Quote:
Originally Posted by duncan_idaho
I HOPE Smith ends up showing that ability. It would be good for my team. His history just means I'll need to see it to believe it.
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That appears to be fair enough.
I am sure you don't wish to read it or believe it... but I'll say it anyway. It really comes down to the competence of the OL sustaining blocks, picking up blitzes, and receivers downfield.
If early on, the receivers are getting open and catching the deeper ones, you will likely see more of them coming. Same for the OL holding their blocks, picking up blitzes, etc.
If they can't do well enough to earn the deep passes, then just like usual... Smith will go back to what does work. First pass of the game was a nice, deeper pass to Fasano... and he short/armed +/or kept his feet on the ground, when a very slight hop/jump would have been plenty sufficient to make the catch. He does that? and he will likely see no more attempts like that.
Now, there IS a small chance that I am wrong here... and that Smith just really hates throwing deep. But all through his career, he really hasn't had the OL pass pro or the quality deep receivers to make deep passing a real priority. His best target was VD on seams and wheel routes, and he connected very well on those.