MurkyWaters
Danger lurks below the surface!
All Smith needs to do to "break out" really is to show up to camp in shape, play more man, and snag some of those interceptions he likes to drop.
He was definitely one of the players that showed up out of shape and had to play his way into shape, along with Karlos Dansby and Vontae Davis, and perhaps Nolan Carroll as well. Prior to the bye week, Smith played 159 coverage snaps, was thrown on 22 times with 14 catches, for 210 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs and 2 PDs. Pretty terrible. He wasn't the only one. Vontae also sucked, Nolan Carroll started out the year with a rough two week stretch. But then after the bye, Smith played 509 coverage snaps, was thrown on 82 times with 47 completions, 583 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs and 3 PDs. That's much better for a starter.
Vontae went through something similar, first couple of weeks played 61 coverage snaps, was thrown on 12 times with 8 completions for 133 yards. That's pretty bad. After the bye, he also settled in, 376 coverage snaps, 28 of 54 for 363 yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs, 6 PDs.
Listening to the interview, Dansby did sound pretty impressed by whatever chances Smith made to his routine. It's significant when you get singled out by one of your teammates who basically says "by far" that you're the guy that has impressed him the most as far as improvement, etc. Dansby could've settled on anyone, he could have hemmed and hawed or named five different guys. He chose one guy and one guy alone and let it be known that he's blown away so far.
I'd rather Dansby blow himself away with his own improvements in his conditioning and routine though, as he's the one that came in 26 lbs overweight during the lockout.
This can't be said enough. I LOVED the Dansby signing when we got him in FA a few seasons ago. His first season with the Dolphins, I kept saying to myself "worth every damn penny" when I watched him on the field. Then last season happened.
I understand certain types of players coming into camp out of shape, especially with the threat of a season-long lockout. Perhaps a rookie who doesn't yet know how to be a professional does this. Perhaps a role player going through a rough patch in his life does this. Karlos Dansby, an EXTREMELY well-paid ILB and seasoned-veteran, should NOT have done this. The man has played numerous seasons in the NFL at a high level. He showed commitment to keep playing at a high level initially after getting his HUGE payday. He's supposed to be a leader, if not THE leader on the Dolphin defense. And he shows up to camp out of shape and overweight.
Not a good way to lead by example on Dansby's part. I love having KD with the Dolphins, but he needs to follow what Smith did and change his own routine up a bit. Miami needs him to play at a high level on a regular basis (which requires a lot of personal discipline and dedication). Otherwise, he becomes an overpaid 'leader' on defense who sets a bad example for those players battling on the field with him (especially young, defensive rookies).