Pulling Positives
August 18th, 2015
Donovan Smith reacts to his first game and his first play, which resulted in a sack.
The crazy stats nerds screamed left and right last year about how left tackle Anthony Collins was a superstar-in-waiting because their spreadsheets claimed he didn’t give up a sack in 2013.
What the hell good was that worth?
These same data nerds tried to convince Joe that Donald Penn was a waste of space because Robert Quinn beat him a few times and Penn’s numbers looked bad.
It turned out these folks were peddling snake oil.
And it’s also one reason Joe isn’t freaking out because Everson Griffin — a double-digit sack guy last season — embarrassed and beat rookie left tackle Donovan Smith on Smith’s first play from scrimmage on Saturday night.
Monday, Joe asked Smith about his beating and what positives he pulled from his first game.
“Being a pro. Playing in the league. It’s a different experience and a valuable one. You prepare for it, but you can prepare better once you get a taste of it and study it,” Smith said.
Smith said he was most proud of himself for “bouncing back,” delivering “solid” play and his “pass sets were pretty good.”
Every great left tackle must shrug off getting beaten and move on to the next play. It’s key to the position.
It’s better to block your man, of course, but Joe will accept baby steps from the rookie linemen and hope they learn from their mistakes quickly.
August 18th, 2015 at 5:49 am
Glad he understands, a left tackle who can’t pass block is the easiest way to have a quarterback end up on IR.
August 18th, 2015 at 5:56 am
Let’s see. Rookie – first NFL game – playing what’s arguably the most important (and toughest) position on the OLine – facing a double digit All Pro sackmaster. What could possibly go wrong?
Thought that Donovan Smith did an excellent job for his first start in the NFL, under very trying circumstances. We’ve got a pair of keepers in he and Ali Marpet.
August 18th, 2015 at 6:16 am
Sounds like he knows what to do.
He’ll be fine
August 18th, 2015 at 6:16 am
He should be playing behind Donald Penn right now.
August 18th, 2015 at 6:39 am
In 2013 Donald Penn, out of all Tackles, gave up the second most sacks!!! While Collins is horrible, Penn was not the answer as well. In fact, if you talk to people in the know, the Raiders want to upgrade the position because they have to constantly send help to Penn’s side. But with his cheap salary they are going to try to squeeze this year out of him!!!
August 18th, 2015 at 7:49 am
I don’t what was, I care what is now. Mr Smith was beaten by an All Pro on his first play in his first game as a pro football player and then, I don’t believe he was ever beaten again. I had the pleasure of watching Mr Marpet do his thing in the same circumstances and he preformed also in a good way.
They will make mistakes as rookies and as All Pros, because we all do, but they will be fine. Just like the defense, when they gel, we will have something as long as Lovie doesn’t play favorites like he did with Mr McCown last year.
Look at the LBers we have, who would of thought that they could be the best we ever had as a group.
The next game can’t come fast enough for me.
August 18th, 2015 at 7:52 am
I’d bet if he had to practice against Adrian Clayborne….he would have been much more ready…..Clayborne would have provided the much needed challenge….don’t you agree Realist?
August 18th, 2015 at 8:11 am
@tampabaybucfan
I do wish he was still here! It would build Gosder Cherilus confidence to pancake Adrian Slowborn repeatedly in practice while he gets used to the heat!!!
And kudos to you sir! Most around here won’t say his name anymore. Its like he went from “Beast” to never existed!!!!
like when Joe was on the radio 2 weeks ago and they were comparing the guys that played with McCoy and Suh. And they were agreeing that Suh was playing with really good players and 1st rounders , but McCoy never has?????
August 18th, 2015 at 8:18 am
There is something to be said about practice competition…..I’m not sure we have anyone who has a spin move as good as Griffin’s…..
August 18th, 2015 at 8:21 am
We do have plenty of undersized d-line that will do a 2 step bull rush then will not be able to get off their blocks!!!!!
But they have great “get-off”!!!!!
August 18th, 2015 at 8:59 am
it’s a tough job. protect your QB well 95% of the time and he’s still getting sacked once every 20 dropbacks. these preseason reps will be invaluable
August 18th, 2015 at 10:22 am
OB Says:
August 18th, 2015 at 7:49 am
Look at the LBers we have, who would of thought that they could be the best we ever had as a group.
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Um – the linebackers (Brooks, Nickerson & Quarles)from the 1999 team that played in the NFC Championship might just have something to say about that claim…..
August 18th, 2015 at 11:46 am
Pickgrin
I said they could be not that they are.
August 18th, 2015 at 12:59 pm
Fair enough OB. I agree that as a group – David, Carter, Lansanah and Alexander represent a lot of talent for 1 position that starts 3 players. Orie Lemon showed last year that he belongs in the NFL as well.
August 18th, 2015 at 1:44 pm
Joe against the world. most times its the fans, but! today its the Stats Geeks