As the Carolina Panthers franchise record holder in total touchdowns (67), receptions (836) and yards (12,197) over thirteen years of effort, Steve Smith knows what a worthy successor looks like. His post-draft statement that, “They (Carolina) have never been able to replace me, until today,” analysis about first-round selection D.J. Moore is both succinct and accurate.
That the Panthers haven’t had anyone to replace Smith’s productivity or jolt of offensive energy since he departed for Baltimore after the 2013 season would be a good story to change.
Smith clearly played with a chip on his shoulder, partly because he was regarded as ‘just’ a speed guy and punt returner when drafted in 2001 and considered himself a player capable of being more than a jitterbug returner several times a game.