Steve Smith makes winners of Carolina Panthers, fans

Steve Smith caught his 800th pass Sunday, each of them, of course, for Carolina. The season is his 13th. Fans win when a player finds a home and sticks. I think players win, too. There was a time when Smith wanted out, but he reconsidered. He is the best player the Panthers have had and a face of the franchise. He’s smart, he’s spirited and I can’t imagine Carolina without him. Targeted six times Sunday, he caught five passes, one for a touchdown.

This story was originally published October 20, 2013 at 8:54 PM with the headline "Steve Smith makes winners of Carolina Panthers, fans."