Steve Smith fired off some hot opinions regarding Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams during the postgame show for NFL Network Thursday night. And if it sounded personal, it’s because it was.
The Jets committed six personal fouls against the Broncos in their Thursday Night Football matchup, taking some cheap shots at quarterback Brett Rypien who was making his first start. According to Smith, it’s par for the course for a Gregg Williams coached defense.
“Wherever he goes, the nonsense follows,” Smith said regarding Gregg Williams. “If it smells like a pig, it looks like a pig and it’s oinking, then guess what my friend, it’s a pig.”
Williams isn’t going to get much leeway when it comes to his players committing egregious penalties. In 2012, the longtime football coach was suspended indefinitely from the NFL as a result of the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal.
Williams was the Saints defensive coordinator from 2009-2011 and during those seasons Smith was in the same division as a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers. During his time playing against a Williams’ led defense, Smith said players would tell him, “if I don’t finish you to the ground, I will get fined.”
Joe Thomas, Smith’s NFL Network colleague and a former All Pro offensive lineman, attempted to play devil’s advocate, claiming the Broncos should’ve done a better job protecting their young quarterback. But the former wide receiver and detractor of Williams wasn’t having it.
Gang Green might not be racking up wins, but if there’s one thing the Jets are good at, it’s pissing people off. Fans, media, players and opponents, it’s tough to find anyone willing to compliment the Jets right now.