Antonio Smith on OKC radio

[NHEIB84]

I like how Smith Played the last few years and don't like to see him go. Nice to see someone actually leave on good terms though.

 

[az1965]

Yep, he beat the odds. If you remember that draft, Smith was the only pick that was really criticized because most of the "experts" thought he would be an UDFA. In order to become a starter he busted his ass. I, for one, consider the play he made in Carolina to be THE defensive play of the playoffs (narrowly beating out the Dockett and Rolle play against Atlanta).

He's done fantastically well for himself, and he was a damn good guy to have on our team. I'm happy he got a contract that set him up for life.

He has really worked his ass off to be where he is now... and he has potential to improve further. I would have liked to keep him here for a right price. Unfortunately, he priced himself out with his playoff performance.

 

[SoCal Cardfan]

What exactly does he deserve after 4 years of VERY VERY average football?

Besides the contract he just got.. what exactly is he asking for?

 

[Carddan]

I always liked Antonio's effort and attitude and he did make a few huge plays over the last couple years. I wish him well but do not think we are hurt by him leaving. What he is not doing is calling us the armpit of the NFL, or even being quoted as Pace was last year. Good luck Mr. Smith, I think you've earned it. Too bad your new team isn't good enough to make a Super Bowl so we could play against you.

 

[Pariah]

What exactly does he deserve after 4 years of VERY VERY average football?

He wasn't a pro-bowler for us, but he was solid. Seems like a good guy, too. I'd have liked to have him back, that's for sure.

I wish him well.

 

[CardLogic]

Smith is what he is. A capable but average starter. Nothing more or less.

Those players which are capable but average form the heart of every team.

Your statements towards Smith come across as though he some how offended you by not being all-pro.

Smith was a good natured player that worked hard to be as good as he is, and people like him because of that. Where is your problem in that?

 

[ThunderCard]

I liked A Smith and thought he was a good player all around. He did a good job against the run and was in the backfield a lot. He should have had more sacks, but kept missing them at the last moment. He will be missed and I hope he has a good career with Houston.

 

[artp]

A Smith was a Playoff Quality DE. He got paid, but I don't think the Cardinals will miss him.

 

[POISON]

Those players which are capable but average form the heart of every team.

Your statements towards Smith come across as though he some how offended you by not being all-pro.

Smith was a good natured player that worked hard to be as good as he is, and people like him because of that. Where is your problem in that?

Amen Logic..
I still can't believe several guys in here were bagging on him since he wasn't a superstar????? He's a good player and even better person. I'll see if I can get a link to his interview...

 

[Shane]

Those players which are capable but average form the heart of every team.

Your statements towards Smith come across as though he some how offended you by not being all-pro.

Smith was a good natured player that worked hard to be as good as he is, and people like him because of that. Where is your problem in that?

Nope not offended at all. Just wondering what exactly he deserved in that posters opinion? Whether or not he deserved the contract he got is highly debatable. We will know for sure in about 2 to 4 years.

Being a good guy isnt enough IMO to warrant getting paid like that. He didnt have the talent or consistency for a contract like that. He got it yes and I am happy for him I TRULY AM(because hes a nice guy). Doesnt mean I have to think he deserved it. There have been many players in the NFL who have inflated their worth by having a great playoff stretch or even one great SB game. They get paid and then they dissapear. So time will truly tell if he deserved it or not.

I have 4 years of long stretches of mediocre play and long stretches of dissapearing to back me up. As well as 14 sacks which is averaging less than 4 per season.

You guys act as though he has become so much better from year to year. He went from 3 sacks in year 1 to 3.5 in year 4 with arguably better players around him now. He was paid pass rusher money. A pass rusher he isnt.

 

[1DS]

He will be exactly what he was here. He will be lucky to get 5 sacks for the year.

This is the story of Antonio Smith. He came in as a late rounder. I think he was a 5th rounder. He didn't make the final roster his rookie year. I think he went to NFL Europe while it was still around... He came back the next year and was improved. He has steadily improved each and every year since being drafted. Also, he is still young. He is a great example of the type of FA every team should be looking to sign. His best football is ahgead of him. Don't forget that he has never been a problem on or off the field and he is well liked in the locker room.

Houston will love him and he fits what they need to a T. He is a complimentory peice to Mario Williams and he is an aggressive run defender who can, at times, get to the QB. When he does, its usually in bunches.

I also believe that his contract will look very reasonable in the not too distant future. Each year the contracts these players sign get more and more out of control. Heck, just look at the contract Fitzy signed last year. At the time, it looked crazy. 4 years, 40 mil, 30 mil guaranteed. But now, it doesn't seem quite so bad. And there is no telling what way things will go if we lose the salary cap... Locking up Smith for 5 years $35 mil will look like a good deal sooner rather than later.

And Smith will have at least 5 sacks this year... Mark it.

 

[perivolaki]

Lets see how good Calais is before we knock Antonios production. If Campbell plays even close to what Antonio did last year as a 2nd year player I will be happy. Smith was a very solid player, many teams have those guys.

I agree with this statement. Some here think he is easily replacable but I have an inkling that there will be a time next season when we kinda wish we had him back.

I think Campbell is a good player and he may prove to be Smiths equal or better at some point but if we have an injury or Campbell isn't as consistant playing more minutes we will miss Smith.

I don't have a problem letting him walk just like I didn't with Pace because of the money they both were offered but I hated to lose them.

It is a sign of the times when a player of Smiths caliber is allowed to walk and there is nary a whimper.

 

[perivolaki]

I have 4 years of long stretches of mediocre play and long stretches of dissapearing to back me up. As well as 14 sacks which is averaging less than 4 per season.

You guys act as though he has become so much better from year to year. He went from 3 sacks in year 1 to 3.5 in year 4 with arguably better players around him now. He was paid pass rusher money. A pass rusher he isnt.

I think we've had this arguement before and I think a guy who hardly ever missed a game over the last four years will not be so easy to replace. Was he the most talented player? No, but he came to play every week and didn't miss games. You don't think thats easy to replace until the guy replacing him ends up missing games.

Besides, I think we established a month or so ago that he stole your girlfriend.

That accounts for all the happy to see him go stuff.

 

[bg7brd]

I have to side with Shane on this one. Antonio is a great guy and he was a value for what we were paying him but he's making a lot more money now so the expectations are much higher. If he gives the same production at his new salary the Houston fans won't be nearly as forgiving. There's a reason why mgt drafted to replace him last year. They knew he wasn't worth the money he would command. Personally, I like the guy and I wish him all the best.

 

[CardLogic]

Besides, I think we established a month or so ago that he stole your (Shane H's) girlfriend.

Ah, there's the rub!

j/k

Actually, Shane defined his position very well in post #35 (this thread) and his arguement has merit, but I will still agree more closely with 1DS in post #36.