Steve Smith vs. Deangelo Hall

By: T. Love

Here we go again. Another chapter in this “epic” battle between the All-Pro receiver Steve Smith and pro-bowler Deangelo Hall. Smith brings his hard-nosed, never quit play to the field while Hall brings his nonstop mouth and average cover abilities.

Time for D. Hall to put up and shut up. If you remember my post, Pro-Bowl Talker, I am expecting big things from Hall this year and the team needs him tremendously to step up to a leadership role. I’m also just sick of hearing him talk.

Smith will be No. 21’s first test of the season and since 2005, Smith’s return after missing 15 games with an ankle injury, the former Utah Ute has not had a lot of opportunities versus the Falcons. In 2005, when Smith shared honors with New England Patriot Teddy Bruschi for Comeback Player of the Year (which was complete bullshit because Smith should have one the award outright), he caught 16 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns in two games versus the Falcons.

In 2006, Smith missed the season opener with a hamstring injury. In the second contest he was held to no catches with Jake Delhomme out and Carolina refusing to throw the ball with Chris Weinke under center. Somehow, Mora and company managed to lose the game.

This season, Smith leads the NFL in receiving touchdowns with four, third in yards with 271 and tied for sixth in receptions with 15.

The Falcons secondary has not been tested this season with the likes of Tavarious Jackson and David Garrard scanning the secondary, but Carolina likes to get the ball in Smith’s hands early and often.

D. Hall needs to bring his “A” game and start making his case for Honolulu. Hall has one pick on the year and I bet he takes a chance this week. Hopefully, Jimmy Williams and Chris Crocker will be able to back him up (unlike years past with the likes of Bryan Scott) in case he guesses wrong.

Key matchup to watch this week.