Donovan Smith Talks Mastery Of Level-Headed Play
November 23rd, 2018
The Buccaneers’ ironman left tackle says he gets “crap” for sometimes looking like he doesn’t care as much as others.
That’s in many ways by design, Donovan Smith explained this week on the Buccaneers Radio Network.
It was an intriguing take following being asked how he deals with the inevitable frustration of inconsistent play and team performance, such as scoring three points when the defense plays well and then scoring 35 points and losing the next week.
“Regardless of how many points you put up, or how pretty it may look on TV, there’s always ups and downs in a game, whether that be bad technique, missed assignments, or stuff like that,” Smith said.
Smith went on to say there’s often “a messup” somewhere on an offensive line that the general public doesn’t see and you can’t as a player dwell on it in any way, he believes. Just stay level-headed.
“That’s why, like, a lot of guys give me crap because I’m like nonchalant, zoned out, really don’t show too much emotion type of deal,” Smith said. “But you know, you just got to be able to maintain that, I guess you’d say ‘sanity.’ I got a temper; so my brothers and sisters will tell you. But you know I just found a way. I just sit there, just relax, never get too high, never get too low, and just keep rolling.”
Smith has become such a polarizing player among Bucs fans. He is the left tackle blocking for the NFL team with the most passing yards. That’s not a bizarre coincidence or freakish luck. He has all the pass-blocking talent he could want.
However, Smith, 25, has earned a reputation for not playing to the whistle on every snap. And it’s obvious that some ex-players think his on-field demeanor is a red flag.
One thing that is certain, Smith will be making a ton of money next year — here or elsewhere — after his rookie contract expires in a matter of weeks.
No snoozing on TAMPA TWO. Buccaneers legend Derrick Brooks brings the video juice to his preview of the Bucs-49ers game with Ira Kaufman. Plenty of other Bucs chatter, too. Brooks is lit!
TAMPA TWO is a twice-weekly production of The Identity Tampa Bay with JoeBucsFan.com, presented by Caldeco Air Conditioning & Heating.
November 23rd, 2018 at 10:08 am
I have grown weary of Donovan Smith, and just want him out of here.
I was previously in favor of signing him long term, but too often in my eyes he just looks like a big fat tub of lard who does not give a crock about what is going on around him.
I really thought that having his best friend Ali Marpet playing next to him would make a difference. But it has not.
Get rid of him.
November 23rd, 2018 at 10:09 am
Just this attitude: “I just sit there, just relax, never get too high, never get too low, and just keep rolling.” NEED TO GO!
NO FIRE. NO GRIT. NO P!SSED OFF.
That’s why you suck.
November 23rd, 2018 at 10:10 am
A healthier offensive version of GMC.
Let him walk. The guy really has no passion for the game.
November 23rd, 2018 at 10:11 am
Bring back Donald Penn.
November 23rd, 2018 at 10:13 am
Laremy Tunsil should be the Bucs starting LT
I said it in 2016
I say it now
November 23rd, 2018 at 10:19 am
Way to coach em up Dirk!
These guy are so full of motivation..
November 23rd, 2018 at 10:37 am
LTs go up against the best pass rushers in the league most of the time. Their main job is to keep their QB clean. Does Smith get beaten and made to look foolish sometime? Sure does.Get rid of him! Marpet sometimes get beat and rag dolled? Get rid of him! Aaron Donald gets put on his back sometimes? Get rid of him! Point is, this guy has played more snaps than probably anyone on this team. Almost unheard of for anyone his size with his responsibilities. He wears down like any mortal would.i don’t care if he tries to keep his cool, as long as he keeps the QB on his feet. Give the guy a break. Maybe someone can give up the stats on him versus other LT who people aren’t trying to get rid of? Who do we have waiting in the wings who is better at doing what he does? Our passing stats, for what they are worth, say that our entire line is doing better than OK at protecting the passer. That would include Smith. Lighten up.
November 23rd, 2018 at 10:38 am
There’s always bad techniques and missed assignments? Great attitude man. Unbelievable. Watch the patriots and see if they are always having bad techniques and missed assignments. This guy has been called out by former pros and analysts for loafing and giving inconsistent effort, he obviously doesn’t have the answers, but seems to think he does.
November 23rd, 2018 at 10:40 am
Please find more OL that believe imposing their will against the DLine every snap is their only motivation
Let the DB’s have the no memory attitude
The Oline should want to smash their opponent every play and nothing less
I see DSmith smashing sometimes and others just standing there watching
November 23rd, 2018 at 10:43 am
@Nprbuc — Definitely well stated arguments, man. You drive very good points. I would love to see Donovan prove my feelings right now as being wrong.
November 23rd, 2018 at 10:44 am
Have you guys ever heard of The Power of Now? Wisdom and quiet strength. This guy’s trying to say that he’s become humble and learned how to be a better person knowing he has a bad temper and not letting it get the best of him. Fieryness doesn’t always mean better, but quiet strength beats hot temper most of the time.
99.9% of people never learn The Power of Now in their lifetime. Especially in this world of hate, demand, and pride.
November 23rd, 2018 at 10:55 am
The last thing the Bucs need to do is give another underachiever like Smith a long term & expensive contract. Koetter proves he knows nothing about evaluating players when raves how good Smith is. Between Licht & Koetter no wonder we suck in the draft.
November 23rd, 2018 at 11:35 am
The lines will improve one “Bad Draftin, Crap FA Signing GM Jason Licht is canned.
November 23rd, 2018 at 12:52 pm
Let him go. He is an average lineman at best, money could be better spent.
November 23rd, 2018 at 1:47 pm
Two stud Tackles the Bucs should have drafted
Laremy Tunsil
Ryan Ramczyk
But the Bucs don’t place value on their O-Line
11 years without a playoff berth for a reason
November 23rd, 2018 at 5:21 pm
make him a guard and draft a left tackle in 1st round
November 23rd, 2018 at 6:39 pm
This guys sucks. And we paid him more money. Licht must go. He has failed.