Donald Penn Is Oozing Confidence
November 26th, 2010
The big guy with the big contract may be getting a big head.
Maybe he deserves it.
Tom Balog, of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, penned a strong feature on Donald Penn in which Penn talks about being not always getting his due around the league. Balog has others chime in, too. Good stuff.
Penn critiques the other left tackles in the league, and comes away convinced that he’s better than most.
“It bothers me sometimes,” Penn said. “I watch film on everybody. Some of these guys, it’s like, ‘Are you serious?’ I have my bad plays, too, though. I can’t talk. Their bad plays outnumber mine.
“I never had respect in this league as a left tackle and I love playing like that,” Penn said.
Penn, 27, will get his chance to earn league-wide acclaim Sunday in Baltimore, blocking Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, one of the league’s premier pass rushers.
“Terrell Suggs is a great player. He’s one of those guys that tries to intimidate you and stuff. I like playing against those guys,” Penn said. “That stuff is all show. You find out who the men are when you line up.”
Joe loves Penn. If you’ve got time to kill, here’s Joe’s chat with him about a month ago.
Joe thinks it can only be a huge positive for all the young Bucs to see Penn’s hard work, success and fat contract. Something to strive for. The guy’s made 53 consecutive starts right now, Joe believes.
Crazy as it sounds, if Penn does make the Pro Bowl at 27 this year, could he get on a Hall of Fame path?
November 26th, 2010 at 11:02 am
GOOD for him! That entire team should be OOOOZZZZZZING it as well… The entire Tampa Bay area should be if they were smart…
November 26th, 2010 at 11:17 am
Crazy as it sounds, if Penn does make the Pro Bowl at 27 this year, could he get on a Hall of Fame path? – Joe
Playing on a team with Freeman will only help Penn. It’s hard to be noticed as a great O-lineman on a bad team. Dominic Raiola is about the only guy I can recall, who got recognition even though he played for the crappy Lions. It’s probably the reason Penn hasn’t gotten his due yet. That and the fact that he was an undrafted free agent.
November 26th, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Hall of Fame?? lets not get crazy. there are plenty of guys who have had very successful careers, and been to multiple Pro Bowls, and not been anywhere near worthy of the HOF. take it down a notch Joe.
November 26th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
that being said, i do love Donald Penn and what he brings to this team. he is undoubtedly an important part of what the Bucs are able to do on offense, both in the passing game and the running game. but that doesn’t mean he’s Orlando Pace
November 26th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
If Penn keeps playing well against premier rushers like Suggs this weekend, he will start getting the respect of the players in the league and thats all that really matters. Good luck Penn, we will need you on Sunday.
November 26th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
He is definately playing at pro bowl level, as has been dominating alot this season. I really expect him to get probowl nods this year!
November 26th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
the bucs are going to have to win a playoff game to get any players noticed nationally. the pro bowl is an absolute joke anyway. letting casual fans decide who goes is a problem, especially in regards to o-linemen.
November 26th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
he needs a fear the beard type nickname……..the blocking blindside beardsman………if he gives up a sack he should be the blocking bearded ballsack……and if he blocks like an all-pro we call him the blocking bearded boheamith…….or what about just “penndogg”….he’s got some dog in him
November 26th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
beard and doo-rag = clownface
November 26th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
but as neon deon says: “MAN-PAID”…..HE IS NOW PAID LIKE JOSHUA CRIBBS
November 26th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
SORRY JOE, IM JUST WACKED OUT ON TRYPTOPHAN AND BAFFLED AT THE FACT THAT YOU ARE FLIPPING MARSHALLS & TJ MAXX JERSEYS ON YOUR SITE
November 26th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Glad to see him get the big contract and still have the drive to be the best
November 26th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
I think he’s doin’ a solid job. he showed great athleticism by catching the TD pass last week that could have been thrown better. My only main concern is his weight. he’s a big boy and I get that. But he might be sporting a few lbs too many that could hamper his play off the snap.
November 26th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
I hope he backs it up on the field Sunday getting in a pissing contest with Ray Ray and the guys should be the last thing any O-lineman should be doing. Never mind suggs what about Ngata and that D-line save all the energy you have trying to stop this bullrush comming in Babylon Sunday sharpen up the swords and slay some vultures
November 27th, 2010 at 7:48 am
Has Tampa ever had a left tackle go to the Pro Bowl? I don’t ever remember that happening before. If Penn goes to the ProBowl a couple of times, that Contract he signed is gonna look like a bargain deal for the Bucs!