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Louisiana Sports: New Orleans Saints, Will Smith, Deuce, Byron Scott
Written by: Ed Staton

Will Smith played "hurt" mush of last season, but expects to bounce back this season.

After signing a six-year contract extension last season that could be worth up to $70 million, he recorded only three sacks. He is guaranteed $25 million of the contract and is the third highest paid defensive end in the NFL, following only Minnesota's Jared Allen and Indianapolis' Dwight Freeney.

Smith started every game last season while suffering through a sports hernia that had nagged him since Week One. He showed toughness and waited until the end of the season to undergo surgery. A re-energized Smith is going to be essential in the Saints are going to reach the post-season for the first time since 2006. He says a bounce-back season for him is in place. The WhoDats are losing their patience after a two-year playoff drought.

Smith was a team captain last season and is a veteran of 78 NFL games with 59 starts. He has 342 career tackles, 36.5 sacks for 245 yards. 13 forced fumbles with 13 passes defenses and 6 fumble recoveries. He made the Pro Bowl in 2006.

He said he's felling great now and ready for a good season. "I had a little surgery after the season to get the hernia corrected and I'm feeling 100 per cent ready to do," said Smith.

The Saints' pass rush will get more help this season with the addition of several new faces aboard.

"I've talked to all the new guys," said Smith. "I was already familiar with Rod Coleman because we played Atlanta twice a year, so I knew what kind of competitor he is and what type of person he is. But for the most part it's talking to them and getting to know them and letting them know how we do things and what's expected. I've met with Paul Spicer and learned more about him. The new guys are going to fit right in."

Smith will be working with a new defensive line coach this season, Bill Johnson.

"I knew him from when i spent some time with him when I was coming out of Ohio State," said Smith. "I know what he expects from his players and how he coaches. We see eye-to-eye on things. He has his own ideas and his own expectations of what he wants to accomplish and the best way to accomplish what those things are.

"It's up to us to go out, , learn from him and improve. Anyone can tell you they have high expectations of you, but if you don't set high expectations and goals for yourself, then all the rest is just lip service..

"The biggest hing for a veteran is having the motivation to keep getting better and pushing to get better. In this league, there are always highs and lows. You have to learn to battle through them, be consistent and keep striving to get better.

"It's about getting up everyday with a goal, a plan and going out there and doing it."

Louisiana Sports: New Orleans Saints, Will Smith, Deuce, Byron Scott