Striving For Perfection
December 16th, 2021
Left tackle Donovan Smith
Joe guesses you could call the Bucs’ offensive line is a bunch of nitpickers.
The Bucs have the best offensive line in the game. That’s all there is to it. And it is sometimes sick to watch how often — and how long — Tom Brady sits in the pocket with time to watch plays develop and choose the best target.
But even in a game where Brady may get hit once all day, that’s not good enough for the Bucs’ offensive line. They get peeved because they are looking and working for that perfect game where Brady doesn’t even feel one pressure.
Yesterday, Bucs left tackle Donovan Smith discussed the mindset of Brady’s wall of protectors.
“Each week, we strive to be perfect,” Smith said. “We can go out there and you all can say we had the greatest game ever but we’re still going to come back and find something to be better at.
“We try not to be complacent and that’s just one way we can take our game to the next level by continuing to be better and never be comfortable on where you’re at. Knowing that you can keep growing and keep learning new things.”
Smith is playing like he belongs in the Pro Bowl. But, year after year there is a worthy Bucs player or two who doesn’t make it to the Pro Bowl. So Joe, sadly, would not be shocked if Smith is not named to the Pro Bowl.
But Joe doesn’t want to see one Bucs player at the Pro Bowl in Las Vegas this winter. Because that would mean they are preparing to play in the Super Bowl.
December 16th, 2021 at 9:08 am
Smith has really stepped up his game and is playing like a Pro Bowler. The O-line is awesome and one reason Brady is likely to return next year.
December 16th, 2021 at 9:09 am
I can remember a time when the O Line was a big liability.
Now, it is a strength!
Brady is the least bothered QB in the league
December 16th, 2021 at 9:18 am
I think Vince Lombardi once said something like “if you strive for perfection, you cannot get there, but you can get excellence”.
December 16th, 2021 at 9:41 am
On the game winning pass to Perriman the time from snap to release was 3.7 seconds(which is an eternity) and could have been over 4 if necessary. The legendary golfer Gary Player was quoted as saying ” The harder I practice , the luckier I get”. Truer words were never spoken.
December 16th, 2021 at 9:53 am
He changed his blocking styl to help TB12 & make it easier on himself……
Now, he forces the pass rusher to the outside on every pass play and makes the DE take the long, looping way around to the QB so TB12 can step up into the pocket and throw. Do, Smith’s #1 job is not letting the pass rusher beat him inside
December 16th, 2021 at 9:54 am
76, that’s a great quote. And it happens to be the embodiment of our quarterback too.
December 16th, 2021 at 10:04 am
So I hate to be a wet blanket around here. But Joe did you see the news that Vincent Jackson had Stage 2 CTE?
December 16th, 2021 at 10:54 am
Lunchmeat, a great Lombardi quote, kudos for bring that to the discussion. Perfection is unattainable, but striving for it will win you a lot of football. Donovan Smith has constantly, measurably improved each season, and the Bucs have themselves a hellion at left tackle. This guy has really turned it around. Good job D.Smith
Go Bucs!
December 16th, 2021 at 11:13 am
It’s clear to see the growth curve in Donovan’s career here. He’s worked hard and improved significantly to Pro Bowl level.
So here is an exciting question guys. What if Donovan hasn’t reached his peak yet? Wow!
December 16th, 2021 at 1:19 pm
Donovan Smith has proven himself and I’m proud of him. He could have mailed it in early in his career and decided to be just barely above average. He would remain employed in the NFL. He chose to work harder and become better. Time will tell if he will be great but if he continues on this path, he will. Gone are the days when it appeared D Smith took plays off. He has hit the next level and he 100% belongs in the Pro Bowl and that’s not just an opinion.
December 16th, 2021 at 1:45 pm
I’ve been critical of Smith’s play in the past but he has really stepped up his play/hustle since 2nd half of last season. Case in point his block 20 yards downfield putting Poyer on his rear enabling Fournette to run 47 yds for the score. Not many lineman on the backside of a play exhibit that kind of hustle.
December 16th, 2021 at 2:46 pm
The Bulkheads!
December 16th, 2021 at 3:25 pm
I meant The Bulwarks!
December 16th, 2021 at 7:13 pm
4 more games, 4 more wins, finish 14-3 win NFC and either NFC Championship in Lambeau or if Packers lose a game #1 seed!
#gobucs