Baltimore Ravens receiver Steve Smith began the season on a scorching-hot tear, producing 100-plus yards in four of his first six games, and scoring four touchdowns. For the season, he leads Ravens pass-catchers with 76 targets, 49 receptions, 728 yards and 10 catches of 20-plus yards.
However, Smith has cooled off considerably over the last month. He is averaging just 3.5 receptions and fewer than 40 yards a game during that stretch, while being held out of the end zone in all four contests.
So, what's the deal?
"I don't think that they've been doing anything," offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak said when asked if defenses were keying in on Smith. "We've got some pressure here lately, having to do some things from that standpoint. I think Steve was still targeted last week seven or eight times, but we've have some other guys making some plays, too."
"So, the ball is getting spread around. I think that's the nature of the game, but we just keep plugging. Steve is working hard. He's doing a great job. Steve is doing a good job, and hopefully we get him back on the track that he was on earlier in the year."
Smith's fall in production has coincided with Torrey Smith's rise. The latter Smith has caught five of his six touchdowns over the last five games, and has seen a decent 25 targets in that span.
The Ravens have their bye this week before playing the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 24. New Orleans' 24th-ranked passing defense could be just the thing the 35-year-old receiver needs to get back on track. After all, 89 is the rules and regulations of the game.
