Del Rio - reaping the benefits?

Guess I missed this article first time around.


"It wasn't that I didn't want to play football again, but I didn't want to be on a team where I couldn't give 100 percent," Smith said. "My mind was elsewhere. My mind was basically on Korey's family and taking care of my family because we were all so very close. There was a just a big hole there."

Jack Del Rio, Smith's former teammate and coach, helped Smith through the trying times. He persuaded Smith to take the time away from football to pull himself together.

"I talked to Jack because he was close with Korey, too," Smith said. "He said 'Get yourself together mentally more than anything else.' The physical part I wasn't worried about. So I did that."

When Carolina coach John Fox named Del Rio defensive coordinator, Del Rio pushed for the Panthers to sign Smith. He was given a one-year contract worth the league minimum and is expected to back up and tutor first-round draft pick Julius Peppers at left end.

Smith has No. 77, Stringer's number, written on his gloves - the only reminder he needs of that tragic training camp day.

"Fernando is a warrior," Del Rio said. "And he's hungry. He wants it. His temperament is exactly what this team needs. The more we have of that the better off well be."

 

If Smith can play at the level he did previous to last year, he is going to be a big contributor. Del Rio has lobbied to get a few players in here, like Smith and Jackson. I figure BOTH will be contributors on defense as spot players.
However, their play is not the only productivity Del Rio will get from them. Their knowledge of his tendencies and thought process is priceless for the development of chemistry on the field. Especially with Smith working closely with Peppers.