Lovie Smith Takes The Torch For Lavonte David
September 4th, 2014
Joe knew this would happen. When Bucs stud linebacker Lavonte David shoved Geno Smith out of bounds in the final seconds of the gnawing loss to the Jets in New Jersey to start last season, and was flagged for a late hit setting up the Jets’ game-winning field goal, Joe just knew that would hound David for a long time.
The game was played in Gotham, the media capital of the world.
Want to make a name for yourself, good or bad? Do it under the klieglights of Gotham and you will be tagged for years, if not forever.
Sure enough, when former Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik hosted a SiriusXM NFL Radio show this past summer with Howard David, and Dominik mentioned David’s name as an elite linebacker, David cackled with glee, “You mean the guy who won the game for the Jets with a late hit?”
Yesterday, Bucs coach Lovie Smith didn’t mention that boneheaded play, but like Joe, Lovie is tired of folks outside the Tampa Bay area claiming to be football savants and never hearing about David — other than his infamous hit.
And Lovie’s about had enough as he took the stump for David and all but stated if someone claims they don’t know David, they just flat don’t know football.
“I don’t know why he hasn’t,” Lovie said about the lack of national love for David. “If you’re a linebacker guy and you’ve looked at the linebackers in the league then you should notice him and ask about number 54 down here. He can do it all that you ask an outside linebacker to do. He can guard tight ends, receivers; he’s an excellent zone coverage guy; he has good hands; if we wanted to make him be one of the better pass rushers as a linebacker, he can do that; he’s disciplined; do you want me to stop or keep coming? Just everything that you look for in a linebacker he has. [He’s] Team captain – it takes a lot to be voted team captain also. Did I tell you guys that I was out last year? When I was out last year, I got a chance to watch, you always look – I wanted to get a chance to really analyze the linebackers and Lavonte David was one that I just loved his game then and now I get a chance to see it daily. More people are taking notice to him, how can you not?”
Exactly, how could you not?
Joe remembers on Twitter this past winter some idiot Browns fan got into a huff when one of his linebackers was snubbed for an award in favor of David. Said Browns buffoon, “Who the hell is Lavonte David?” That guy and the Browns deserve each other.
The best way for David to get NFL street cred and have people to forget about his now infamous play in New Jersey? Simple. The Bucs put together a winning season. Then David won’t be playing in the shadows of not just others, but his own toe-stubbing.
To hear more of Lovie, click the red button below. Audio courtesy of Joe’s friends at WDAE-AM 620.
September 4th, 2014 at 10:57 am
Good thing we traded up to get him. He’s a stud and the next Brooks. Lovie coached them both, Joe you ever ask him to compare the two?
September 4th, 2014 at 11:17 am
Jon…Brooks has compared himself and said….David as of last year…is/was ahead of #55 at the same point in their careers
September 4th, 2014 at 11:33 am
“do you want me to stop or keep coming?”
LOVE IT. Gets me even more fired up for Sunday. Its easy to see why players love playing for him. Let’s hope that carries over onto the field.
Great post, Joe.
September 4th, 2014 at 11:39 am
I don’t remember trading up to get David. We traded up to get Doug Martin the round before.
September 4th, 2014 at 11:46 am
then we traded back into the second to grab David I believe
September 4th, 2014 at 11:56 am
You’re right.We gave up a 4th round pick we swapped with Denver when we moved up for Martin. Great draft. The only difference is I was yelling for Luke instead of Barron at 7. Feel like LK is somewhat overrated but would have been a better pic than Barron.
September 4th, 2014 at 1:01 pm
Would not be surprised at all if he wins Defensive Player of the Year
September 4th, 2014 at 1:41 pm
Lol at anyone who says Kuechly is better than Lavonte. Shows you how little they know about football but how much they know about buying into the ESPN hype machine.
September 4th, 2014 at 1:42 pm
great post Joe….
I don’y generally pick players out of college well but I remember a game or two LVD played in (college) and I couldn’t believe how he appeared to be everywhere. I told my son that day how I’d love the Bucs to get that guy. My jaw dropped when we ended up getting him. I thought for sure he’d go early in the second round, worse case. He kind of got the same knocks we heard about Brooks coming out of college (being small), right? Good for us.
September 4th, 2014 at 2:23 pm
We’ve finally got some football ready to start in 5 hours. Hell yes!!!!
September 4th, 2014 at 4:26 pm
Don’t get me wrong, I respect the heck out of 55, but David will be as good and from all signs even better than 55. 54 is well on his way to being a legend of the game.
September 4th, 2014 at 4:55 pm
Get fired up Lovie!
September 4th, 2014 at 5:15 pm
I’ll be at the game proudly wearing my LVD jersey! Hope to see one of these Bucs become DPOY!