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On Friday, Steve Smith had a question-and-answer session with Baltimore media. Baltimore's newest wide receiver had many options when he became a free agent at 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, including San Diego, New England, and Seattle. Even though he had a chance to play with Philip Rivers, a Pro-Bowler; Tom Brady, a three-time Super Bowl Champion and two-time Super Bowl MVP; and Russell Wilson, the most recent Super Bowl Champion, Smith decided he wanted to play for Super Bowl XLVII MVP Joe Flacco.
"I saw him throw a lot of dimes when I was in Carolina," Smith said. "I've seen him do a lot of great things, in the playoffs, in the postseason. Now I get to be a part of that."
Flacco has only played Carolina once in the regular season in 2010, but in that game, he was 24-33 with 301 yards, a touchdown, and zero interceptions. As for the postseason, Flacco is 207-373 with 2,672 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 13 career playoff games. If you ask me, that's not too shabby.
Of course, Smith had more great things to say about the Ravens' quarterback.
"I'm excited about catching passes, and I'm excited about learning a new offense," the 34-year old wide receiver said. "Whether [he's won] a Super Bowl or not, he's a top-notch quarterback, and I look forward to growing and learning."
Flacco must be something special if Smith chose him over the quarterbacks mentioned earlier. He must believe a Flacco-led team has great potential, and this team does, especially if everyone can stay healthy, and if the offensive line can get built back up.
Steve Smith hadn't talked to Flacco when the interview was held yesterday, but he expected to talk to him sometime soon. (Coach Harbaugh apparently called Joe, but it went to voicemail.) Either way, no matter when the two get to talk, hopefully they'll have an instant connection that can help the team on-and-off the field.
Of course, Smith might enjoy catching passes more from a Super Bowl MVP, rather than Cam Newton, a young quarterback who hasn't quite found his stroke yet, but you never know. Hopefully Flacco has found a new target that can help get yardage and points on the field, and lead in the locker room off the field.
Welcome to Baltimore, Steve Smith.