The Facts: Smith lay face-first and motionless immediately after he sustained a season-ending Achilles injury. With a towel covering his face, Smith draped his arms over trainers as he was carried to the sideline. Is this the final image of a career defined by in-your-face toughness? The Ravens don't believe so. "I have a feeling Steve Smith will be back," coach John Harbaugh said. "I love him, respect him, admire him. I told him that. That's the kind of man he is, and he'll be back."
Diehards Line:
Harbaugh clarified his remark that he wasn't making an announcement for Smith, but he merely expressed a sentiment based on what he knows of Smith. As ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley suggests, there is validity to Harbaugh's thoughts. When Smith announced in training camp that this would be his final season, he was leaving on his own terms. Smith doesn't seem like the type of leader who will be forced out by an injury, an organization (like the Panthers) or critics. We shall see.