Logic Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 https://theathletic.com/2776711/2021/08/18/hes-always-been-about-business-andre-smiths-path-to-bills-carved-by-wise-investments/ Ā Ā Quote North Carolina would go on to win 37-35. That was the last time he played against Florida State. That 2016 sophomore season was Smithās best, but he tore his pectoral muscle. Then in 2017, his season ended after two games because he needed knee surgery. Even though he had only one strong season of tape, Smith decided to go to the NFL. Again, Powell wasnāt sure about his cousinās choice. But for Smith, it was simple. He didnāt trust North Carolina to take care of his body anymore. And if he was going to get hurt again, he wanted to get paid to do it. āIf the worst-case scenario is I go undrafted, then I go undrafted, get into someoneās camp and I know Iām going to make someoneās roster,ā Smith told his cousin. That was the end of the conversation. North Carolina coaches tried to talk him out of it by showing Smith what the scouts were saying. Smith already knew he wasnāt going to get drafted high. He didnāt need scouts to tell him having only one season of tape was going to hurt him. āIām just going to bet on myself,ā Smith said. Ā Quote Current Bills special teams coordinatorĀ Heath FarwellĀ was an assistant on Carolinaās staff at the time. Farwell always tells players the best way to buy yourself time to develop is to make yourself useful on special teams. Thatās what Smith did in Carolina. He was active for only three games as a rookie but played more than 50 percent of special teams snaps in each game. He played 65 percent of the teamās special teams snaps in 2019. āHe was a pro as a rookie,ā Farwell says. Heading into the 2020 season, a scheme change on defense had Smith on the outside looking in at Carolinaās roster. The pandemic made roster movement at cut-down day a little less active than usual, but when the Bills found out Smith was going to get cut, general manager Brandon Beane picked up the phone to do some research. Everybody he talked to raved about Smithās character. āSometimes, a guy is a good player, but heās just not a great fit for what theyāre doing or theyāre looking to just hit the reset button,ā Beane says Ā Quote āEvery year we talk to the rookies and young guys about it at the beginning of camp,ā Beane says. āIf youāre not starting, you need to be good in a couple of phases on this team. Is there an exception here or there? Yes, but for the most part, you need to be good in at least two phases and it helps your chances if youāre good in at least three phases.ā Smithās taken care of that. He also performed well when asked to fill in at linebacker against theĀ Patriots. Thatās why after the Bills lost to theĀ ChiefsĀ in the AFC Championship Game, Farwell found him and said, āI donāt know what your situation is, but we want you back.ā I'm rooting for this guy. Seems to have a good head on his shoulders and to be all about "the process". He smartly realized early on that special teams prowess is the best way to make himself useful and earn a roster spot. I like what I've seen from him so far on defense, too. Personally, I'd consider him a roster lock at this point. 4 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSE Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 I am glad Charlene got her house 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaw66 Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 Good stuff. It's fun to root for Bills players in this era. They all really have their acts together. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 Davis is def making the team jmo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Duffy Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 1 minute ago, ScottLaw said: He made more plays in oneĀ preseason game then Edmunds in his career.šš Oh my.... 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logic Posted August 18, 2021 Author Share Posted August 18, 2021 20 minutes ago, ScottLaw said: He made more plays in oneĀ preseason game then Edmunds in his career.šš 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 50 minutes ago, ScottLaw said: He made more plays in oneĀ preseason game then Edmunds in his career.šš Ā You're still a few emojis short of being like your big brudder BADOL... 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kwai San Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 I too am rooting for this guy.Ā This article alone justifies my subscription to The Athletic.Ā There are so many well written articles about more sports than you could possibly even imagine. Ā As with Andre Smith - well worth the investment. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach Tuesday Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 1 hour ago, John from Riverside said: Davis is def making the team jmo Ā Cool, cool. Ā Who? 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 13 minutes ago, Coach Tuesday said: Ā Cool, cool. Ā Who? Errrrr Smith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralonzo Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 1 hour ago, Kwai San said: I too am rooting for this guy.Ā This article alone justifies my subscription to The Athletic.Ā There are so many well written articles about more sports than you could possibly even imagine. Ā Free 6 Month Trial of The Athletic for Sprint/T-Mobile customers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FilthyBeast Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 Smith looks like another great find by this front office and poised to be much more than a ST contributor this season. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reddogblitz Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 I really like this guy's name.Ā Andre Smith. Just sounds right for Buffalo. I hope he makes it. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 Looked very good in the Detroit game. Ā Will he ever be a starter in the league? I don't know. He definitely looks like he can be a good fill in should another player miss time. Definitely rooting for him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 19 minutes ago, reddogblitz said: I really like this guy's name.Ā Andre Smith. Just sounds right for Buffalo. I hope he makes it. Ā I heard his middle name is "Thurman." Ā And he's the guy they signed last year who was a ST's ace, right? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmotionallyUnstable Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 (edited) Without knowing anything about him, he looked a bit stocky (more of an AJ Klien build) but moved well.Ā Ā Edit: Aside from one inch in height, they are identical builds.Ā Edited August 19, 2021 by EmotionallyUnstable 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BaaadThingsMan Posted August 19, 2021 Share Posted August 19, 2021 Good read. He was noticeable vs Detroit. Easy guy to root for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffaloboyinATL Posted August 19, 2021 Share Posted August 19, 2021 I finally found time to read this article, and I am glad that I did.Ā Sounds like a great young man, and I will definitely be rooting for him even more going forward.Ā Ā Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Costa Posted August 19, 2021 Share Posted August 19, 2021 I read this article a couple of days ago. Guy has his priorities in order. Just got back from vacation and watched the game. This kids is going to make the team. Heās a great find. Solid ST player from last year. Saw some nice instincts on defense. I know itās just one pre season game but the tape donāt lie. Heās not a starter for sure but a nice developmental player Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victory Formation Posted August 19, 2021 Share Posted August 19, 2021 Andre Smith looks like he could be a gem, but itās too early to comment further on that. He had a great game, no doubt but itās just one game. Matakevich looked awesome as well. Once again, itās early.. but I think we got great depth at LB. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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