N/S Pats fans going off on Cooks and Brady
At the same age Smith couldn't hold Cooks jock and it really isn't close.
Even though he played for a division rival the sheer disrespect from this comment is astounding. Couldn't hold Cooks' jock? Okay. Let's give respect when its due at least. Steve Smith was one of the scrappiest players that would claw his way up a DBs back if he had to to get a reception.
Smith a 3rd round pick wasn't really used as a WR his first year. He was mostly a return specialist and netted nearly 2,000 yards which was 4th in the ENTIRE league behind Priest Holmes, Marshall Faulk, and Derrick Mason. If anything Cooks wishes he could have that kind of production his first year.
Year 2 - he had Rodney Peete. I'll say again. Rodney Peete as QB and had nearly 900 yards in 15 games. That's pretty dang good considering who is throwing the ball to him.
Year 3 - he got a semi competent QB in Jake Delhomme and had 88 catches for 1,110 YDs and 7 TDs. Went to the playoffs and had 404 receiving yards in the playoffs. At the time is was the 2nd most since Jerry Rice in 1988. Currently he is 4th. Not bad I'd say.
Year 4 - IR
Year 5 - Leads NFL in Receptions, Receiving Yards, and Receiving TDs. 103 receptions, 1,563 yards, and 12 TDs
Then goes on to finish out as a #8 All time in receiving yards. #12 in receptions, tied for #18 in Receiving TDs.
Cooks hasn't made it to year 5 but I guarantee you he will not touch the accolades Smith has in his first 5 years.