How Steve Smith helped inspire Doug Baldwin vs. Lions

SEATTLE -- On the night before the Seattle Seahawks' playoff game against the Detroit Lions, wide receiver Doug Baldwin sent a long text message to Steve Smith.

"I wanted everything to die down after his retirement," Baldwin said. "We had a good conversation."

Smith is who Baldwin has always wanted to be. Smith is the reason he wears No. 89. And Smith's inspiration helped inspire Baldwin to an 11-catch, 104-yard performance during the Seahawks' 26-6 win.

"Steve Smith is just a cerebral person," Baldwin said. "I've taken so much from the film that I've watched of him, but just talking to him. One of the things that he's always told me is just appreciate it. You can't take it for granted. And so…