He’d Like to Sack Rules Protecting Quarterbacks

CARLISLE, Pa. —  The Washington Redskins have a new coach, a new logo and a new attitude. But some things have stayed the same. Defensive end Bruce Smith is still around, heading into his 18th NFL season. He’s one of the dominant defensive players in league history. His five sacks last season increased his total to 186, leaving him second only to Reggie White, who had 198.

Smith, 39, who has sacked 69 quarterbacks, has assembled a record 13 seasons in which he reached double-digit sack numbers. He was the league’s defensive player of the year in 1990 and ‘96, and has made the Pro Bowl 11 times.

He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in May to have scar tissue shaved. Two months earlier, he had a bone spur removed and scar tissue shaved in his left knee.

In part because of those minor surgeries, some people have suggested he might be better used this season as a pass-rush specialist. But Smith wants to be an every-down fixture at right defensive end, as he has been throughout his career, with Buffalo from 1985 through ’99 and with the Redskins the last two seasons.

Marvin Lewis, Washington’s new defensive coordinator, said Smith will play as much as he feels he’s able.

“I’m not going to limit what his role is,” Lewis said in June. “That’s not fair to Bruce. Bruce has been an every-down player, and if he can still go out and be an every-down player, just like he did last year, he’ll do that.”

Whichever way it goes, Smith has been there and done that and has some definite ideas on pro football.

Question: Is the NFL too concerned about protecting quarterbacks?

Answer: We’re just treating them like babies, to be honest with you. They have rules to protect them, and I agree with some of the rules. But some of the rules are just a little bit overprotecting. It seems as though we’re expendable and they aren’t. You notice that they just started coming down with chop-blocking rules, and that’s been going on for years and years. Guys’ careers have been ended.

Q: A lot of offensive linemen live by the cut block. Denver’s line has made a career of it. The league has made some changes over the years and this season plans to keep a closer eye on chop-blocking. Does more need to be done?

A: Yes. Anyone that has to do something underhanded, such as using cheap tactics, cheap blocks and so forth, to gain an advantage, should not be allowed on the field. If they can cut block, explain to me why, when there’s an interception, we can’t cut block? I mean, after an interception, we’re on offense and they’re on defense, right?

Q: So, say, if another Redskin defender intercepts a pass, are you going to be tentative about hitting the quarterback on the return?

A: Well, if he makes a move toward trying to make a tackle, I’m going to block him. That’s what I’ve been taught to do. I’ll have to suffer the consequences. If he’s just standing there, I agree, I shouldn’t be allowed to hit him.

Q: Now that Marv Levy and Jim Kelly are in the Hall of Fame, is the door wide open for other Bills--even though the team lost four consecutive Super Bowls?

A: I don’t think a team will ever get to four Super Bowls in a row again. I don’t think anyone will get three in the near future, or for quite some time. The fact that Marv Levy and Jim have gone in, I hope it’s a domino effect. It’s one that’s well deserved. We’ve made history, either way you look at it. It took a great deal of determination, overcoming adversity, perseverance to continue at such a high level for all those years. That’s where all of those guys have to be commended.

Q: Pittsburgh has had a lot of success with the 3-4 defense over the years, and New England used it a lot last season. Seeing as this is a copycat league, and that linebackers are easier to find than good defensive linemen, do you expect other teams to use the 3-4 more this season?

A: I played in a 3-4 for 15 years, and it’s a tough way to make a living. I don’t want to go back to it. If you can find four excellent linebackers--or two good ones and two great ones--it’s a different story. But I don’t want any more part of a 3-4.

Q: You’ve played 17 seasons. Would you like to set a record for longevity?

A: Look at [teammate and cornerback] Darrell Green. He’s been in the league for 19 years. That’s phenomenal. I can say at defensive back, you have a better chance than at defensive lineman--the wear and tear on the body, taking on the double teams and so forth. But either way you slice it, defensive back or defensive end, it’s a phenomenal career.

Q: How many more years for you?

A: I’m taking it one year at a time and I’m listening to my body. I’m not looking past this year. I’ll get to that point after the season’s over.