Still not sure what possessed a relatively obscure member of the Steelers' defense to guarantee a victory over the mighty Patriots.
If head coach Mike Tomlin or quarterback Ben Roethlisberger predict a win, it might serve as an inspirational ploy in the locker room. When last year's third-round draft choice out of Syracuse makes the statement, there's no real upside.
"We're going to win," Smith said. "Yeah, I can guarantee a win. As long as we come out and do what we got to do. Both sides of the ball are rolling, and if our special teams come through for us, we've got a good chance to win."
When you have to qualify a guarantee based on special teams coming through, it sort of loses its luster. The Patriots will simply add Smith's comments to the long list of personal affronts that drive them each week.
It's not like this team needs any help. I've been told that Patriots players actually plant bulletin board material on other teams.
For instance, someone like Donte Stallworth will report back to his teammates that his former Eagles teammates were talking about how overrated the Patriots were. In reality, the Eagles probably never said anything close to that, but it doesn't matter.
The Patriots pretend to ignore the critics, but they actually have bigger rabbit ears than any team in the league. I'm afraid the Steelers are catching the Patriots at a bad time.
If the weather was awful Sunday, I think Pittsburgh would have a much better chance because of its superior running game. But I don't think it's supposed to be that bad.
And plus, the Steelers' offensive line hasn't been very consistent this season. I don't think they have the personnel to take over a game.
Quick programming note: I'm in the process of moving my 3 p.m. ET chat back to 3:30 because of an interview. Stay tuned for that.
Thanks for your continued support.
