Smith Looking Forward to Challenge

In last week’s match-up against Cincinnati, Lions’ running back Kevin Smith had a productive game, picking up 104 all-purpose yards (75 rushing, 29 receiving) and a touchdown.

This Sunday, going up against a Baltimore defense which ranks sixth overall in the NFL in defending the run, Smith is looking to add to last week’s performance going up against veteran middle linebacker Ray Lewis.

Smith: “Ray Lewis is what you call a football player. It’s a man’s sport and he is the definition of a man. I’m going to be honored to go out there and do my best against him and it’s a chance for me to play against a future hall of famer. They also have a great safety in Ed Reed and their defense in general is just a stout defense. They have that reputation of being a good run stopping defense and an overall top defense; so, I’m looking forward to the challenge and I’m very excited.”

In addition to picking up yardage on the ground, Smith will also look to be utilized as a weapon in the passing game, something that he’s been developing throughout the season.

Smith: “It’s fun to catch balls. You always have to appreciate the quarterback for throwing them to you, but it’s fun to have some receptions under your belt and get in the open field. It’s just good to be in space with the ball without really having to get a handoff. It’s pretty fun and I’m enjoying it and that’s another phase of my game that I’m working on and getting better at so that one day I’ll be that complete player.”

Homecoming for Schwartz

by Stuart Zaas

When the Lions travel to Baltimore this Sunday, Head Coach Jim Schwartz will find himself in familiar territory. Schwartz grew up outside of Baltimore, attended nearby Georgetown University and then saw his coaching career flourish as a member of the Ravens’ staff.

Schwartz: “Obviously I have a lot of roots there; most of my family still lives there. It’s good to see them all. My brother actually works gameday operations for the Ravens so I’ll see him on the field before the game.”

Schwartz began his coaching career with the Cleveland Browns working in the scouting department. When the Browns moved to Baltimore, Schwartz transitioned from player development into coaching, working as a defensive assistant under Marvin Lewis.

Schwartz: “The thing that happened there was that there were a lot of young guys there – a lot of guys who weren’t married and didn’t have any responsibilities other than learning football and learning from a really good staff. I think everybody was in the same boat. Nobody had any money, everybody was eager to learn.”

While Schwartz has coached against Baltimore as the Titans’ defensive coordinator, this will be his first trip to M&T Bank Stadium as a head coach. Schwartz downplayed the significance of returning to coach in his hometown.

Schwartz: “I’ve been back there a bunch of times. When we were in Tennessee we played there an awful lot, so it’s not like it’s the first time. It’s the first time as a head coach, but right now it doesn’t feel any differently. It’s really not about me. It doesn’t matter if I’m from Cincinnati, Baltimore, or Cleveland. It doesn’t change the matchup, it doesn’t matter how we prepare for the game. It doesn’t change how the players are going to play. They’re not going to play any different because that’s my hometown.”