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Saints defensive ends turn up pressure on themselves, NFL QBs
By Chris Talbott, Associated Press Writer

Smith, the 18th pick in 2004 out of Ohio State, made Darren Howard expendable after earning a place in the rotation with Howard and Grant as a rookie.

Like Grant, Smith was able to hold down the dual roles expected of an NFL defensive end.

"I think the key to being a great defensive end is being able to play the run and the pass," Smith said. "Nowadays you see a lot of one-dimensional guys that can just play the run or just be a pass rusher."

The more serious Smith, who had 10 1/2 sacks last year, is listed at 6-foot-3, like Grant, but is not that tall. He has learned to make the most of his bullish physique.

"Even though Will don't like me to say that he's short, he's short," said Saints Pro Bowl left tackle Jammal Brown, who often draws Smith in practice.

But Brown said what Smith lacks in height, he makes up for in a variety of ways.

"It's kind of odd because he can work his power as he's doing his speed, so you have to block his speed and power at the same time," Brown said. "Other guys, you either get power or you get speed. With Will you get the combination of both of them on one play, so that makes it kind of tough to block him."

That's something the league's left tackles are finding out.

And before they have a chance to adjust to the Saints' immovable object and irresistible force, the New Orleans coaching staff is making changes coaches think will allow the duo to be more disruptive.

Smith said he and Grant will have more say in what schemes they run on passing downs this season.

"They're letting us go a little more and kind of do our own thing, you know, which gives us a lot more opportunity to make big plays and get sacks," Smith said.

Saints defensive ends turn up pressure on themselves, NFL QBs - USATODAY.com