The Carolina Panthers' exit from the playoffs means we unfortunately will be without Steve Smith for the next several months.
GMC Never Say Never Moment
A stingy Panthers defense led by linebacker Luke Kuechly aided in a huge down-to-the-wire road win over the 49ers in Week 10. Was it the best moment of 2013?
After suffering a painful 23-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, No. 89 was asked if he would be rooting for the Seattle Seahawks in next week's NFC Championship Game, given how chippy Sunday's clash turned out to be. Smith put the reporter in his place.
"You really want me to thump you upside the head? That was the dumbest question, and that's the second dumbest question you've asked," Smith said. "I only cheer for one team. Actually, two teams. My team and my kid's team. Other than that I can give a bleep."
Smith, who was dealing with a knee injury, had four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown in the first half, his highest receiving yards total for an entire game this season. He disappeared in the second half.
"I surprised some of y'all," Smith said of his first half, per The Charlotte Observer. "I think I surprised them a bit. ... I listened to everything (the trainers) told me to do and did it. I did it with enthusiasm so I could be out here to help my team win and to put us in the best situation. That was my job and I felt like that I did it."
The 49ers adjusted, paying more attention to Smith in the second half, forcing Panthers quarterback Cam Newton to look elsewhere.
At the end of the game Fox cameras showed Smith consoling Newton on the sideline. The receiver wasn't interested in letting reporters in on what he told his quarterback.
"That's none of your business," Smith said.
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