Evan Smith Makes Bid To Start
August 10th, 2018
No time to relax in bid to start
With Caleb Benenoch getting a shot to win or lose the starting right guard position, and rookie Alex Cappa also getting plenty of work there in training camp, it seems many (including Joe) seemed to forget that veteran offensive lineman Evan Smith is still on the roster.
And with Benenoch dinged up — though he played last night — it was Smith who started at right guard.
And the offense surprised a lot of folks the way the Bucs started fast. The passes were crisp and the running sound. And the blocking, at least for the time being, may have paused the hecklers for a couple days.
So last night after the game, Joe asked Smith if he thinks he locked up a starting gig.
Let’s be honest, the starters likely will only play in two more preseason games. Last year, Bucs coach Dirk Koetter virtually held out the entire starting lineup in the fourth and final preseason game.
Smith wasn’t ready to beat his chest he won a starting job.
“I go where they tell me to go,” Smith said. “We were down a few guys and they pretty much told me to go in at right guard. That’s pretty much the job I have been doing anyway. I can plug-and-play on the inside.
“I go where they tell me to go and pretty much try to do my job.”
Smith did his job last night. In fact, there was a play where running back Payton Barber smashed into Smith when Smith turned to his right to lay out a block on a linebacker. But Smith was some six yards past the line of scrimmage.
If a guard is six yards past the line of scrimmage on a run play, it is a pretty safe bet he took out a defensive lineman.
August 10th, 2018 at 9:05 am
Barber smashed into the front of Smith… not sure why he was turned around because the goal is the other way. In any case, he is great depth and I am glad we signed him, I would feel comfortable with him starting but he’s versatile. That’s another Licth Free agent that’s sticking around
August 10th, 2018 at 9:22 am
i don’t think he starts but also don’t think it’s bad if he does start … i mean it was obvious that he should’ve started over sweezy last season
August 10th, 2018 at 9:25 am
EDS used to be on Joe’s $hit list….along with other JBF posters……he changed his attitude and is a solid backup….not a starter IMO.
August 10th, 2018 at 9:29 am
Not sure why this guy isn’t starting anyways. Our coaching staff is awful. Oh — our training and medical staff is even worse. When will the masses wake up to the real problem?
August 10th, 2018 at 9:31 am
I wonder where most minds would be heading if there were a caption contest for that photo of Smith.
August 10th, 2018 at 9:36 am
He looked good out there. I expect that play from a vet.
Let’s talk about #60. He was a “who’s that guy?” and played well given the situation at RT. I also enjoyed OJ’s blocking.
August 10th, 2018 at 10:45 am
oline played good….good job warhop!!!!!
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!…GO BUCS!!!
August 10th, 2018 at 3:12 pm
This picture always makes me think that Evan Smith is doing some sort of shampoo commercial where he is majestically coming out of a pool or something lol