Stephen A. Smith is one of ESPN’s most recognizable voices across the NFL and NBA, known for his blunt, outspoken commentary. However, that same direct style has often landed the longtime analyst in hot water, particularly when high-profile mistakes come to light.
His latest misstep, this time involving the New England Patriots, has once again sparked debate among fans about his credibility and depth of knowledge.
A Costly Patriots Mistake Puts Stephen A. Smith Back in Negative Spotlight
Smith came under fire while speaking on ESPN’s flagship show “First Take” ahead of the New England Patriots’ AFC Championship matchup against the Denver Broncos. While praising New England’s defense for its strong play over the past month, Smith incorrectly identified Terrell Williams as the Patriots’ defensive coordinator.
“There is a defense that Jarrett Stidham has to go up against,” Smith said. “There is a brother coaching that defense, Terrell Williams. We ain’t mentioned him all year long.”
“(Williams) reunited with Mike Vrabel, used to be with him in Tennessee, this man has done a hell of a job with a defense that’s ranked top-five in the National Football League. We’re going to give brothers credit on this show! And that brother is doing his thing!”
Williams is technically the Patriots’ defensive coordinator, but he has been away from the team for most of the season while battling prostate cancer. In his absence, inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has worked collaboratively with the defensive staff to help construct one of the league’s most effective units, which currently ranks 12th in PFSN’s NFL Defense Impact Metric.
What made the moment more concerning was that no one on set corrected Smith. Former Super Bowl champion Ryan Clark and former NFL MVP Cam Newton were both present, reinforcing the growing perception among fans that national television analysts are often disconnected from the teams they cover on a daily basis.
Smith has made similar on-air mistakes in the past, yet ESPN has rarely acknowledged them or taken action. Although the network deleted the original clip of the segment, screen recordings continue to circulate online. His brand of “hot takes” generates engagement, and that appears to outweigh accuracy in ESPN’s current model.
Another ESPN crew made a comparable error just weeks earlier. On “NFL Live,” Peter Schrager attempted to praise Zak Kuhr following the Patriots’ Wild Card win over the Chargers, but had seemingly only learned Kuhr’s name shortly before the broadcast and was unaware he had been calling defensive plays since Week 2.
“Zak Kuhr called the game as a young defensive assistant and was amazing!” he said on the show, which won the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Daily Studio Show in 2025.
While analysts like Smith and Schrager deserve criticism, the larger issue lies with ESPN’s lack of accountability. As these mistakes continue unchecked, fans are increasingly vocal about their frustration, and many appear ready to move away from legacy sports media platforms altogether.
