REDSKINS Career winding down for sack-master Smith

Bruce Smith said Saturday's game against Philadelphia will be his last.
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- For Bruce Smith, 200 has a better ring than 199.
"It is a nice round number," Smith said. "It's rather catching, as opposed to 199, which sounds like you're getting something at a discount."
Sack No. 199 gave the Washington Redskins defensive end the all-time record on Dec. 7, and he hit the double-century mark Sunday when he tackled Chicago's Rex Grossman for a 5-yard loss in a 27-24 loss to the Bears.
Finale
Now Smith is preparing for his last NFL game, Saturday night's finale at home against Philadelphia. The Redskins will honor him at halftime, with Sen. Jack Kemp leading a ceremony in which Smith and his family will be presented with a special life-size plaque designed in his form.
One would expect a 40-year-old, 19-year veteran to be reflective or even wistful in the final days of his career, but no amount of prodding could make Smith express any special feelings about suiting up one final time.
"I'm not even thinking in terms of that," Smith said. "I'm thinking in terms of winning against the Philadelphia Eagles. ... We're entertainers. We have to go out and put on a good show."
Smith hasn't formally announced his retirement, although he has said it would take an "unusual circumstance" for him to play next season. Certainly, this isn't the type of farewell he had in mind.
Smith passed Reggie White's total of 198 to get the sack record, but only after making complaints about playing time that made him look self-serving. He also expected this year's Redskins to be good enough to challenge for the Super Bowl title he never won during his 15 years in Buffalo.
Instead, Washington has lost nine of its last 11 to slump to a 5-10 record.
"I wish that 200 went along with a record of 10-5 or something in that ballpark, knowing we'd have a chance at extending our season," Smith said.
Philosophical view
Smith has made no secret over his disappointment with some of the team's personnel moves, particularly the release of tackle Dan Wilkinson, which left the defense undermanned along the front four.
In his final days, he isn't taking a parting shot at anyone specific, instead choosing to wax philosophical on the way it's ending.
"Life is filled with bumpy rides and ups and downs," Smith said. "It's times like this that build character in an individual and makes him stronger and prepares him for the struggles of life in general."