Donovan Smith Weighs In On Tom Brady And Ryan Jensen Return, Alex Cappa Loss
March 14th, 2022
The ironman of the Buccaneers’ offensive line, the longest tenured O-lineman now that Alex Cappa will join the Bengals, was asked to talk today about all the fun and change happening at One Buc Palace.
Joe’s referring to left tackle Donovan Smith’s appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio. Of course Joe was listening!
As for Tom Brady’s unretirement, Smith said he was just like every other fan. He learned of it the way all fans found out, and then he wondered if it was real and was happy it was.
Smith said he respected Brady’s decision to retire and felt the same way about his return. When it comes to the business of the NFL, Smith said he tries to stay on an even keel and take it as it comes.
The eighth-year tackle insisted all will be the same at One Buc Palace — as it would have been without Brady.
“The mindset is the same. We come to work. We’re going to get coached and we’re there to do one thing and that’s to win,” Smith said. He added that year-round preparation is the focus. “We know what it takes all the way. We just carry those things through.”
But when pushed by co-host Bruce Murray, Smith acknowledged that, yeah, Brady changes the mindset a little.
As for the loss of Cappa in free agency, Smith said the Bengals are getting a very detail-oriented player in the meeting rooms and on the field.
“One of my favorite teammates for sure,” Smith said of Cappa. “His physical ability speaks for itself.”
On Ryan Jensen inking a fat new contract to snap the ball to Brady, Smith reinforced that Jensen is more than just a Pro Bowl center. Jensen is an “anchor” to “the tenacity and how we play and stuff like that,” Smith said.
He added that it’s time for other linemen to step up in place of the lost guards — Ali Marpet retired last month.
On blocking for Brady, Smith lauded Brady’s specificity when it comes to his drops and work, and Smith said it’s just about winning 1-on-1 battles one play at a time. Joe will add that Smith does a damn good job of that.
Memo to those who think @DSmith_76 is overpaid.
You're wrong. https://t.co/9jFodwwdXF— JoeBucsFan (@JoeBucsFan) March 14, 2022
March 14th, 2022 at 5:14 pm
carlton is back…gravediggers live on !!!!!!
March 14th, 2022 at 5:15 pm
Did anyone watch the Rams game? Wells did better limping than Smith did. He SUCKED!!!
March 14th, 2022 at 5:16 pm
Donny has become a very good LT. if he sucked, or was even mediocre, no way Tommy unretires. No way.
But how would Brady know anything about decent LT play?
March 14th, 2022 at 5:17 pm
Ryan Jensen bring a physicality to our line we have seldom had before.
Ryan is an honest to God Bad Azz, with not only the physical size and strength to hurt you, but a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do as well!
Him and his entire family are a family of long time martial artists, so Ryan learned Karate as soon as he could walk.
Sure, the loss of Marpet and Cappa will effect us, but no way Licht is gonna leave Brady unprotected. He will find us a couple of replacements.
March 14th, 2022 at 5:17 pm
come on yall… cd3 is signed!!!!!
March 14th, 2022 at 5:18 pm
CD is BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 14th, 2022 at 5:18 pm
3 years 45m…
so how’s the weather ya lamebrains ?
March 14th, 2022 at 5:18 pm
We went from doom and gloom to Glory and Glossy overnight!!!!! I am relived but a little nervous at the same time. LFG
March 14th, 2022 at 5:20 pm
ok never mind…lets act like it didn’t happen…yall are bugged out…for real
March 14th, 2022 at 5:24 pm
Bucs CB1 is back . Great news. Hope Bucs fix the pass rush!
March 14th, 2022 at 5:24 pm
15 million a year for CD3 is a fair price
March 14th, 2022 at 5:30 pm
The sun is shining in Tampa Bay! Not a passing glimpse but a hot August sun.Great day to be a Bucs fan. We can take a couple of free agent loses as the holes will be filled through draft and Fas. Even UNdrafted FAs! In Licht we trust.
March 14th, 2022 at 5:42 pm
I feel like Smith was talking to Hainsey about stepping up. I like Hainsey. He needs to hit the weight room and get more power in that body. If he does, we’ll have a solid OL again next year.
March 14th, 2022 at 5:55 pm
I saw that matthews deal and about spit my food out
March 14th, 2022 at 7:35 pm
tom is still planning to go down to the little dock by the bay and find big ali sitting there with his little banjo…
tom is gonna scheme on ali 🙂
#UnretireMarpet
March 14th, 2022 at 7:36 pm
Good news usually comes in three!!!!! So………GO BUCS!!!!!!!
March 14th, 2022 at 8:14 pm
It’s hard for people to chirp about D Smith being overpaid nowadays Joe. All that man has done is played a really darn good left tackle. Really good. He has earned each and every one of those dollars. Good dude to top it off.
March 14th, 2022 at 8:15 pm
Took the words out of my mouth Adam. I feel like Ali hasn’t heard the last of TB12. By the way, remember when I said let Tom go and cry your tears like I did and let’s move on. Disregard. I don’t know what I was thinking. WOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
March 14th, 2022 at 8:20 pm
#DurableDonnieWarrior
🤣🤣🤣
March 14th, 2022 at 8:52 pm
Smith haters are the dumb dumbs that think all 53 should be all pro every season. He is a by far a way above average left tackle. Plus dude is a Warrior I ront care what people say about him he’s a BEAST!! Learn dome darn football before regurgitating dummies it takes.
March 14th, 2022 at 9:52 pm
Joe why am I in timeout?
March 14th, 2022 at 10:34 pm
Smith was simply abused during the Rams game. Not sure he’s ever going to be any better. Gotta get him more help against elite pass rushers.
March 14th, 2022 at 11:05 pm
Alex Cappa isn’t gone until it is official. He can still change his mind.
But…even if he doesn’t, we’ll be fine.
March 15th, 2022 at 1:37 am
With TB12, you know you will see some beautiful footb
March 15th, 2022 at 8:34 am
Smith, got his a🙄🙄 handed to him in the Rams game.