Anthony Smith gets in game due to injuries in secondary

By Tom Williams
The Saints targeted the rookie safety from Hubbard.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
PITTSBURGH -- Coach Bill Cowher admitted that he's disappointed in the points and yardage the Steelers surrendered in Sunday's victory over the New Orleans Saints.
"But I'm happy with the win," Cowher said. "I'd rather give up 500 yards of offense and win then give up 98 yards and lose."
Although outgained 517-467, the Steelers hung on for the much needed win when their beleaguered pass defense rallied for a key stop in the final minute.
In the first half, safety Troy Polamau and cornerback Deshea Townsend suffered concussions. Polamalu's injury elevated Hubbard native Anthony Smith to backup strong safety and the former Syracuse player saw his most significant NFL action.
Some good, some bad
Not all of it was good.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees targeted the third-round rookie who struggled to keep up with Marques Colston, their sensational seventh-round draft pick who caught 10 passes for 169 yards.
But thanks to Willie Parker's two long-runs, the Steelers were able to hang on. And the inexperienced secondary played a key role.
Smith's most memorable moment came in the final minute when Brees tried to hit Colston for another huge gain at the Pittsburgh 20. Smith leaped in front of Colston and deflected the pass away.
"It felt good because it was the same play that I was beat on twice before," Smith said. "I knew they were going to come back to it. I saw the same inside formation so I was ready for it."
Two plays later, the victory was preserved when wide receiver Terrance Copper caught a 20-yard reception and safety Tyrone Carter smacked the ball loose for a fumble recovered by free safety Ryan Clark at the Steelers 25.
Found his rhythm
As plays mounted, Smith adjusted.
"It was cool. You just have to get in there and find your rhythm," Smith said. "The first couple of plays I had, I wasn't in the right position at the right time.
"As the game went on, I became more comfortable and made some plays."
In the second quarter, Colston broke off Smith's coverage for a 28-yard gain that helped set up the Saints' first lead.
Then right before halftime, Smith stumbled while covering Colston near the sideline. Colston caught Brees' pass but was unable to keep from going out of bounds at the Pittsburgh 4. Deuce McAllister's 4-yard run put the Saints ahead, 24-17, at halftime.
Cowher wasn't surprised at Brees' success when Smith and rookie cornerback Anthony Madison were on the field.
"They were dinking and dunking, and they hit a couple of big plays against us," Cowher said. "We were making lots of adjustments.
"We had some young guys out there and I think this will be invaluable [experience] to them. They got some playing time today that should give them some confidence for the future.
"Being able to keep their poise at the end, being able to understand [what was going on] without being overwhelmed by it -- I thought they did a good job," Cowher said.
Smith said being thrown into the game after the Polamalu injury was an opportunity but also an eye-opening experience.
"When you're not getting all the [repetitions in games and practice] and things are happening fast, it's kind of a tough position," Smith said.
williams@vindy.com