Steve Smith bashes critics who question ability to bounce back

By Jesse Reed

Baltimore Ravens receiver Steve Smith Sr. has never been shy about speaking his mind.

After tearing his Achilles tendon this season, Smith has already made it known he plans on returning to play next year, though many have questioned if he’ll be the same player after the injury.

Classic Steve Smith Sr.

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Remember, this is a guy who was too short to be an impact receiver in the NFL, according to the experts.

Coming out of Utah back in 2001, Smith Sr. clawed his way into a leading role by being the baddest, toughest, meanest son of a gun on the field and by making so many big plays as a return man he couldn’t be denied playing time.

Fast forward to now, and it’s hard to argue Smith Sr. doesn’t deserve a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Before being forced to the IR, he passed James Lofton to move into the top 29 in career touchdown receptions (76), passed Andre Reed to move into No. 15 all time with 961 career receptions and passed Cris Carter on the career yards list to move into the No. 11 spot, with 13,932 yards in 15 seasons.

Smith Sr. has always had a massive chip on his shoulder, and the sucker is growing to this day. Now he’s hearing people in the media wonder if he will ever be the same player after his Achilles tear.

Granted, this is a valid question to ask. There have been plenty of players who never did regain the explosion that made them great. Achilles injuries can be quite tricky, so it’s not crazy to wonder if 2015 was the last year we’ll ever see Smith Sr. dominating on the gridiron.

But this is Steve Smith Sr. we’re talking about here. Once he sets his mind on something you can be sure he’ll follow through. And now, with the ringing of doubters fresh in his ear, Smith Sr. is going to dedicate himself to the recovery process like his life depends on it.

And he’s not alone. The Ravens were ravaged by injuries this past season, from first-round rookies to veterans like Smith Sr. and Terrell Suggs.

With that in mind, given how 2016 will certainly be his swan song, don’t be surprised if Baltimore is headed to the playoffs next year after enduring a miserable 5-11 campaign, knowing this is Smith Sr.’s final act.

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