The Steel Tradition

Anthony Smith Makes a Steeler Statement–WHO CARES

As I sit here and watch the Steelers vs. New England ballgame from 2005 on the NFL network (the Steelers scored with 1:30 left in the game to tie it, and I think about 20 seconds later, New England kicked a field goal to tie it), I’ve had time, for the first time this week, to reflect on Anthony Smith, and the comments that he made earlier this week guaraneeing a victory over the Patriots.

I look at this two ways.

1. I’ve never really had a problem with statements like this, because what are you SUPPOSED TO SAY.  “Sorry folks, but I really think that we are going to lose this game.”  I’ve always felt that Super Bowl teams needed to carry themselves like winners.  Some people say you should keep your mouths shut, and wait until Sunday.  Others come out and talk the talk.  Joey Porter always talked the talk.  Anyone who’s seen Anthony Smith play knows that he comes from the same ilk as Porter.  Here’s a guy that gets in your face, let’s you know it, and can generally back it up. I’ve seen a lot of reports this week from people that have no idea who Anthony Smith is. It just goes to show you how good players like Smith can be lost in the shuffle of a good defense. I wanted to put my fist through the TV screen this morning when ESPN let everyone know that Anthony Smith would only be starting because Troy Polamalu wasn’t going to play…aside from the fact that Smith was starting in place of Ryan Clark. This kid can play, and I don’t really mind him saying it.

2. Many will drop the kid because it gives New England bulletin board material. Look, enough of this. If a team loses because of a comment made earlier in the week, than you just don’t have a good coach. You don’t think the Steelers are going to come out firing against a team that is trying to go undefeated? You don’t think that the Patriots are going to come out firing against a team that, next to the Colts (maybe ahead of the Colts), is probably the biggest rivalry to the Patriots over the past seven years? This series with the Patriots gets lost in the shuffle of Peyton Manning, and his audibles. The bottom line is that the Steelers are going to be rolling into this game wanting to win, to show that this isn’t a team defined by a 3-0 lost in the mud of Heinz field. The Patriots, I’m sure, will be going after Pittsburgh based on a statement much earlier in the season.

After Tomlin’s first game, he was asked a couple of questions about Belichick, and the New England scandal:

“Do you know of things like New England is accused of doing versus the Jets?”Tomlin: “You hear rumors of things of that nature. It is nothing new. In terms of confirming it, it has never been confirmed in any instance to my knowledge, but usually where there is smoke, there is fire. Those rumors are founded on something, so it is not totally shocking.”

“Are the rumors of that limited to New England or are they more wide spread?”Tomlin: “A lot has been said about the New England guys and New England family if you will. You focus on the variables that you can control, the men that you work with, your preparation, your performance, at least I do. I don’t worry about those things.

I’m looking forward to watching Belichick after the Steelers win on Sunday…go in for the handshake…

Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow for Steelers Starters, Steel Traditions game preview.

Special thanks goes to redlasso.com for the clip.

19 Responses to “Anthony Smith Makes a Steeler Statement–WHO CARES”

  1. Russ says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 12:25 am

    Who let this idiot, Skip Bayless on television? Did you hear this hater making those comments about the Steelers and Anthony Smith? This clown said that the Steelers are not physical, they are afraid of the Patriots, and the Steelers will get wiped out by the Patriots on Sunday. Bayless is truely a CLOWN! I think that this is his script on the show. If you noticed, he always speak the negative toward everything, no matter who or what it is. Even if it is a no brainer just like him. Why don’t the NFL network save money and put this clown in the circus where he belongs.

  2. Will says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 3:55 am

    I agree with Russ..who is Skip Bayless? That guy NEVER played a game of football in his LIFE…as a matter of fact that is the kind of guy that grew up WISHING he could play any sport other than a board game like Chess or Checkers! What does he know about football? I have watched football, and especially the Steelers for 35 years now and you cannot tell me the Steelers don’t have a chance to beat NE. Yes NE is a great team, but they are not invinceable! Also, obviously Skip (what a name!) has never seen the Steelers secondary knock receivers out of the game or break up passes with some wicked hits. Did he see William Gay in the N.O. exhibition game knock out one of their receivers? or what about Anthony Smith or Tyrone Carter and their awesome hits on many receivers? and these guys are only BACKUPS! I would love to see Wes Welker or Moss catch a pass over the middle and get clocked silly by any of the Steelers secondary! Someone should get Skip’s e-mail address so we can all write him and tell him what a LOSER he is!

  3. mark says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 4:58 am

    Skip Bayless!! please. I total jerk-off in my opinion. Has anyone ever noticed that yes, he takes the negative approach… unless it is an African-American opposing him! then he cowers and goes for the p.c comment as to not infuriate the network or his adversary. I agree that he works from a script too. He must, because if he is like this on his own, then E.S.P.N should be even more reviled for hiring him. Not to mention keeping Berman and his “tired” act, hiring Irvin in the first place, and the fact that they now consider poker and pool sports!! Anyway, Bayless is a know-nothing. He is ESPN’s light version of Simon Cowell, another tool.
    Steelers 30 Patriots 24

  4. jc says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 6:06 am

    do not play meadia games they are mostly idiots

  5. tori says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 6:39 am

    How about the way the radio station put words in Smiths mouth, he didn’t say I guarantee a win. He was asked if they are going to play a good game or win, Smith said yeah sure, we are the #1 defense and we really don’t want to lose that. What the media does for rating is sickning. Yes I think the Steelers are going to win this week.

    Ask me about next week about the Jacksonville, I’ll say probably not, for some reason we don’t play well against them.

    I am really sick and tired about hearing about the Patriots and seeing all things about the Patriots. I want Silverback to have a great day and let Brady enjoy the game from the sideline.

  6. mcnabb says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 9:59 am

    The media is full of a-holes that talk to hear themselves talk or take an opposing view for face time. If you watch enough you are sure to start pondering ways to off yourself. The guarantee was not as bad as saying that cincy has the best wrs. That will ignite more of a fire than the guarantee for sure. When it all comes down to it this bs through the week is just that! Whoever wins the battle at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball will be victorious and the steelers have a good shot — go steelers!

  7. steeler fan in new england says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 11:36 am

    Someone needs to tell tomlin to get his guys in check,the sttelers haven’t learned there lesson yet since eric green days,it just don’t give you an advantage to talk shit.Shut up and play,cuase when its all said and done at the end of the day if you lose you look like an ass.

  8. James says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 11:55 am

    C’mon…

    Everyone knows that Skip Bayless is just an act to get people fired up…

    obviously…it works…;)

  9. steeler fan in new england says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 12:31 pm

    I have a question,if bill cowher comes back will we get any compensation for him.After all he did quit on us under contract.(ps dont get me wrong i’m glad he did I was tired of his losing at home in championship games,his record is embarrising in those games.

  10. Kevin says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 12:55 pm

    Patriots face their toughest challenge yet with the Steelers:

    The Patriots have their best chance to lose the undefeated season this week, I think, than any other week. Worse, the Steelers, already with a chip on their shoulders, definitely know that.

    I don’t like to predict wins or scores (too superstitious). But I will predict that this game will make last week’s rodeo against the Ravens look tame by comparison.

    Thats what is going around the forums !
    Steelers 27 - 9

  11. Kevin says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 12:56 pm

    Sorry That statement above was spoken by a patriots fan ^^

  12. steeler fan in new england says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 1:05 pm

    what statement you talking about?

  13. Dave B. says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 2:17 pm

    Steelers are going to outphysical the PATs and kick Brady’s butt.

    Skip Bayless just wants controversy, he is paid to be an idiot otherwise he would not have a TV job.

  14. Siz says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 4:52 pm

    I think “Steeler fan in New England” is a complete idiot. He can’t even spell.

  15. football fan says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 7:46 pm

    What happen Steeler’s? Maybe next time Smith should shutup and play.

  16. Brian says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 8:22 pm

    HOW DOES CROW TASTE ANTHONY SMITH????

  17. Brian says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 8:24 pm

    SMITH YOUR JOB WAS TO COVER RANDY MOSS NOT WATCH HIM RUN PAST YOU!!!

  18. jc says:

    December 9th, 2007 at 9:05 pm

    the safeties just got embarassed Tom Brady and his coach reduced the game to beat 1 guy badly on the steelers Defense and they did a heck of a job , my problem is did they bite on the fake or was it a fake for them if there is a next time they play , think about it the steelers really have nothing to prove at this point of the season , its more than likely colts are going to get the 2nd bye. steelers goal is to win the AFCNorth and get to the acf tile game, which likely will be at New England. I got to think the steelers sacraficed some things for a possible show down in Jan. when the stakes are bigger. come play-offs smith is not bitting on those fakes , those 2 plays were the differance in the game. take them away and the Patriots may not score those TD,s

    Steelers can play with the Pats I think next time it will be different

  19. Brian says:

    December 10th, 2007 at 6:37 am

    “Steelers can play with the Pats I think next time it will be different”
    BIG BEN 1 td pass 2 FG better bring more offense next time…. Don’t come to a gun fight with a knife.

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