I think Smith and the coaching staff are still growing into this team. Smith is still trying to figure out a way to get his style of play to fit with these defensive players, and on the other side Kubiak is trying to do the same. I am impressed with the coaching staff so far, and don't mind seeing some mistakes made. Atleast I know Smith will be accountable when he messes up. It's better to see those mistakes now than in a few years when we all think this team will be starting to post winning records. Smith seems like a man who understands his mistakes and learns from them.
While I certainly respect your optimism, I do not share it when it comes to Richard Smith. I bolded the last part because he should know the potential to blow games with a prevent defense as much as anyone...he was a coach on the 35-3 Oiler debacle (not blaming him)...I just hate the prevent with a passion.
Coaches come from the systems they learned in, and in Smith's case, I'm just not all that impressed with his resume. Nothing on it really screams dominant defense, and one of my big fears is that we have this phenomenal talent but can't put the pieces together to make a consistent squad (not meaning to be negative or anything).
SMITHS COACHING LEDGER
2006: Defensive Coordinator, Houston Texans
2005: Defensive Coordinator, Miami Dolphins
2003-04: Assistant Head Coach/Linebacker, Detroit Lions
1997-02: Linebackers Coach, San Francisco 49ers
1996: Special Teams Coach, Denver Broncos
1993-95: Special Teams/Linebackers, Denver Broncos
1992: Special Teams/Assistant Offensive Line, Houston Oilers
1990-91: Linebackers Coach, Houston Oilers
1988-89: Tight Ends/Special Teams Coach, Houston Oilers
1987: Linebackers/Special Teams Coach, University of Arizona
1984-86: Outside Linebackers/Special Teams Coach, California
1981-83: Defensive Line Coach, Cal State-Fullerton
1979-80: Offensive Line Coach, Rio Hondo (Calif.) Junior College