Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith is a pure trash-talker. He talks off the field. He brings this mentality on to the field as well. It’s one of the things that separates the future Hall of Famer from the rest of the receivers in the NFL.
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict is also known for some trash-talking. More than that, Burfict is better known around the football world for being dirty. It’s what cost him the early part of the season to suspension.
So it shouldn’t really come as a big surprise that the two division rivals absolutely went at it early in their matchup on Sunday.
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Smith’s reputation as an in your face player is by now well known. Though, it’s hard to blame him for any of the issues that took place Sunday afternoon.
Burfict knocked Smith to the ground and then gave the receiver another push for good measure. As Smith confronted the Bengals’ linebacker, Burfict himself laid a flop that would make the Golden State Warriors proud. It also led to a 15-yard penalty for Smith.
Though, we also have to give some credit to Smith here. We have absolutely no idea the words that were said prior to this play. His reputation as someone who baits opposing players cannot be denied.
Either way, no one should be surprised that these two men got into it. Sunday’s Week 12 matchup has wide-ranging AFC North implications. With that comes a certain increase in emotions from everyone involved.