The sideline scene received a roaring applause, one befitting of the occasion of a legacy game through and through — three tackles with two for losses, one sack, the pick and three pass breakups for No. 22.
“I wanted to throw it in the stands, but I was, like, I kind of want to keep the ball. I mean, I’m 36 years old. I’ll be 37 here in a few months,” he said, pausing before finishing his thought. “It’s like being a kid.”
It all had the feel of a St. Nick Miracle. That had nothing to do with it, though. It boiled down to execution on blitzes, a tenacious play style in the trenches and teammates aiding Smith in the conquest.
“They’re so good offensively. Goff does a phenomenal job and their skill guys, like, they’re all game-breakers,” Smith said of Detroit, which entered with only eight turnovers in their first 15 games.
