Donovan Smith Joins The Elite
December 8th, 2021
BY IRA KAUFMAN
@ikaufman76
Ira Kaufman’s work is presented by Bill Currie Ford, home of the nationwide lifetime warranty on new and used vehicles.
In his seventh NFL season, Donovan Smith is at the top of his game.
That game has been tantalizingly effective for long stretches, but then there would be a lapse that generated concern from Buc fans. Can we trust this guy to protect our quarterback’s blind side?
That question was magnified when Tampa Bay signed Tom Brady, who rarely strays from the safety of the pocket.
Smith’s durability has never been questioned. He has missed only two games since being installed at left tackle in 2015, despite a string of injuries along the way.
The issue surrounding Smith has always concerned his inconsistency. There were times he appeared sloppy and unfocused. For example, in a Week 9 debacle against the Saints last year, Trey Hendrickson had his way with Smith, registering two sacks and tormenting Brady off the right edge.
But when the postseason dawned, Smith was a critical component of a domineering offensive line. He didn’t allow a sack or commit a penalty in the championship drive and the Bucs rewarded him with a contract extension in March.
“I’m still young, I’m still learning,” Smith said when the new deal was announced . “I feel like that’s the biggest thing, because as you keep learning, the better you can get through the years. Once you feel like you’ve stopped learning or know it all, that’s when you become complacent and you’re just chilling.”
At the age of 28, Smith has ascended from the middle of the NFL’s left tackle pack to Top 5 status. He has worked diligently to improve his technique, allowing one sack in 2021 while being charged with only three holding calls. In eight of Tampa Bay’s 12 games, Smith has played 100 percent of the snaps.
What changed?
In pursuit of that answer, I turned to former Buc tight end Anthony Becht, a keen observer of NFL line play following an 11-year pro career. Becht’s response was both surprising and incisive.
“Right now, Donovan is up there with the best left tackles in the game,” he said. “I think the presence of Tristan Wirfs has been the difference maker for him. Donovan has had his lapses in the past, but seeing how polished Tristan has been right out of college pushed the envelope for everybody. This young kid has lifted everyone’s standard.”
Buc fans could care less about the process — all they know is Smith is playing at a very high level.
No team has thrown more passes than Tampa Bay and no team has yielded fewer sacks. That is one heck of an NFL exacta, a credit to the guys up front and the coaching staff. The Bucs have run the ball effectively for most of the season, yet only the Jets have fewer rushing attempts.
On average, Smith is in pass protection mode on two of every three snaps.
That’s a lot of wear and tear on a left tackle, taking on some of the league’s premier pass rushers ,but Smith has held up very well.
“With Wirfs being such a technician and getting a lot of love, it either motivates you as a teammate or causes you to go, why bother?” Becht says. “With a guy like Donovan Smith, everything’s there. Why wouldn’t you want to be great? What the Bucs are doing in terms of throwing the ball is phenomenal, given that Brady is standing in a 4×4 box. It’s high-level stuff on Brady’s part, but save some credit for Smith and that offensive line.”
The Bucs rank No. 1 in scoring offense and No. 2 in total offense through 12 games. Brady’s secure pocket has been the key and Smith is leading the way with a new-found focus.
“I’m still learning a lot.” Smith said back in March. “I just love it. I go out there and have fun with my guys, enjoy winning.”
It shows.
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December 8th, 2021 at 2:32 pm
There’s a lot to be said about Brady staying where he’s supposed to be. Stepping into the pocket vs scrambling for an OL is huge.
December 8th, 2021 at 3:08 pm
Gotta give him credit, and the entire O ine.
I’ve heard stories of QB’s really doing insane stuff for their O line off the feild. They owe TB just as much hear though. He makes them look even better.
December 8th, 2021 at 3:12 pm
DS has always had the physical tools to be great. He just needed the mentality of Greatness.
December 8th, 2021 at 3:30 pm
I remember him back in college, he was awesome then, and has only gotten better!
Of course, when Brady arrived he was happy because Brady gets rid of the ball much faster than Winston ever did.
December 8th, 2021 at 4:06 pm
He’s earned it either way.
December 8th, 2021 at 4:08 pm
Even when he was trying to hold his blocks for Jameis ,not knowing where in the world the QB was , Dirk and JL said he was grading out well !
Now look at him with a QB on the designed spot and throwing on time….
Gomer Pyle…ShaZammmmmmm !
December 8th, 2021 at 4:10 pm
There’s no doubt in my mind they could be a dominant run blocking unit as well, they just don’t run that much.
We saw it last year and we saw glimpses of it this year.
The fact that Brady leads the league in passing attempts and has been sacked the least is a real testament to the O line and him.
LFG
December 8th, 2021 at 4:13 pm
He rarely gets beat inside anymore, that used to be his weakness. I’m sure Brady told him to force his guy outside and I’ll have the ball out by the time he gets around you.
December 8th, 2021 at 4:20 pm
I agree with Becht. Donovan is one of the top LT in the game. The Bucs should do everything they can to keep this line together. They need to sign Cappa and Jensen.
December 8th, 2021 at 4:36 pm
I remember when the knuckle dragging mouth breathers around here wanted Smith to be benched or traded in favor of playing Caleb Benonoch or Goster Cherilus.
December 8th, 2021 at 4:38 pm
Donovan is yet another player who has improved under this coaching staff. If a player can’t make something of themselves learning from these guys/gals then that’s on them. I question the play calling on both sides of the ball sometimes, but I don’t question this coaching staff one bit when it comes to developing dudes. So fun to be a Bucs fan nowadays. 😛
December 8th, 2021 at 4:43 pm
So after already being a highly paid LT, he required extra motivation to get better?
Wirfs came in and showed him how to do it and he knew he was under the microscope with Brady being our QB.
Glad he’s playing better but I don’t care for his penchant for lack of focus and laziness.
I’d still rather see Wirfs as our LT.
December 8th, 2021 at 5:16 pm
Smith has improved greatly over the last 3 seasons. He is top level now.
December 8th, 2021 at 5:20 pm
If Trask gets to play behind this line there’s no way he can’t succeed
December 8th, 2021 at 5:36 pm
Oline continuity is important at any level of football. I think that is partly the reason Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet are so darn good.
December 8th, 2021 at 5:37 pm
Best line in the game!
December 8th, 2021 at 5:47 pm
I remember his draft night.
The draft announcers gushed about DSmith’s toolkit … size, speed, strength, arm length, hand size, smarts … he was the protoypical left tackle. But did he have the desire? I’m glad to see him develop.
December 8th, 2021 at 5:58 pm
Naw. I still don’t see it. Maybe because I just watch the Trent Williams special that was on the NFL network. Now that’s a top tackle
December 8th, 2021 at 8:29 pm
We need to get both of our backs going again
December 8th, 2021 at 9:13 pm
Lamarcus and doosh, a lot of rhetoric but tell me which other 8 to 10 left tackles you’d rather have? Remember, there are 32 of them. Bahktiari with Green Bay is always hurt. Williams has had his problems with injuries and other things. Tyron Smith is always hurt. Name the other elites. Or just be glad that we have our own. Every one of us posters can nitpick every player on the roster about something. But in the service of what exactly?
December 8th, 2021 at 9:49 pm
Irishmist Says:
He rarely gets beat inside anymore, that used to be his weakness.
Did you not see that nasty inside move he let of all people Steven means catch him with to make him get the holding penalty? He’s playing well thanks to Brady but he is not elite
December 8th, 2021 at 9:57 pm
GRRRRR THIS MAKES ME SO MAD!!! GRRRRR!!!! HE’S SOFT!!! GRRRR!!! HE NEEDS TO BE HARD, LIKE ME!!!! GRRRRR!!!!
December 8th, 2021 at 11:28 pm
Is this ball washing session almost over? Really Joe, you think it the lineman? They’re a C+ to C- line. Smith included. Brady gets rid of the ball faster than he ever has!! And when a defense decided to play two deep, he’s more than happy to hand off. It’s what the master taught him. Smith is a good lineman, that’s it. Don’t make it a ball washing. Do these guys pay you to spout this garbage?…..
December 8th, 2021 at 11:31 pm
When he faces quality pass rushers, he looks more like a D+ Jesus Christ, y’all have been losers for so long, y’all munch on anything and everything that supports your argument.
December 8th, 2021 at 11:48 pm
It is good to se D Smith being consistent.
Sorry Ben but you know it is a team Game. How did Brady do in the WFT game? Not that great, under pressure the quick pop gun version of TB12. Yes he gets the ball out quick most of time, but also one of leaders for deep passing also. So why don’t you send your masshole comments to Anthony Becht. He is actually a former player that does not give candy azz cheap compliments about different players. Try to enjoy your day Ben.
December 8th, 2021 at 11:48 pm
Who would we trust to know elite when they see it – experts. who are professionals at discerning caliber of players, including coaches, teammates and opponents, or a handful of idiots who fancy themselves as smarter than everyone else and post their twaddle here?
December 9th, 2021 at 1:33 am
@Swampbuc
I know who i trust! The couch commandos like doosh, crazybuc, and Ben Green and his “sources.”
They know so much that every team considers them too dangerous to hire. That leaves just us as their pupils as they teach master classes in “Believing Your Own Hype” and “Sniffing My Own Farts Made Me a Genius”
December 9th, 2021 at 1:57 am
big donnie is really doing great…
someone’s gotta say it…
he’s caught a lot of sh!t in the past from fans and media, but he’s become a pillar out there on the left this season…
#ToTheProBowlHeGoes
December 9th, 2021 at 2:00 am
also jameis caused people to look bad with all his unorthodox pocket shennanies…
when them magoo eyes got all bulgie, you knew sh!t was about to get crazy!…
and it always did
December 9th, 2021 at 2:12 am
The main thing he still needs to improve on is penalties. He’s averaged .5 penalties per game for his entire career and is at .58 so far this season.
December 9th, 2021 at 8:01 am
Not sure why guys want Wirfs as a left tackle and take D Smith out of the lineup.
Wirfs is all ready an all pro at right tackle (whether the NFL gives him that designation or not). Fans hope he will be as good as left tackle and then have to find a capable replacement at right tackle.
Why weaken your team?
We pass the most in a passing league and have given up the least sacks!
December 9th, 2021 at 10:10 am
@Sparky –
ROTFLMAO!
December 9th, 2021 at 12:18 pm
But but but but, he’s terrible… we should cut him… SMH. Same clowns that want Smith cut were the ones that demanded we sign Sherman.