Stephen A. Smith left gobsmacked as First Take star Ryan Clark accuses him of ‘playing loosely with the truth’

THE debate over young NFL quarterback standouts got a little personal between Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Clark on Tuesday’s First Take.

The two ESPN analysts butted heads when predicting who between the Green Bay Packers ‘ Jordan Love and 2023 Rookie of the Year Houston Texans star would reach the Super Bowl first.

ESPN

ESPN

Clark, 44, argued that not only did Stroud , 22, have a better chance of going to the Big Game before Love, 25, but also could do so as soon as during the 2024 NFL season.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers safety noted the Texans’ roster upgrades in the offseason, including running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

He also said that Stroud showed he could reach the same level of play as the league’s best signal-callers like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson during his rookie campaign.

Clark brought up Houston’s comebacks against the Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers , spearheaded by the Ohio State product in 2023, saying they proved his readiness to deliver under pressure.

The First Take star also said that the Texans quarterback proved to be the perfect fit in offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s scheme with his ability to run play action and quick decision-making.

Stephen A., who picked Love to make the Super Bowl first, fired back, recalling Clark’s previous remarks about the challenge of maintaining a high level of play for quarterbacks after a breakout rookie year.

Smith said Clark often pointed out in the past that they typically find it harder to shine in the second year with NFL defenses having a whole season’s film of their game to study.

“Can I talk?” the retired safety interjected.

“Because right now, man, you’re really playing loosely with the truth.”

Stephen A. released a loud “what!?” in response to the accusation.

Clark then pointed out that they were talking about two quarterbacks with very similar NFL experience and so there’s a similar amount of film on both of them.

That’s because Love didn’t become the Packers starting QB until Aaron Rodgers ‘ departure before the 2023 season.

At the same time, he pointed out, there will be more film on both Love and Stroud now for NFL defenses to study.

“Let’s not act like we’ve seen four years of film from Jordan Love,” Clark said.

NFL important dates

August 1 - Hall of Fame Game - Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears

August 8 – Pre-season begins

August 27 – Deadline for 53-man rosters

September 1 – Final day of pre-season

September 5 – Season opener – Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs

November 5 – Trade deadline

January 5 – Week 18 of regular-season

January 11 – Playoffs begin

February 9 – Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana

“Let’s not act like we’ve seen Jordan Love be dominant for every single game he has started.”

Clark acknowledged that Love played at a similar level as the NFL’s top quarterbacks as well during the Packers’ spectacular second part of the 2023 campaign, though.

Smith finally conceded that Clark “got him.”

The ESPN star added, “My only comeback to what you just said is that [Stroud] does have to go through Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson [in the AFC].”

Love finished the 2023 season with 4,159 passing yards on 64.2% completion, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

Stroud had 4,108 passing yards on 63.9%, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions.