Ebony Bird
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Jimmy Smith is back and I’m not just talking about his return from injury

By Karl Nelson II

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Aug 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) during the game against the San Francisco at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith was having a Pro Bowl year before he went down with a season ending foot injury, one that depleted the secondary unit. Smith’s injury brought on a lot of negative speculation, which often happens when stars experience a major injury.

However, one of the biggest challenges that came with the injury was when critics began to question Smith as a veteran and doubt his future in the NFL. Well, that must have sparked something in Smith because he looked absolutely astounding in Baltimore’s season opener and I’m not sure many believed he would be.

Sunday, Smith recorded eight tackles, which was the most on the defense. He also scored Baltimore’s only touchdown of the day when he intercepted Peyton Manning’s pass intended for Jordan Norwood and returned it for a 24-yard interception, according to The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec.

Denver Broncos star receiver Demaryius Thomas was held to seven catches for just 60 yards per Zrebiec. That had a lot to do with Smith and obviously a secondary unit that looked night and day in Baltimore’s opener compared to what we saw from them last season.

That was at least one positive takeaway from Baltimore’s loss; Smith and the rest of the defense definitely came to play. Now, they’ll have to forget about Week 1 and make sure they put on a good performance for a consecutive game.

Smith has maybe silenced some doubters after Sunday’s performance and calmed concerns that fans and the team might have about his ability to make a strong return. Either way, Smith’s focus should be set on being consistent this year and that starts by taking the field in Oakland Sunday with the mindset of being better than he was against Denver.

Dec 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) and Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) during the game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Ravens grades vs Broncos, week 1

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