Defense’s Rejuvenation Coincides With Billy Ray Smith’s Return

Billy Ray Smith makes a difference.

The Chargers have played much of this season without Smith, who has been bothered by a sore knee. However, in the last two games, he’s earned more playing time, and as a result, good things have begun happening on defense.

In the first meeting with Seattle, a 20-9 loss, Smith intercepted a pass. In Sunday’s 17-14 victory at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium, he kept the Seahawks from recording a momentum-swinging touchdown just before the half.

Smith stopped running back John L. Williams, forcing him to fumble, and teammate Burt Grossman recovered at the Chargers’ one-yard line.

“We were going after him (Seattle quarterback Dave Krieg),” Smith said. “It was an all-out blitz, but a little voice in my head said it might be a run.”

Smith hopped on Williams’ back, and although Williams’ threatened to carry Smith into the end zone, he fumbled the ball.

“I don’t know if I knocked it out,” Smith said, “or John just saw me coming and dropped it out of fear.”

More Smith. His friend, linebacker Gary Plummer, was credited with a sack for the first time since 1986.

“Like Halley’s comet,” he said, they come once every five years. “He’s the new (Lawrence Taylor). That’s what he told me. L.T.’s out. Derrick Thomas is out. Plummer’s in. I’m happy for him.

“He told me before the game he would get some sacks.”

Does he say the same thing before every game?

“Well, yeah,” Smith said.