Steve Smith on Saints targeting him: “This isn’t powder puff”

When asked today if he thought Saints defenders would target him this week, Carolina’s Steve Smith told reporters “this isn’t powderpuff” (Credit: AP Photo)

Shortly following the breaking of the Saints Bounty-gate scandal, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith came forward and said he knew the Saints were dirty because a Saints player had once taken a cheap shot at him and then told him playing that way was what former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams demanded.

With the Panthers and the Saints set to meet on Sunday, Smith is dismissing any talk of the Saints targeting him. According to Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer, Smith avoided most of the questions when he was asked by reporters today about the Saints’ bounties.

And when he was asked if he felt targeted by the Saints, he said that he feels targeted every week, because in professional football, opposing defenses are always looking for an opportunity to drill the other team’s No. 1 receiver.

“This isn’t powder puff,” Smith said.

Smith has never been one to shy away from confrontation or being physical. Last year, Smith got into a scuffle with several Saints players on the field when Roman Harper hit him late after he scored a touchdown.