[accordion_item open=”true” title=”Panthers QB Cam Newton”]On conference call with Baltimore media, what he expects to see from Steve Smith on Sunday:
“Steve Smith can be playing the Jabbawockeez … No matter who he’s playing, he looks forward to Sunday football. So, no matter if it’s the Carolina Panthers or the Buffalo Bills or any team in the league, he’s going to be stoked to play. And it’s not about that – the rematch with us – for Steve. It’s more about us bouncing back from a bad loss we took on this past Sunday.”
To Carolina media, when asked about Smith’s saying it’s “refreshing” to play with a quarterback like Joe Flacco:
“I know my feelings toward Steve. I know our relationship. I never heard that, and I’m not going to go digging for it anyway. If you’re asking me do I need any kind of chip or motivation to play this game, no I do not. I didn’t need that comment. I play this game for one reason and one reason only — to get a win.”
[accordion_item open=”true” title=”Panthers CB Josh Norman”]What he expects from Smith:
“He going to be the same Steve Smith. Ragin’ Cajun, same guy. Going out there and paying with emotion and playing with everything he got, and I wouldn’t want it no other way.”
If he has to be mindful of getting into a verbal exchange with Smith:
“I know how I am. I know how I can get, and yes, it’s going to be challenging for me to do that. But I’ve got to be mindful of the situation and what’s going on, and just be respectful. At the same time, I’ve gotta still play how I play. I still respect the man. Give him his just due.”
When asked if he wants to jaw back-and-forth with Smith:
“Do I want to? Why would I want to? I am (a competitor), and he’s a competitor, but at the same time, we’re going to be manageable. We’re going to try to be a quiet mouse.”
[accordion_item open=”true” title=”Panthers CB Charles Godfrey”]When asked if the Panthers currently have anyone as fiery as Smith:
“Steve’s a different guy.”
What he expects Sunday:
“Steve will be Steve.”
[accordion_item open=”true” title=”Ravens QB Joe Flacco”]When asked if he’ll make an extra effort to get Smith the ball:
“No, if I pay attention to that maniac on Sunday, who knows how I’m going to play? He’s going to want the ball probably every single down, and if I don’t get it to him … and I’m going to feel bad, then we’re not going to play like we should.”
If he sees a difference in Smith this week:
“Can he be much crazier than he is at certain times? He catches the ball, he’s going to let people know how good of a job he did right there. And I don’t think this week is going to be any different … Obviously, he knows a lot of the guys over there, so I’m sure he’s talked some trash in 1-on-1s for the last handful of years … He’ll probably pick up right where he left off with all of them.”
(FYI: Flacco was smiling during both answers)[accordion_item open=”true” title=”Ravens WR Steve Smith”]On conference call, when asked if this week was really just like any other game:
“No. I never really imagined I’d be in a different uniform. I never really thought I’d play against the Panthers, and now I am.”
On conference call, when asked if he misses playing with the Panthers:
“I miss everything about Carolina. I miss being at home. I miss my friends. But I also understand it’s a business, and sometimes in business you’ve got to temporarily go somewhere else.”
To Baltimore media, when asked if he was still bitter about his release:
“I knew a long time ago. I knew when I had my meeting with (Dave) Gettleman what was going to happen. And that’s what happened. And I walked out of there with dignity, and I held my head up high and me and my family decided we’ll handle it the way we chose to handle it. And I tried to be an example for my kids … I’m not bitter because I get to play. But do I want to show certain individuals that I can still play? Honestly, I don’t have to. They’re game planning for me.”
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