Steve Smith-twitter
The Baltimore Ravens are going into today’s game against the Carolina Panthers not focused on the emotional battle of Steve Smith and his prior organization, but they are focused on the chance to creep one game closer to the monstrous Cincinnati Bengals who are currently 3-0 and leading the division.
Smith’s battle lies within himself, as he is still bitter with Ron Rivera and OC Don Shula for losing faith in him. There are other players who have crossed from one team to the other such as Ed Dickson returning to Baltimore after his lack of production lead to the Ravens letting him walk to Carolina. However you hear very little if any buzz about him being bitter. He knows he blew an opportunity and knows that this year he can turn it around. While he welcomes this game, there is no revenge on his mind.
Heck, Derek Anderson started his NFL career in Baltimore, but you don’t hear him talking trash about the team who brought him into the league in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. I get it. Smith is vocal but “this song aint about you”. This game is about two teams who have no rivalry but need a “W” regardless.
John Harbaugh game-planned this one just as he has any other game. He went in with his staff and addressed the running game and who is going to be the lead back on both side of the ball. Both teams are dealing with injuries to their lead ball carriers. You know he’s slightly concerned with James Hurst who is filling in for the injured Eugene Monroe.
Harbs He more than likely was more concerned with the dual hatted Cam Newton, who is normally a pass-run threat but is dealing with injuries. You better believe the Ravens’ head coach has spoken with Dean Pees about laying it on thick with the pass rush.
A key matchup worth mentioning is Jimmy Smith against the Panthers’ rookie Kelvin Benjamin. The Florida State product had 8 receptions for 115-yards and 1-touchdown in last week’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Any player who gets targeted 11 times in one game is definitely a factor to be game planned. Even if Lardarius Webb was active Jimmy would still be the guy holding this 6’5” 240 lb monster. Jimmy Smith has only allowed nine catches for 40-yards since the season began.
The only person who is emotionally charged about this game is Steve Smith. The good thing about that is Smith plays better when he’s pissed off. So let him be pissed off, play this out in his head and ball out, because one thing is for sure, he will get his.
With all of the factors to consider when looking this game, both teams know there is no time to be pissed off. This is another bring your hard hat and go to work type of day.
Jermaine Lockett is the CEO and a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter and like us on Facebook.
