How To Take Koetter’s Words On Donovan Smith
September 7th, 2018
Update.
Joe isn’t sure what this means.
Joe has sensed a slight change in the demeanor of Bucs coach Dirk Koetter. He seems more guarded. Maybe a tad bit more impatient. Joe could be way offbase; it’s just an observation.
So after practice today, Greg Auman of The Athletic recorded Koetter’s words about how left tackle Donovan Smith is progressing trying to get in game condition after suffering a strained right knee in training camp.
@gregauman Koetter said left tackle Donovan Smith had a “fantastic” week of practice coming back from a knee injury. Hasn’t missed a start in his first three NFL seasons.
Joe isn’t sure how to take that. Does it mean that Smith could start Sunday at New Orleans? Or is this some gamesmanship to try to throw off Sean Payton and the Saints into thinking Smith may start?
If Koetter isn’t trying to play mind games with Payton, it sure would be nice if Smith can start.
September 7th, 2018 at 1:25 pm
He’s saying he will play. He practiced, he plays…
September 7th, 2018 at 1:34 pm
How do mind games help with an offensive linemen? They going to practice a two man defensive front if they think he’s out?
September 7th, 2018 at 1:36 pm
I think you’re reaching on this one Joe.
Pretty obvious Donavan is playing Sunday.
September 7th, 2018 at 1:43 pm
Almost every report has said he will play Sunday.
Iron Man is important to him as the game is.
If he plays, he starts.
He looks “Fantastic” sounds pretty cut and dry IMO
I do truly hope there is something they are holding back though.
Run the mis-direction play to OJ 1st play of the game Please!
September 7th, 2018 at 2:07 pm
Good news to hear!
A team like the G-Men would LOVE to have a LT like Smith on their squad.
Keep the streak (and our QBs) alive!
September 7th, 2018 at 2:09 pm
Is Donovan at 70 percent better than Liedtke at 100?
Side note does anyone live in Orange County and want to get together for the game on Sunday?
September 7th, 2018 at 2:27 pm
Falcons starting Safety Keanu Neal tore his ACL and is out for the year.
The Bucs were very fortunate Donavan only had a sprain.
September 7th, 2018 at 2:29 pm
All I care about is Smith is back and healthy and ready to play by the time Jameis is ready to go. If that means Fitz gets killed… well, so be it.
September 7th, 2018 at 2:34 pm
JOE,
I see you still haven’t got over the Sweezy debacle. Let me put your mind at ease: DONOVAN SMITH is no JR SWEEZY! Smith is has been an iron man at the pro level and hasn’t missed a start yet!
September 7th, 2018 at 2:36 pm
Mind games are awesome and Dirk is a master, like why he won’t divulge who is calling the plays Sunday. Sean Payton must be shaking and losing sleep at night over it. Oh Dirk, such a trickster. Eyes rolling.
September 7th, 2018 at 2:52 pm
When has Joe compared Donovan Smith to Sweezy? Joe has pointed out for years how Smith has never missed a start. You must be confusing Joe with a lesser website.
September 7th, 2018 at 2:53 pm
I can’t wait to see Marcus Davenport in action. He was tough to evaluate in college.
September 7th, 2018 at 2:55 pm
lets see this “offensive guru” work his magic!!!!!!….
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
September 7th, 2018 at 3:03 pm
Sean Payton’s game plan is not hinging on whether D. Smith plays. There’s almost too many ways to skin the cat on this one. Let’s see.
September 7th, 2018 at 3:10 pm
Stupid to think Peyton or the saints give a rip about a half decent, half injured tackle
September 7th, 2018 at 3:16 pm
Yeah Mike Smith is just half decent SMMFH
September 7th, 2018 at 3:16 pm
What is here to be confused about?
September 7th, 2018 at 3:22 pm
Brent Grimes is listed as doubtful for the opener???
September 7th, 2018 at 3:31 pm
great….now grimes is doubtful……oh boy….
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
September 7th, 2018 at 3:31 pm
What is going on with Grimes?
September 7th, 2018 at 3:38 pm
I’m a fairly positive fan, but I think Grimes is probably done. When he participated at camp it sounds like he was not doing very well.
September 7th, 2018 at 4:19 pm
Canadian
its his groin…..he’s listed as doubtful…..say its a slim chance he plays sunday….NFL.network and bspn
which means if he does, brees will go right at him to test that groin…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
September 7th, 2018 at 4:48 pm
813bucboi, not sure how that’s going to work, since D Smith is an offensive tackle.
September 7th, 2018 at 4:57 pm
psl
what are you talking about?…….
Canadian and I are talking about brent grimes
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
September 7th, 2018 at 5:09 pm
My bad. My mind’s still on Donavan, which is what the post was about. I agree, Brees will certainly challenge Grimes’ replacement. We’ve got to have a good running game to eat up clock time and keep the offense on the field as much as possible.
September 7th, 2018 at 11:36 pm
For as much as I prefer your product to other sources, I’m often surprised at how out of the loop you guys are sometimes.
Might be helpful if you looped Joe in on what you’re talking about. Joe’ really not out of the loop and would be happy to defend that. In fact, Joe is far more in the loop than you might realize.–Joe