
Programming note: Watch Raiders Press Conference Live today at 3pm on CSN California and streaming live right here.
SAN DIEGO – Malcolm Smith is a Super Bowl MVP. That’s a fun footnote, but not something the 26-year old wants to define a career.
That was one moment. Other than that, Smith was a quality career backup waiting for a chance to start. The Raiders gave him one.
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“There are a lot of guys in the league like that, guys who haven’t gotten their opportunity,” Smith said. “If you stick around, hopefully you’re ready to take advantage of a chance to play a big role. I’m fortunate to have an opportunity here, and I’m trying to make the most of it.”
Smith signed in Oakland without a guaranteed starting spot. He earned one with solid all-around play, made Sio Moore expendable and, in a few short months, has become an integral part of this Raiders defense. He plays virtually every snap, and has been strong in rush and coverage.
That was evident during Sunday’s 37-29 victory over the San Diego Chargers, when he registered a team-high 11 tackles, a sack, two quarterback hits, two passes defensed and a first-quarter interception.
It’s hard to ask for more than that. Charles Woodson did, especially after his 29-yard interception return ended two yards from pay dirt.
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“Malcolm has to get in the end zone there though,” the veteran safety said. “If we have an opportunity to score on defense, we need to score.”
That was said somewhat in jest. Smith took it as such.
“That’s the second time that’s happened to me,” Smith said with a smile. “That’s pretty disappointing. You’d love to score, but Latavius (Murray) got a touchdown so I’m happy for him and his fantasy owners.”
Smith ranks high among this offseason’s free-agent signings, as a steady contributor through the season’s early stretch. He has 51 tackles – his missed tackles have gone way down recently -- an interception and three sacks.
Sunday, however, was his best effort by far.
“Malcolm has been tremendous since the day he got here,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “He’s just a great young man. We can count on him to do a lot. He gets a sack today, he gets a pick today, several passes defensed, [and] lots of tackles. Just a really good football player. Glad we have him. He’s playing very well for us.”
Smith spent his first four NFL seasons as a Seattle Seahawk, playing behind talented linebackers. He knows something about exceptional defense, and sees potential in a young group with plenty of room to grow.
“We’ve got great rushers, we’ve got guys who can cover and we’ve got speed,” Smith said. “We have the right attitude. That’s a recipe for good football.”