Ouija Boards, magic eight balls, tarot cards. For centuries, man has looked for supernatural ways to try and get answers. We here at Bruno Boys Fantasy Football are no different. Always looking for an edge for the upcoming fantasy season, we look to higher powers and turn to our magical crystal ball. The article below is the ninth of many that will reveal what we have seen. This time our look into the future is focused on the likes of Carolina Panthers' wide receiver, Steve Smith.
2007 in Review:
Since he was drafted out of Utah in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft, Steve Smith has been an electrifying player. Originally a return specialist, Smith quickly proved his elusiveness and speed could be an even bigger asset to the Carolina Panthers as a wide receiver. In his third season, Smith posted a line of 88 receptions, 1110 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns, leading the Panthers along with stud running back Stephen Davis to the Super Bowl, only to be defeated by freakin’ Tom Brady (regular readers know I hate that guy). As an encore, Smith suffered a severe broken leg one reception into the 2004 season.
He returned with a huge chip on his shoulder, determined to prove not only his health, but his ascension to the ranks of the elite wide receivers in the NFL. The results? Smith became only the third receiver in NFL history to accomplish the receiving Triple Crown, matching Sterling Sharpe’s 1992 campaign and Jerry Rice’s 1990 season. His final line of 103 receptions, 1,563 receiving yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns (13 total touchdowns) was truly a remarkable season, and an undeniable declaration of his arrival as an elite wide out. Even his postseason in 2005 was ridiculous, with Smith totaling 27 receptions, 335 receiving yards, and four total touchdowns over three games. 2006 saw a struggling Panthers’ squad, but Still Smith shined, totaling 83 receptions, 1166 receiving yards, and nine total touchdowns.
2007 was to be the re-emergence of Smith and the Panthers as elite forces with which to be reckoned. Through two games, everything was perfect, with Smith carrying many owners to wins due to his 15 receptions, 171 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. However, week three saw QB Jake Delhomme tear a ligament in his elbow, and the rest is history. A revolving door of incompetent signal callers ensued, with the perennial bust David Carr, formaldehyde-laced Vinny Testaverde, and undrafted rookie Matt Moore all seeing time at the position. The results for Smith were a disappointing 87 receptions, 1,002 receiving yards, and seven total touchdowns, though the fact that those numbers were disappointing shows just how good Smith is.
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2008 Bruno Boys Crystal Ball:
Quite obviously, the loss of Delhomme was the kryptonite to Smith’s superman. With a struggling running game, led by the ever-disappointing Deshaun Foster, Smith was keyed on by defenses, rendering the wide out almost unplayable in fantasy. The loss of Delhomme had a much larger impact than expected; however the late season emergence of rookie QB Matt Moore proved a great complement to Smith’s skills, with the receiver totaling 22 receptions, 257 receiving yards, and a receiving touchdown over the last 3 games of the season with Moore at the helm.
Smith’s offseason included acquiring an internship with investment house Morgan Stanley, which tells us he’s serious about his career and his life, a bonus for all his owners. Sure it sucks for the applicant that lost a spot to a Pro Bowler, but Smith has always been serious about his profession. View this as a positive. Also, positive is the fact that Delhomme’s return from Tommy John surgery has gone exceptionally well, with Coach Jon Fox saying the quarterback’s arm actually looks stronger. Coupled with the strong late-season play of Matt Moore, the Panthers appear to have two capable quarterbacks on the roster, easing concerns about Smith. Lastly, the recommitment of the Panthers to the power running scheme (evidenced by the signing of massive offensive linemen and the drafting of bulldozer OT Jeff Otah and pounding running back Jonathan Stewart) is an immense positive for Smith. As defenses are forced to focus on the tandem of Stewart and DeAngelo Williams, Smith and complement WRs Muhsin Muhammad (sound familiar?) and D.J. Hackett will run wild on opposing secondaries. Smith can’t be covered one on one, and Hackett and Muhammad will provide more than adequate protection for the former Utah product.
The Bruno Boys Crystal Ball is showing a reemergence for Smith. The last time the Panthers employed a power running scheme and Smith was healthy, he won the receiving Triple Crown. I’m not so bold as to say he’ll repeat that feat, but 80 receptions, 1200 yards, and 10 touchdowns is a safe baseline, even with Smith hurting his own cause by fighting in training camp, thereby earning himself a two game suspension. Providing he stays healthy and Delhomme’s arm doesn’t fall off, there’s potential for more.
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Past Crystal Ball Articles (click to view)
Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Tom Brady
Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Derek Anderson
Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Eli Manning
Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Vince Young
Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Adrian Peterson
Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Steven Jackson
Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Marion Barber III
Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Ronnie Brown
Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Steve Smith
Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Donald Driver and Greg Jennings
Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Javon Walker
Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Brandon Marshall
Bruno Boys Crystal Ball - Jeremy Shockey
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