Clifton Smith Appears Healthy
September 3rd, 2010
Bucs fans can pretty much lock up Clifton “Peanut” Smith for a roster spot, especially after Derrick Ward was left to fend for himself with a Kardashian, and especially after the way Smith played Thursday night.
Galloping with gout, Smith seemed fresh and 100 percent. A weapon.
More importantly, he never put the ball on the ground, which is a reason why Chucky never trusted him as a running back, and why he got few carries last year.
The Bucs are beginning to have a scary stable of return men. First, of course, is Smith. Then you have (run) Michael (run) Spurlock and Sammie Stroughter, and perhaps Preston Parker.
It’s starting to appear as if the Bucs’ strength will be its return teams.
September 3rd, 2010 at 5:14 am
Amazing isn’t it? After so many years of a drought that invariably led to the disclaimer before every kickoff that “No Buccaneer has ever returned….” to what we have now. I think one of the enduring things that Gruden left was bringing this guy Bisaccia to coach Special Teams.
September 3rd, 2010 at 9:32 am
I disagree- Except for his 3 catches for 22 yrds, Peanut looked less than average. He was stuffed almost every time he ran the ball. The best thing that you can say about last nite’s performance is that he didn’t fumble the ball. Holding on to the ball is expected, not something to celebrate. He probably will make the team, but not because of his pre-season.
September 3rd, 2010 at 10:18 am
I think Smith is on the block. Quite a few teams in the league do not have returners (Giants come to mind immediately…)
Those last few snaps he took last night were showcases.
And Huggins can KR/PR too…
September 3rd, 2010 at 10:54 am
Clifton is traded or cut.
September 3rd, 2010 at 11:42 am
With Spurlock, Straughter and Parker (if he makes the team), Smith would be a luxury pick. Have to think Smith is on the block as well, with the Bucs scanning the waiver wire and bringing in a more capable #3 RB.