Steve Smith: “I’m no longer an asset”

The Panthers won 28-21 in Tampa Sunday for their second straight win, but all is not peaceful in Carolina.

Wide receiver Steve Smith called the win “bittersweet” after the game.

“We get the win, but I have a limited role,” Smith said. “So, obviously, I see this game as showing I’m no longer an asset to this team.”

Smith was asked a follow up question, as he began to make his way to the shower, according to the

Rock Hill Herald.

“That’s all I got. My name’s Steve Smith and I stand by that.”

Smith caught one pass for four yards in Carolina’s win, a game in which “Bad Jake” Delhomme made an appearance with only 65 yards passing on 17 attempts, with two interceptions. Delhomme tried throwing to Smith five times, with one interception and three incompletions.

It’s tempting to look at Smith’s bold statement and see it as a signal that he wouldn’t mind being traded before Tuesday’s deadline. But Smith isn’t going anywhere, and the Panthers are well aware that he’s among the most passionate players in the league.

Smith’s problems are his teammates. Delhomme isn’t remotely consistent. Muhsin Muhammad and Dwayne Jarrett can’t beat the single coverage that Smith’s presence provides. Carolina’s front office brought in the right tools for a powerful running game, but its passing attack is among the league’s worst except for Smith.

The Panthers coaching staff will likely try to calm Smith down and find more creative ways to get him the football.

But the personnel surrounding Smith seems likely to provide more frustrating Sunday afternoons this season.