The addition of corner Sean Smith opposite David Amerson was supposed so solidify the Oakland Raiders' secondary. In Week 1, that plan failed miserably
The eight-year pro was a leaky disaster. He couldn't cover any of the Saints top receivers. Brandin Cooks burned him on a 98-yard TD, which made the 29-year-old looks uber slow. Willie Snead out muscled him. Rookie Michael Thomas made some difficult catches look routine against the veteran.
Coach Jack Del Rio saw enough, benching Smith in the middle of the game.
"I was getting killed. I'm not going to lie to you," Smith said, via CSN Bay Area. "It was getting bad out there. I was costing our team points and Coach (Del Rio) did what he had to do. I obviously would've loved to have stayed in and fight it out. Coach made his decision and did what was best for the team. I had to ride with it."
Benching a veteran one game into a four-year, $40 million contract to is a depressing thought, especially when that player brought such promise to a perennially downtrodden group. Give credit to Del Rio for yanking a player in over his head, regardless of his contract.
Smith came to Oakland after several spectacular seasons in Kansas City (he was the best corner on a team that included the Defensive Rookie of the Year last season). The vet said he's never experienced a day like Sunday.
"Like that? Nooooo," Smith said. "It's the NFL. If you play long enough you're going to have days like that. You just have to move on quickly, have a short-term memory and be ready to roll."
Smith will get a chance to prove Week 1 was a fluke. Del Rio announced Monday the veteran would start Week 2 versus the Atlanta Falcons.
It wasn't just Smith who had a disappointing week versus Drew Brees. The pass rush was almost non-existent, allowing defensive backs and linebackers to be picked apart in coverage.
"It's just like any other job. I had a bad day at work," Smith added. "Then you come back the next day and get ready to roll for Week 2. ...It's the first home game. You want to put on (a show) for the home team."
Smith and the entire Raiders defense needs to bounce back. Julio Jones, however, is a tough man to have a good game against. If the pass rush doesn't improve it could be another long day for the Oakland secondary.