Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
For anyone who may be unaware, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor decided to follow former teammate Troy Polamalu into retirement. One of the more entertaining parts about watching professional athletes call it quits is the opinions they unveil once they know they will not be playing again for the rest of their lives.
For Taylor, other than stating how the Steelers is the best organization in the league and the idea of putting on another uniform did not feel right, the first opinion he wants to reveal is who was the most difficult wide receiver to cover during his playing days. To the surprise of no one, that man is none other than former Carolina Panthers and current Baltimore Ravens wide out Steve Smith.
“Little Mighty Mouse, I call him,” Taylor said, according to NFL Total Access. “He’s only 5’10” and some change, but he plays like a 6’3″ guy. Of course, man, he’s still doing what he’s doing late in his career. All-around No. 1, Steve Smith.”
Even though Smith’s career numbers against the Steelers (a mere 24 receptions for 237 yards in five games) are nothing to write home about, Taylor is a student of the game. He was always completely aware of Smith’s capabilities by watching film, which meant he knew he had to play to the best of his abilities if he did not want “Little Might Mouse” to burn him. Considering Smith is one of the more talented wide receivers of the past 15 years, I have to imagine Pittsburgh put a game plan in to place that ensured Taylor would get plenty of help covering him.
While on NFL Total Access, Taylor also stated Randy Moss was the second toughest wide receiver to cover. In four regular season games against the Steelers, he hauled in 21 receptions for 344 yards and three touchdowns. Naturally, two of the three touchdown receptions came against Taylor in the same contest when Moss played for the New England Patriots.
In 174 career games, Taylor recorded 636 tackles, 14 interceptions, three sacks, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 144 defended passes as a member of a solid Pittsburgh defense.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
