Anthony Smith Promises to Tone Down His Act

It sounds like Anthony Smith has learned a lesson. No, not from guaranteeing a victory against the Patriots, but about knowing when to be aggressive and when to, you know, be a free safety. (By the way, Smith points out that he never "guaranteed" anything; instead, he said "...if we played the way we're capable of, we would win. I still feel the same way." That kinda got lost in the rush to bury the guy for flapping his gums.)

Either way, Smith's aggressiveness was never more exposed than against the Patriots. He was twice beaten deep on Tom Brady touchdown passes, and he now understands that football isn't just about running as fast as you can and knocking somebody's block off:

Smith admitted that his fierce pride to always make the big hit may have gotten the better of him.

"New England never runs to Randy Moss' side," Smith said. "On the first touchdown (a 63-yarder from Brady to Moss) they (faked a run) to his side. I came up for the run and we were in a Cover 2. I have to stay back."

This is certainly good news for the Steelers. After losing starter Ryan Clark midway through the year, there was talk that the team might need to draft a free safety this April because Smith had been so inconsistent. Hopefully, Clark will make a full recovery, but if he doesn't, Pittsburgh has to hope Smith means what he says.