Over the next week or so, we’ll look at the bright spots on this roster we didn’t have the time or energy to really praise during the regular season. After that, we’ll take a closer look at some of the players who didn’t meet our expectations.
Ito Smith’s season didn’t end the way he would have liked it to, but he did head to injured reserve knowing he’s done enough to get a long look as the team’s second running back next year.
Ito’s surface stats are fine but unimpressive for a guy who clawed his way into a timeshare with Tevin Coleman—he wound up with 315 rushing yards, 152 receiving yards, and four total touchdowns—but as is often the case the numbers don’t tell the full story for the rookie.