We all know that FS stands for “free safety” but Steelers FS Anthony Smith recently gave new meaning to the term: fools safety. Smith was popularized during the week for comments made about the Patriots, specifically guaranteeing victory for the Steelers. We all know this didn’t happen but let’s take a closer look at why.

The two big plays that are all over the highlights were the bomb to Moss and the WR-QB flea flicker that went to Gaffney. On both plays Anthony Smith was made into a fool and cost his team a chance at victory. From what I saw, Anthony Smith plays the free safety position with a strong safety mentality and that equals big plays down the field if the offense can recognize it.

There was nothing fancy about the first play, it was a simple play-action pass with Moss running a 9-route up the seam. Smith is the free safety so I have no idea why he’d be looking into the backfield anyways. I’m not a safety but if Randy Moss is matched up in front of me at the line of scrimmage I’d want to keep him in front of me. Moss didn’t even make a move on the route, he ran straight past Smith. I thought I was watching tape of Adam Archuleta on the replay as Smith’s coverage was simply horrible.

Then the trickery ensued. Let’s break down the flea flicker which somehow went for a TD. After Brady throws the ball backwards to Moss I have no idea why Smith was coming up from his FS to try and make a play. First, he’s not even on the play side where Moss is. Next, it’s usually the cornerbacks that get fooled on misdirection and then it’s the safeties responsibility to pickup coverage on anyone breaking free. Obviously Smith was fooled again (badly) because it took quite some time for the play to develop.

I’m not sure how resilient Anthony Smith his but he’s definitely going to find out this week. Coaches and teammates are going to be on him for his comments off the field and play on the field. It goes back to the old saying, if you’d better walk the walk if you’re going to talk the talk.

The only place Anthony Smith walked to on Sunday was into the coaches doghouse.

-bB