Big Day For Donovan Smith
September 24th, 2017
Up to challenge?
Joe has a hunch the Bucs will be passing a lot today. So the following is a key matchup.
It will be much-maligned left tackle Donovan Smith vs. Vikings right defensive end Everson Griffen.
The way some Bucs fans howl about Smith, you’d think he was worse than the notorious Anthony Collins. But when Smith faces elite defensive linemen, Smith usually shows up big time.
It happens every Sunday and Joe has learned to ignore the cries. Joe’s Twitter is full of people wigging out about Smith, who has yet to miss an NFL snap. Joe must keep reminding himself that many of the same folks who want Smith released before a game is over are the same vocal gang who wanted Donald Penn run out of town. How’d that work out?
The databank “STATS, Inc.” has Smith listed as having only allowed six sacks through 33 games, five his rookie season, none last year and one last week against the Bears. If that is accurate (and last year’s data sure isn’t) that’s a sack every 5.5 games. Not sure how that is all of a sudden the end of the football world.
Griffen could get stonewalled by Smith today and Joe is confident the pleas for the Bucs to unload Smith would still be in double-digits.
September 24th, 2017 at 9:07 am
That’s a fly in the ointment of D. Smith haters.
Though, for someone who always states stats people are usually wrong, you sure do use them a lot.
September 24th, 2017 at 9:13 am
Joe never wrote that.
It depends on the source. STATS, Inc. has been around for decades and is the main data source of Major League Baseball, so Joe gives these guys credibility.
Clowns in college dorm rooms in Dublin “grading” offensive lines based on broadcast tape with zero knowledge of line calls or responsibilities is a whole other story.
September 24th, 2017 at 9:14 am
Last year DS76 was the second most penalized player in the NFL!!!!!!! Word on the street is that they were really working on that this year to improve!!!!! While he gave up a sack on some pressure last game, his hands were clean for most of the game!!!!!! And at this point in his development, we will take that!!!!! Just as long as JW3 does not get injured!!!!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 24th, 2017 at 9:21 am
Worked out great!
The Bucs released Penn, got a young serviceable Tackle as his replacement.
Penn picked himself off the mat – and ressurrected his career.
Is playing for the his home state – with a team he grew-up cheering as a child.
No harm No Foul
September 24th, 2017 at 9:27 am
No ones hating on the kid
Just stating the obvious.
Is the kid a serviceable tackle? Yes!
Is he playing at an elite level? No!
September 24th, 2017 at 9:30 am
LUV:
Not sure anyone has written Donovan Smith is elite. Don’t recall anyone ever suggesting Donovan Smith is elite. In fact, no one on the Bucs offensive line is elite. Doesn’t mean they are garbage.
September 24th, 2017 at 9:40 am
Joe
I don’t recall me ever calling Donovan garbage either.
I said serviceable.
September 24th, 2017 at 9:56 am
We both can agree Donovan’s definetly gonna need help in this game.
Especially since Everson Griffin is the base DE in the Wide-9
I’m sure Koetter will run the ball early to wear their line down.
Maybe a few misdirections or End arounds with either OJ or Godwin.
September 24th, 2017 at 10:03 am
Clowns in college dorm rooms though are qualified to rate Gerald McCoy as great but their not qualified to judge the offensive lines and Donavan Smith. Got it.
September 24th, 2017 at 10:06 am
I hope I get the chance to watch the game. If the bucs take a knee I am done with it all. I am a Marine and I will take it as a personal insult of disrespect. The NFL is a plave of employment not a personal platform of players political views.
TIM
September 24th, 2017 at 10:14 am
LUV!!!! What’s good my man!!
September 24th, 2017 at 10:16 am
Smith should be a guard
September 24th, 2017 at 10:27 am
I have seen far worse tackles in Tampa than Donovan Smith.
September 24th, 2017 at 10:46 am
D Smith is average at best.
September 24th, 2017 at 11:52 am
Tim Clark-
You will not be alone. I too will be done with them.
Thank you for your service.
God bless youvand keep you safe
Heroes wear uniforms.
And they arent NFL uniforms