rhodes has better sprinting speed and he may have more athletic talent, but Eric Smith is, simply put, the better football player. Rhodes has never been that physical a player and if Rex wants to field a violent team, #25's previous career doesn't really seem to fit the bill. Finesse only gets you so far.
Rhodes too often shies away from laying a hit on people. E Smith is different, and I like the difference.
This is smart. Rhodes produced in the role he had last week. If he starts, he's back to his "if you're a playa, you chill" approach to preparing for games. He apparently needs the motivation to produce.
