Steve Smith Sr. throws tantrum at Ravens’ practice
Steve Smith Sr. expressed frustration at Thursday’s practice by throwing his helmet and kicking a football.
You’re going to want to sit down before you read this because it is shocking: Steve Smith Sr. is mad again. Surprise! In reality, for anybody who has followed the Baltimore Ravens’ receiver throughout his career this comes as no surprise.
It was reported that Smith chucked his helmet and booted a football after being missed on two straight deep routes during practice. I’m no sports psychologist but there has to be a better way of expressing frustration. There’s no arguing the greatness that Smith Sr. has shown during his 16-year career, but communicating his frustrations constructively hasn’t been part of that greatness.
Thursday’s tirade is likely a product of boiled over disappointment from the Ravens’ Monday night loss to the New England Patriots. Smith had just 57 yards and was visibly bullied by cornerback Malcolm Butler:
Malcolm Butler put Steve Smith in the dirt pic.twitter.com/4KjXVeTh3U
— Jimmy Peanuts (@PatsNews1) December 13, 2016
The loss left them a game behind the Steelers within the AFC North and dropped their road record to 2-4. It’s understandable that Smith is upset and wants to fire up his teammates, but practice tantrums aren’t the way to do it. After throwing his helmet and kicking a ball Smith went and sat by himself in a corner of the practice facility. None of this screams 16-year veteran.
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Things won’t get easier for the Ravens as the Philadelphia Eagles come to town this weekend. The Eagles boast one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL which means quarterback Joe Flacco will have to be on his game. Flacco is in the midst of a very average statistical year but a few deep bombs on Sunday could be just what the doctor ordered. Oh, I have a feeling Steve Smith Sr. wouldn’t mind being on the receiving end of a couple of those.