If one needs to learn about Andre Smith, one only needs to read through these very pages as if a student searches for information in a library. Let's just say that Smith was well on his way to becoming one of the team's biggest draft busts since Akili Smith.
Injuries, work ethic and nutrition were all issues that faced Smith until this past offseason when the Bengals right tackle, having noticeably lost weight with a vastly improved nutritional regiment, approached Andrew Whitworth to declare that he's finally all in, putting his chips on the table and taking this seriously.
And it's shown.
Smith, who largely shut down pass rushing specialist Robert Mathis in week six, is rated as the team's second-best pass blocker on the offensive line according to Pro Football Focus. He's only allowed two quarterback sacks this year and the Bengals rushing offense is averaging 5.8 yards/rush when the point of attack is behind the right tackle. And Smith's confidence is growing, which began roughly at the onset of the season with his newfound attitude.
"It’s time for me to do what I’m supposed to do to help the team," Smith said. "It was time to give up the poor me attitude and just do something about it. It’s working well for me and the offensive line as a unit."
"I’m happy where I am right now, but I still want to get better as a football player," Smith said. "I want to continue to work on my fundamentals and work hard for the team. It was time for me to step up. I felt it in my heart and I no longer want to let the team or myself down."