Joe suspects that in the hoopla surrounding Josh Freeman and the Bucs’ first victory, it will be easy for the media and fans to forget about Clifton Smith.

The guy shook off his ugly concussion suffered against Carolina to return to the lineup today and flat out dominate in the return game, including busting an 83-yard kickoff return, another strong return and four punt returns for 54 yards.

His rookie quarterback was appreciative very early in his postgame interview on the Buccaneers Radio Network.

“It’s hard to say if we get this thing done without Clifton Smith, giving us great field position all game,” Freeman said on the Buccaneers Radio Network after the game.

Joe’s fired up about Smith. Great game.

And it’s comforting to know the Bucs have Sammie Strougther behind him on the returner depth chart. No doubt Stroughter could be a starter in that role on other NFL teams.