Welcome Back Steve Smith

September 17, 2008 at 7:55 am | Article by Paul Hickey |

Welcome Back Steve Smith Broncos WR Brandon Marshall returned from his one game suspension to the tune of 18 receptions for 166 yards and a TD in Week 2 against San Diego. Don’t think for a second that Panthers fiery wide receiver Steve Smith wasn’t licking his chops thinking of his Week 3 return from suspension against the Minnesota Vikings.

After punching teammate Ken Lucas during training camp and breaking his nose, Smith has paid the price of sitting out two games while his teammates have started 2-0, utilizing a run-heavy attack.

All that may change though, as the Panthers visit Minnesota this week, who features perhaps the best run-stopping front seven in the National Football League, featuring Pat and Kevin Williams at the defensive tackle spots - a combined 700 pounds of man.

The point being, as Minnesota clogs the run gaps early on in the game, Jake Delhomme will need to stretch the field, and will likely take a few shots deep with Smith. Not only that, but Carolina will need to get the ball into Smith’s hands on screen routes to move the chains. Smith is solid at making things happen after the catch, and after sitting out two weeks straight, you can bet on the fact that he’s motivated to make a huge impact.

Another couple positive things that happen as a result of Smith’s return begin when analyzing the role of the Panthers’ other pass catchers. Now that Muhsin Muhammad doesn’t have to take on the team’s number one WR position any more, he’ll have less defensive attention paid to him, and may become even more valuable in points per reception formats. The same can be said about D.J. Hackett, although Smith’s presence is likely to take more opportunities away from Hackett than Muhammad.

The return of Smith also makes it very possible that DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart could have huge games, or a huge second half, I should say. After the Panthers establish the pass to keep the Vikings defense honest, they’ll be able to attack them with the run, the way they want to.

All in all, fantasy owners have plenty of reasons to be excited about the return of Steve Smith this week, especially his owners, and those of Jake Delhomme.

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