Andre Smith Gets On-Field Work In; Marvin Lewis Believes Alabama Wasn't Straight About Smith

by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 2, 2010 9:11 AM EDT in Analysis

If it wasn't for Terrell Owens, or even the hefty contract handed to a receiver that was questionably recovered from a knee injury, the story of Andre Smith would unquestionably take the cake. Coaches are disappointed. Fans are tired of it. Questions of work ethic were raised by Marvin Lewis, who would go on to rip Alabama's coaching staff through Peter King, writing, that Lewis "doesn't think Alabama shot him straight with its pre-draft info (the kid's work ethic leaves a lot to be desired) and Smith was not diligent enough in the offseason rehabbing a foot injury."

On Sunday, Smith, who reportedly weighed 370 pounds, began doing on-field work an hour before practice with legendary center Dermontti Dawson. The work was mostly a test to "see how Smith's left foot would respond to basic line drills."

“He seems to be doing well,” said Dawson of Smith. “Since he’s been out of practice for awhile we did a little drive block, angle block, pass protection and put a little stress on his foot and see how it feels. He knows his assignments. It’s just about gaining confidence.”

Smith is still expected to return in time for a chance to claim the starting right tackle spot. However, there's always a chance that Smith could be placed on PUP if he's still not fully recovered.

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The comment about the Alabama coaching staff is no surprise to us Lion's fans.

Saban had other players from Michigan State who had numerous discipline issues. Based on his history I am amazed any of these NFL teams believe a word he says.

by NorthLeft12 on Aug 2, 2010 10:29 AM EDT reply actions

Truth.

Sabah stopped doing himself any favors with the NFL quite a long time ago, it seems.

by Craig Conrad on Aug 2, 2010 10:34 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

when they kept showing the footage of saban ripping on agents and telling the nfl to do something about it, it was almost enough to make me hate nfl network that day.

seriously, this is the guy who showed bobby petrino how it’s done; also, don’t forget saban is the same guy who told one of his dolphins assistants that the guy couldn’t take a coaching job elsewhere — a job which was a significant promotion — because saban said the guy had to be “loyal”. i trust nick saban as much as a white house press secretary.

i'm going to go america all over your ass!

by Raging Clue on Aug 2, 2010 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Trying to deflect blame

for drafting an overweight, immature loser like Smith is ridiculous! The blame firmly lies with the Bengals on this one, did they not see his performance and exit at the combine? Did they not witness his silly agent musical chairs game? Same thing might just happen with the Bryant signing.

by Tommyboy45 on Aug 2, 2010 12:24 PM EDT reply actions

I see it differently

I don’t think Lewis is really trying to deflect blame. I think this is his media-friendly way of saying “we’ll deal with Saban’s guys again after Hell freezes over.”

They’ve learned their lesson. Hopefully.

by Pardon_My_French on Aug 2, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Hit it on the head

Smith didn’t change physically from high school to the NFL. He cost his team the Sugar bowl by talking to an agent, then he was out of shape for the draft and went awol from the combine. This is all BEFORE he had any money. No one to blame but yourself, Marv. Meanwhile, the Bengals have such a stellar track record of high character players…If Lewis seriously boycotts Saban’s players, Andre Smith will have a job long after he’s fired and watching guys like McClain, Jones, Ingram, Richardson, Hightower, Arenas, Kareem Jackson, Mark Barron, etc from his couch

by kansaskansas on Aug 3, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions