[painekiller]

When I go to the different boards, I see a hatred for the our DC Richard Smith. I get the dissatisfaction, but wait a minute, let's think about it here for a second.

In year one we changed to a 4-3, many of players where better suited for the 3-4, though only slightly so. That said, we had to install a complete new defense to guys playing out of position, and we relied on rookies for the leadership during the transition.

Year two, the talent was getting better, and closer to a real NFL squad, but 17 player on the IR, and no team can survive. The fact that the defense continued to improve and two players may have broken into the All Pro ranks again shows excellent leadership.

As we start year 3, most fans still do not have a solid idea of the defenses persona, and that is a problem, but we have a DC who appears to be flexible enough to cater is playbook to suit his roster, and he and his coaches seem to be solid teachers.

I like Richard Smith, I have back to the the House of Pain days, and I like his coaches, Hoke, Holland, Bush, and Franklin. I hope we are able to keep the group together.