FOXBORO, Mass. — Brandon LaFell might be the only New England Patriots player looking forward to seeing Steve Smith this weekend.
If anyone on the Patriots knows how dangerous Smith can be, it’s LaFell, his former Carolina Panthers teammate from 2010 to 2013. Even LaFell wavered when asked if he’s looking forward to seeing Smith on the field Saturday as a member of the Baltimore Ravens in the Patriots’ divisional-round matchup.
“Nah, man. It’s not nice to see Smitty out there, man,” LaFell said. “Knowing the things he can do, but as a friend, going out there to see my buddy play, it’s going to be nice. Wishing him the best.”
LaFell and Smith both were on the open market this season, and there was a chance they could have reunited in New England. The Patriots showed interest in Smith after he was cut by the Panthers, but the Ravens scooped him up before he could visit the Patriots. LaFell signed with the Patriots one day after Smith joined the Ravens.
LaFell said he’s not surprised that Smith still can put up a 79-catch, 1,065, six-touchdown season at 35 years old.
“I think the most thing I appreciate is what you guys can’t see,” LaFell said. “Him off the field, him at practice, the way he competed everyday, the way he trains his body in the offseason, the way he goes out there and gives everything he’s got every week — that’s the things I appreciate about him the most.”
LaFell set career highs this season with the Patriots, catching 74 passes for 953 yards with seven touchdowns. He was good for around 45 catches, 600 yards and four touchdowns in his four years in Carolina, playing with Smith.
Smith now sees a different player with the Patriots.
“Brandon LaFell was drafted in Carolina, and I saw a young man, and when I look at the film now — I still watch his film and I still give him little tips, text him — (New England) has a man, and I am so proud of him,” Smith told WEEI’s “Middays With MFB.” “He walked in as a teammate and we both walked out as brothers.”
LaFell missed practice last week with a toe injury, but he declared himself ready to play Saturday in his first playoff game in a Patriots uniform.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
