#11 A. Smith - Greatest Bust of All-Time? Yes.
by mr. instigator on Jul 23, 2010 4:27 PM PDT
Email
PrintI was doing some surfing on the net, when I stumbled upon something that made me shriek like a little girl. It was Akili Smith's stats as a starting QB in the NFL. "Holy bullcrap! Why isn't this guy in the conversation as biggest bust ever?" thought myself.
We are all well aware that Ryan Leaf and JaMarcus Russell are engaged in an epic battle for biggest bust of all time, constantly trying to out-do one another in the news. Leaf struck first, and hard. After his conquests on the gridiron, he decided to up the ante a bit and break into a few houses. Never one to lazily give up, Russell threw a codeine-counter-punch. The battle still rages, but what about ol' Akili? Does he not deserve to jump in the ring? Does he not deserve recognition for his success? I think we should revisit the story of Akili Smith:
Legend has it that leading up to that fateful #3 pick in the 1999 NFL draft, the New Orleans Saints' Ricky-Williams-obsessed head coach Mike Ditka offered the Bengals nine (yes, nine) draft picks to move into their number three spot. The Bungles obviously knew better than that, and refused the offer. They knew Akili Smith was destined to be a star, and I'm pretty sure they knew the Saints didn't really want Ricky Williams - they wanted to snatch Akili! Bengals head coach Bruce Coslett stupidly wanted to accept this offer, but brilliant General Manager Mike Brown overruled him, because it was obvious: Akili Smith was worth WAY more than a mere nine draft picks. Brown knew he had found his cow bell in Smith.
As expected, the 1999 season was a huge success. The Bengals went 4-12 that year to the delight of their fans. The only thing that was a bit disappointing was the fact that their cow bell QB only got to shine in 7 games (4 starts). Here's how he performed:
|
Completion % |
TD |
INT |
Yards |
QB Rating |
|
52.3 |
2 |
6 |
805 |
55.6 (team record) |
The 2000 season was another magical one for the Bengals, a season in which fans would again see the team storm to a 4-12 record. And just who do you think was responsible for all that storming? You guessed it. Akili Smith. Akili racked up the numbers on his way to anonymously winning team MVP honors.
|
Completion % |
TD |
INT |
Yards |
QB Rating |
|
44.2 (team record) |
3 |
6 |
1253 |
52.8 |
Despite protests from fans for more cow bell, the next two years saw Akili only play in three more games (though each one was special in its own way.) Despite all the on-field success, Akili Smith wasn't happy playing for the Bengals anymore. He contemplated going to the Packers to help mentor Brett Favre, but for some strange reason that didn't pan out. Tired of the weaker competition and low wages of the NFL, Akili arranged an hour long ESPN special where he announced that he would be taking his talents to Europe. Four amazing games for the Frankfurt Galaxy later and he returned to the western hemisphere to play for the Calgary Stampeders. In his first game for the Stampeders, Akili stampeded to 6-10 for 63 yards and 3 interceptions (one of which he had to thread the ball between two receivers and into the safety's hands). Later that year Smith was released, though no one is sure why.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.
94 comments
|
19 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Excellent FanPost.
Very well written and funny. The title is especially good.
"Blackmail is such an ugly word. I prefer "extortion." The "X" makes it sound cool." - Bender Bending Rodriguez
Thanks man
I appreciate it. Feel free to rec! :)
by mr. instigator on Jul 23, 2010 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Alright.
Hopefully others will do so as well, so that all can observe that Leaf and Russel are in fact battling for the number two spot in draft bust greatness.
"Blackmail is such an ugly word. I prefer "extortion." The "X" makes it sound cool." - Bender Bending Rodriguez
Yes, very bad
I did like the article on Alex today. Not being a particular fan of his I nonetheless did appreciate his sticktoitiveness when as suggested most would have left Dodge a long time ago.
We're closer to getting close sir!
for those that haven't seen it
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;ylt=AlTE3g1E_9EMiyhFbV6YXY5nYcB?slug=ms-smithturnaround072310
We're closer to getting close sir!
Agree
I think that’s a must read for the Alex hater or lover or just Niner fan period!
by mr. instigator on Jul 23, 2010 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Mike Silver is good.
I know what I'm talking about, I started at right guard for the 1992 College Park Falcons.
by Johnnysixnut on Jul 27, 2010 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
6 completions and 3 interceptions in 10 attempts?
wow, that means only one pass hit the ground all game! this guy was amazing!
does anyone have a link to his highlight reel? (the short version of course, there’s no way i could sit through all of his highlights.)
The enemy of my enemy is collateral damage.
lol
It’s really amazing how much of a disaster this guy was. Epic failure doesn’t quite do it justice!
by mr. instigator on Jul 24, 2010 12:16 AM PDT up reply actions
I could be wrong
but I think Akili Smith was the highest draft pick ever that played over in NFL Europe. If you think Smith’s NFL stats suck, you should check out his CFL stats. The Bengals severing ties with a still relatively effective Jeff Blake in order to start Akili Smith is one hilarious blunder. You forgot about Smith’s 14 Fumbles in 2000 (not sure how many were lost), which is another stat that can help Smith win Biggest Bust since Tony Mandarich title.
I will gladly eat crow if Brandon Jones does well for the 49ers in 2010.
by Andrew Davidson on Jul 24, 2010 9:27 AM PDT reply actions
Yeah
Akili was a total disaster that’s why I don’t get why he’s not in the conversation. After all, he was a very high pick.
by mr. instigator on Jul 24, 2010 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Dude your email addresses in your profile aren't up to date
if they are then you’re being rude to me. :-)
My email address is current. Shoot me an email.
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
Sorry man
I just shot you an email :D
by mr. instigator on Jul 24, 2010 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Tony Mandarich at least had a semi-successful career
with the Colts after Green Bay. He was there just before they drafted Peyton Manning and did an ok job
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
Sure, but...
he was taken before two first ballot hall of famers by the name of Sanders immediately to his aft. Kinda puts the whole thing in context.
Alex Smith biggest bust ever?
Uh, this is a rediculous notion. The guy’s had too many crummy things happen to him in his tenure to be considered that. I doubt Joe Montana could have thrived under five different Offensive Coordinators, a coach publicly questioning his toughness, a shoulder injury that was worse than diagnosed, terrible o-line protection, and losing your best friend in the tragic way Smith did. Smith hasn’t been the franchise savior, but he certainly doesn’t deserve to be considered the biggest bust ever. John Elway stunk up the joint his first year-even lining up behind a guard in a game. The important thing was that both Dan Reeves and Mike Shanahan stuck with him, and showed patience when he didn’t have the guys around him to help him win. I think you’ll see a pretty good Smith this year, with-finally-the players around him, and a Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator supporting him. Of course, staying injury free will help too.
by Giants Nutcase on Jul 24, 2010 10:31 AM PDT reply actions
See kids?
This is why you always have to read the whole thing first before answering any questions.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
"I'm just like you, but 10 times better"
by SportsChicken on Jul 29, 2010 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions
boy am I a moron
I looked at the headline saw “#11, A. Smith the Biggest Bust, ever? Yes.” and immediately assumed you were talking about Alex Smith, #11 for the Niners. Sheesh! I will sadly, and dishonorably take “The Dumb Arse Reactionary Numbskull” award for not reading the article before commenting.
P.S. I agree that Akili was terrible. When it comes to guys like Akili Smith, Ryan Leaf, and JaMarcus Russell, there is no competition about who was the biggest bust, because they all tie for the biggest bust. And sadly, it has to do more with their sense of entitlement, than the skill. These guys just assumed that they didn’t have to work hard and feel like the average joe when it came to realizing how lucky they were to excel in something that the majority of us would love to be able to do. They are complete busts, not only as football players, but as human beings too. Of course, they’re probably a helluva lot richer than any of us, but what the hey…
by Giants Nutcase on Jul 24, 2010 10:40 AM PDT reply actions
HAHA
The point is to kind of trick people, but at least scanning over it would be nice ;) I don’t know if I’d call Akili a bust as a human, but Leaf might certainly qualify for that distinction, as well as maybe JaMarcus Russell.
by mr. instigator on Jul 24, 2010 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions
JaMarcus Russell a bust as a human?
he made millions of dollars to do almost nothing. the dude’s a genius!
When life gives you fruit, add a bunch of sugar to it.
by these3words on Jul 26, 2010 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions
He got busted
For putting drugs on his pancakes.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
"I'm just like you, but 10 times better"
by SportsChicken on Jul 29, 2010 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions
If nobody else does
I’m sure Alex Smith appreciates the sentiment that you didn’t even need to read an article disparaging him in order to disagree with it.
Kudos for admitting it though ;)
I know what I'm talking about, I started at right guard for the 1992 College Park Falcons.
by Johnnysixnut on Jul 27, 2010 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
funny
I’m not the biggest believer in OUR A. Smith, but I saw the headline and was like “that’s a little harsh.” Then I read it; nicely done.
Embarassingly silly question: How do you rec something?
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jul 24, 2010 11:05 AM PDT reply actions
Right above the start of the Comments and below the ad
There’s a line that says E-mail, Print, then Rec. I had a hard time finding it at first too.
like the post
but alex threw 1 td and 11 int his first yr so ikind of thought you were talking about him lol
by SFniner_Hitter on Jul 24, 2010 11:18 AM PDT reply actions
I will be serving CROW
on Jan. 2, 2011 @ 6: 30pm pacific for all the A. Smith haters. “I not a hater I’m just stating the facts. I don’t hate him, I just don’t think he is capable QB.” Same thing. You all are invited. The crow will be raw. You can pluck the feathers off & gut it if you want. That’s up to you. But YOU will EAT if.
I have stated repeatedly, on many sites including Coach Sings favorite blog, why he will be special ( in a good way) this & the following years to come. Very few people agree with me. That’s all right. I don’t mind. I’ll just keep killing CROWS for yawl’s din-din.
"Moving Forward."
Did you read the post?
You might want to read it before going off on Alex Smith haters.
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
I agree
Reading the post would be helpful! :D
by mr. instigator on Jul 24, 2010 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions
It's never wrong to go after Alex haters. :)
/sarcasm…
…
…
or is it???
I survived the David Carr Press Conference Thread 3/06/2010
Credit to iaalexeeff
The New and Improved Bay Area Connections:
Alex Smith to Michael Crabtree
Stephen Curry to David Lee
Madison Bumgarner to Gerald Buster "Jesus" Posey
by Hoopers Judge on Jul 24, 2010 5:24 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
LoL
Epic win #2.
"Bears are crazy, Willie. They'll bite your head off if you're wearing steak on it."
Very nicely done.
I like how you caught a few fish too.
Thank you kindly
Offseason blues got me fishing over here..
by mr. instigator on Jul 24, 2010 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Lol
I was looking at the title and saw 10 recs. I was confused, but then I read the article haha.
Warriors.
What the hell?!?!?
You read the article!?!?!
You’re not supposed to read it, you’re just supposed to read the headline, draw a conclusion than post your opinion.
I know what I'm talking about, I started at right guard for the 1992 College Park Falcons.
by Johnnysixnut on Jul 27, 2010 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Ok your new name is officially "The Instigator"
You should have attached a poll asking who was ready to blast you when they first clicked the link to read this post! :)
21 days to go!
I'm on twitter now. Please follow me! www.twitter.com/@yougomango
Lol
I wish I could change my user name to TheInstigator. I would totally do it.
by mr. instigator on Jul 26, 2010 1:15 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Akili does in the very least make JaMarcus look like a viable player though
JaMarcus’ QB rating is more than 10 points higher. As for Leaf though, he needs way more than a paramedic.
21 days to go!
I'm on twitter now. Please follow me! www.twitter.com/@yougomango
I did read the post
& I still say the same thing. All of you think I am referring to this blog. True, I made that comment on on this blog, but haters read this just like we did whether they comment or not. As I stated in my first sentence, for the haters CROW will be served.
(Sorry it took me so long to get back to y’all, but I am painting my house.)
"Moving Forward."
I think you're right LJ
We should get a post up to make lists of Alex haters and supporters. That way when the day of judgment comes we will all know who to bash and who to pop open some brewskis with..
by mr. instigator on Jul 25, 2010 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm firmly in the non-hater camp
4200 39 and 9
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jul 26, 2010 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Interesting
Whatever your smoking, the hallucinations are starting to take over. You might want to keep an eye on that.
put me down for the
“Alex Smith will never be a franchise QB in the NFL” list.
When life gives you fruit, add a bunch of sugar to it.
by these3words on Jul 26, 2010 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Non Hater group here
I’m Thinking 3500 28 15. More importantly I expect him to Pull off wins, late in close games.
Is there a list
for those who support Smith and hope for the best, but still fear the worst? Or is that most of us?
I think its just a few of us
The majority here are convinced that the ‘ugly duckling’ turns into a swan this season.
Sure hope they’re right…
We're closer to getting close sir!
Sign me up
Like him, yes.
Support him, yes.
Confident in his ability to turn it around…eh….hmmmmm….eh…..well……..hmmmmmm…eh..meh.
I know what I'm talking about, I started at right guard for the 1992 College Park Falcons.
by Johnnysixnut on Jul 27, 2010 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm right there with you
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
"I'm just like you, but 10 times better"
by SportsChicken on Jul 29, 2010 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions
You're on fire dude
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
"I'm just like you, but 10 times better"
by SportsChicken on Jul 29, 2010 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm throwing up the BS flag
You didn’t read the post first.
I know what I'm talking about, I started at right guard for the 1992 College Park Falcons.
by Johnnysixnut on Jul 27, 2010 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions
All in ... onSmith, 4000 yd's 32 Td's 16 Int ...!!
Gotta love a woman that wear's knee pad's to work ...!!
even with those stats, no.
last year those numbers would have ranked him 11th in yards, 4th in TDs, and tied for 7th in (fewest) interceptions.
i can’t remember when the QB with the 11th most passing yards at the end of the year was a serious MVP candidate.
When life gives you fruit, add a bunch of sugar to it.
very clever title u got me
and a very funny read
Can u c coach sing's vision? I do!......We all know PATRICK WILLIS is our future!
May 12 2010 comment of the day award winner on the nuggets!
Thanks man
Glad you actually read it haha.
by mr. instigator on Jul 28, 2010 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Did Akili Smith really wear No.11?
If so, Alex Smith is really a fool for choosing the same number.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
"I'm just like you, but 10 times better"
Wow
What was he thinking?
Taking the number of a former bust with the same initials as him?
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
"I'm just like you, but 10 times better"
by SportsChicken on Jul 30, 2010 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions
LOL
He wanted to give the number a second chance…
by mr. instigator on Jul 31, 2010 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Some might think of it as a wise choice.
Anything that starts at the bottom (in this case #11) can only go up!
I really thought this was going to be Alex Smith at first.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
You got me good.
I knew that Akili Smith was awful, but I didn’t make the connection that it would be him in this post before I clicked on it.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
I know
So many people commented without even reading it based on that assumption haha.
by mr. instigator on Aug 6, 2010 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions
This was good
in fact, it could have been even longer if you wanted it to. I was left wanting more.
"They can’t stop us. Throw in our other weapons, and it’s over. What are they gonna do? There ain’t nothing they can do. It’s over." - Vernon Davis
Let's talk on Twitter
oh and also...WOOPS
http://www.ninersnation.com/2010/8/5/1606957/shots-in-the-dark-things-i-might
crap, sorry I tripped over that link to something I wrote…darn thing…
"They can’t stop us. Throw in our other weapons, and it’s over. What are they gonna do? There ain’t nothing they can do. It’s over." - Vernon Davis
Let's talk on Twitter
Thanks!
I considered writing more, but I was at work and lunch hour was running out!!!
by mr. instigator on Aug 5, 2010 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Clearly not a great start of his career, but hes not done yet, he still can keep working hard and make it happen. How many Vernon Davis is a bust threads were there a year a ago
I'm sure this is about Alex, not Akili
but if it were about Akili…you would be the only one with this opinion
"They can’t stop us. Throw in our other weapons, and it’s over. What are they gonna do? There ain’t nothing they can do. It’s over." - Vernon Davis
Let's talk on Twitter
LOL
That’s what I’m thinking. Akili’s shot is pretty much over with at this point..
by mr. instigator on Aug 6, 2010 8:30 AM PDT up reply actions
not at this point
at a point long, long ago
"They can’t stop us. Throw in our other weapons, and it’s over. What are they gonna do? There ain’t nothing they can do. It’s over." - Vernon Davis
Let's talk on Twitter
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
