Best Feet Award
October 30th, 2021
Double endorsement
No, this is not a post about Rex Ryan.
Buccaneers outside linebackers coach Larry Foote has done a heck of a job since arriving in Tampa with Bucco Bruce Arians. The former 13-year NFL linebacker for the Steelers, Lions and Cardinals has seen a ton of football and did not hesitate this week when asked to review the Bucs’ offensive line.
Foote went right for the edges.
“In my opinion, that’s the best duo set of tackles in the league,” Foote told the Buccaneers Radio Network. “All throughout training camp, they improve our game, our skills. They’re different. As far as Tristan [Wirfs], he’s more of shut you out, lock you down. [Donovan Smith’s] got better feet than Tristan a little bit. So that works out for us in our favor. We get better in training camp. When Week 1 come by, we’re not going to face a better group of tackles.”
Joe has no doubt that set of tackles is a big reason Tom Brady was so quick to extend his Bucs contract. The best way to chase Brady from Tampa would be to have a shaky offensive line.
As for the second best set of NFL tackles, Foote gives that honor to the Bucs’ Sunday opponent. Saints left tackle Terron Armstead is a three-time Pro Bower and Ryan Ramczyk has pulled down All-Pro honors.
Joe’s looking forward to the usual Bucs-Saints brawl in the trenches.
As for Smith’s stellar feet and play, this week guard Ali Marpet was asked about this possibly being Smith’s best season. Marpet quickly and almost sarcastically replied that Smith has been balling since 2015 and it’s nice that people are finally noticing.
October 30th, 2021 at 6:18 am
He gots them good feet.
October 30th, 2021 at 6:21 am
A lot of people owe Donovan Smith an apology. Probably myself included.
Brady definitely elevated everyone’s game, and maybe having a family matured him, but either way he’s a stud and deserves recognition.
October 30th, 2021 at 7:24 am
D smith is showing that he is a pretty darn good tackle. IMO,once the braintrust stopped tinkering with Marpets position and paired Smith and Marpet together,
that side of line issues were solved.
October 30th, 2021 at 7:51 am
Donovan always had the skill, he just lacked consistency. Plus having a QB who gets rid of the ball quickly helps alot.
October 30th, 2021 at 8:06 am
Let’s put it this way, TB12’s offense is put up or shut up. If Smith didn’t perform his bags would be packed. Hill is out this will limit Peytons trick play options. It appears it’s now a standoff, Brady versus Winston the match yall been waiting on. Go Bucs put up 30+.
October 30th, 2021 at 8:34 am
Statement game for our dancing bears, and interior trench players. This is the chance we’ve all been waiting for, and I believe these dudes are going to be so focused tomorrow that we are going to impose our will and win the game. It’s just different with this group. We have a leader, a direction, and a whole helluva lot of talent.
October 30th, 2021 at 8:36 am
We respect the Saints, but don’t fear them, and I believe our team will be so determined that it will break their will. Go Bucs!
Super Dome is going to be lit tomorrow.
October 30th, 2021 at 8:36 am
Remember when the knuckle-dragging mouth breathers wanted to let go of Donovan Smith and have Caleb Benenoch take his place? I do.
October 30th, 2021 at 8:48 am
Do you remember how Durable Donnie was playing back then D-Rome?
Never thought Benenoch was the answer, but DS was terrible.
Go watch some game tape from back then.
October 30th, 2021 at 9:05 am
2020 Presnap Penalties:
tied for 2nd in NFL – Shaq & Suh with 7 each
far down the list – JPP with 4
Oline players on other teams presnap penalties:
Wilis, CLE lead the NFL w 8
Pryor, Phi had 6
Humphries, ARZ had 6
Becton, Jets had 6
O’Neill, MIN had 5
Decker, Detroit had 5
11 more Oline players had more than Durable
Durable – 3 presnap penalties for all of ’20
I don’t get the critiscm directed to someone who plays against the BEST EDGE players in the league and is available every game. Especially when we have two DL who are tied for 2nd in entire NFL for this supposedly sinful penalty but no one ever complains about them?!
People should appreciate what you have instead of always finding fault.
October 30th, 2021 at 9:13 am
That’s more pre snap penalties than the rest of our starting OL combined.
October 30th, 2021 at 9:22 am
As of today, old DD is in the top 10.
……..for total penalties for an O lineman.
Way to go Donnie!
You’re at #7 right now and I know you can and will climb the list.
October 30th, 2021 at 9:44 am
I think Gronk has the best feet…ever see him dance? LOL.
October 30th, 2021 at 10:15 am
So Harry,
3 false starts all of last year.
Yet, 3 false starts so far this year and on pace for what? 8?
A highly paid VETERAN is not supposed to make those mistakes. That’s why he’s highly paid right?
He needs to be great at his position CONSISTENTLY and he’s not.
He goes up against top DEs …… blah, blah, blah…..
Who did Wirfs go against last week?
Hmmmm….
October 30th, 2021 at 10:37 am
I have been reading that New Orleans is trying to get the services of Russell Wilson!
It seems Shawn Peyton is not sold on Jameis Winston.
In fact, the Saints are at the bottom of the league in Pass attempts, where under Brees they led the league.
Russell Wilson is not happy in Seattle, and Pete Carroll and him have butted heads plenty of time.
Seattle is out of it this year, and must rebuild. Wilson is not getting any younger, and wants to play for a contender.
October 30th, 2021 at 11:42 am
But, who would know more, Foote and Marpet or the stooges here that repeat the mildewed narrative that Smith is lazy and slow?
That said, look out for Damario Davis. I expect him to do the Bucs what Devin White did to the Saints last year in the playoffs.
October 30th, 2021 at 11:59 am
Wilson would cost Saints $50mm. Not sure if that is the best move for a team that was up against the cap this year. Carolina is looking at Watson, I think Donald would be a great pick up for Saints. Oh, Pete Carrol will be gone before Wilson, rumor has it he’s worn out his welcome. Same with Belichick, if he misses the playoffs this year he to maybe put out to pasture.
October 30th, 2021 at 11:59 am
The Saints with Russell Wilson would suck for us.
He’s been carrying the Seahawks for years now. That team is garbage without him and the Saints would be very dangerous.
I hope that doesn’t happen.
October 30th, 2021 at 1:21 pm
@Senor Harry in Costa Rica
D. Smith averages one penalty per every 2 games, for his career! If he can just sort that out, I’d have zero complaints. As for the D-Line offside/encroachment penalties, Bruce was quoted saying he gives them one freebie per game because he doesn’t want fear of penalties to slow them down.
October 30th, 2021 at 8:18 pm
Donovan at this point has outplayed his draft position, but he hasn’t always been as good as he is now. I’m thrilled that he has finally gained more consistency, but I still vividly remember his couple of bad games every year until just recently. I wonder if we’ll be able to afford him after his contract is up?
October 31st, 2021 at 10:13 am
TB12 is all donovan needed to take him to the next level …. great for us.