| 18 January 2011
What's with Lions' running backs wanting to move on to supposed greener pastures?
Two weeks ago it was fullback Jerome Felton who was unhappy over a perceived lack of playing time, all but saying "Play me or trade me."
Now it's Kevin Smith thinking the grass is greener on the other side of the NFL.
Via Tim Twentyman of the News:
Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, who covers the Dolphins, reports that he saw Smith during a workout Tuesday, and Smith had a message for Kelly to pass along to the Dolphins' front office: "Come get me."
Hate to break it you, Kevin, but ending two consecutive seasons on injured reserve, along with a career 3.8 YPC, won't make you especially appealing to the Dolphins, or any other NFL team.
Sure, the Fins could use a running back, as Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown are getting long in the tooth. But I think they'll aim their sights juuust a little higher than a 2nd string running back who has been unable to stay healthy.
After a string of injuries and the drafting of Jahvid Best, could the Lions be feeling the same way about Smith? It may be time to part ways.
Smith does have quite a bit of mileage on his legs, thanks to a criminally silly workload of 450 carries in his final season at UCF. In his injury plagued three season NFL career, Smith has only 39 more carries total (489) than he had in that one season at UCF.
Sure, the Lions will pick up someone in the draft or free agency help at the position. But any one else think the Lions be fine with Maurice Morris becoming the backup to Jahvid Best? After all, Morris is the only Lion with a 100 yard rushing game this past season, and had one of the team's two 100 yard games in 2009. That's solid production for a backup...a backup who has been able to remain on the field.
When Smith was drafted, I honestly believed he had a shot at becoming a solid feature back. I thought even more so after he closed out 2008 playing well, ending the year with a couple of 100 yard games, and just missing in a couple of more.
But two years and severe injuries to his shoulder and knee later, it's obvious football has taken a toll on Smith. The burst of speed is no longer there, if it ever was to begin with. He's no longer going to be the focus of an offense, that's on Best's shoulders now.
If Smith does return, fine. Unhappy about playing time or not, he'll still be a serviceable number two back. But if he gets his wish, and leaves Detroit?
As I said with Felton, it's not as if Smith will be difficult to replace.
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