Faster “Jack”
September 22nd, 2015
Jacquies Smith already has four sacks, which leads the NFL. (Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.)
Yesterday, Joe had to do a double-take. Rub his eyes and blink.
It couldn’t be true, could it? Is this some type of Bourbon Street hangover? Joe looked at the top sack men in the NFL and atop the list sat a Buccaneer.
Joe checked the calendar. It is not 2002. It is 2015.
In the immortal words of Vince Lombardi, “What the hell is going on here?”
“Jack” Smith, aka Jacquies Smith (Lovie Smith admitted he calls him “Jack” because he butchers the pronunciation of “Jacquies.”), the man Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht plucked off the street last year showed flashes during his first season. This year? Leading the league in sacks?
Who exactly saw that coming?
Yesterday, Jack Smith spoke to the local pen and mic club and admitted he is faster in 2015.
“Being here for a year last year, I feel like I’m more comfortable in this system, just more comfortable around here,” Smith said. “I feel like I can play a lot faster than even what I did last year. It’s kind of helping me out a lot, just getting that continuity with the guys in the locker room and the coaches, it’s really helped my game out a lot.”
Again, Joe never saw this coming and Joe’s going to guess no one else saw this coming. A Bucs lineman, a guy pulled off the street, is leading the league in sacks?
What a strange world we live in. But damn, it feels good to finally find a defensive end who can put heat on the quarterback for a change, huh?
September 22nd, 2015 at 8:25 am
Let’s not start calling him Simeon just yet. A hot 2 games? Yes. Let’s see him get to 10 though.
September 22nd, 2015 at 8:31 am
So far, I’ve been impressed with the D’s dedication to knocking the ball out. Keep it up D! If the O line can hold up and and open some consistent holes in the ground game – our beloved Bucs might actually earn some respect around these parts.
September 22nd, 2015 at 8:33 am
That’s a sack Jack. More good news.
September 22nd, 2015 at 8:38 am
love this player…showed the hustle and rush last year…
September 22nd, 2015 at 8:39 am
Great story but hypothetically I think this next game will be more of a barometer on the season…because how could you explain that crap from game 1 and getting blown out by a rookie? Houston has a great defense and it could be long day for our LT this week which might mean some hopefully not rough shots on jameis from jj
September 22nd, 2015 at 8:40 am
I think Jack is awesome. He doesn’t have to be Simeon, just be as good as Bennett and that’s a huge step in the right direction. Hopefully Lovie is smarter than Schiano and won’t cut him! Lol
September 22nd, 2015 at 8:41 am
“Sacquies.”)
September 22nd, 2015 at 8:44 am
Week 1 we played a team with a new OC and scheme with no film – and a 3/4 defense that we don’t play that often. Cleveland had a week to study the Titans offensive plays and manhandled them.
Point of concern though – the 2 teams we’ve played (pre-season included) with 3/4 defenses have abused the Bucs O. And Sunday we play…. another 3/4 D I believe. Check me if I’m wrong. Figure it out Kirk and let’s roll!
September 22nd, 2015 at 8:45 am
@TBBF,
Nice touch! Lol
September 22nd, 2015 at 8:46 am
Ding Ding Ding…. and the winner goes to:
Tampabaybucfan Says:
September 22nd, 2015 at 8:41 am
“Sacquies.”)
September 22nd, 2015 at 8:47 am
Smith was a bright spot in last year’s awful defense. If they tanked, he certainly didn’t show it. Good for the Bucs!
September 22nd, 2015 at 8:49 am
thats what im talking about jack! love me some sack/fumbles those completely change a game. keep rolling bucs
September 22nd, 2015 at 8:56 am
Bosa who? Man just wait on it.
September 22nd, 2015 at 9:08 am
Proud of the Kid.
Still hope that we can, acquire at least one more seasoned edge rusher.
September 22nd, 2015 at 9:10 am
Buc since ’74 Says
“Week 1 we played a team with a new OC and scheme with no film – and a 3/4 defense that we don’t play that often. Cleveland had a week to study the Titans offensive plays and manhandled them.”
It was only our second time facing a 3/4 and the first time killed us. Don’t downplay the win. It was more than we could have expected.
Let’s not forget that the defensive line, lead by GMC, intentionally manipulated the offensive line in order to provide more opportunities for Jack. In other words…each player on the line set aside their desire for stats and made a team effort.
That is a huge step forward. It means they are starting to trust one another to do his job. If the other defensive units get to that point, they will be unstoppable.
Also…with Jack doing better, team may start double covering him…which will free up McCoy or one of the other dline players to make plays.
September 22nd, 2015 at 9:14 am
Man Smith has me “Jacked Up!”
September 22nd, 2015 at 9:19 am
I will bet you Money that Buffalo wishes they had not let Jack Smith get away.
September 22nd, 2015 at 9:59 am
I have not heard the name George Johnson mentioned and considering that we traded with Detroit to get him, I hope that he begins to show up and make an impact from the opposite side as Sacquies. You have to figure that teams will adjust help with a tight end to account for Jack, so time for George to come on strong too.
September 22nd, 2015 at 10:12 am
Smith is having a nice start. If offenses start to double team him McCoy had better take advantage of it.
Bucs offense Vs the 3-4 defense. BonZai has a point. They have played the 3-4 once in preseason and again Week 1 and both times they abused the O-Line.
If the Texans defense totally shuts down the Bucs offense this will be a huge concern.
September 22nd, 2015 at 10:24 am
George Johnson gives his all on every down. He has a great work ethic and always plays to the whistle. Give it time, he just has not been able to record a sack yet. He will get his 6 to 10 sacks this year. When you have GMC on pace to get +10 sacks, Melton +8 and Jacquies Smith to get +20, there just isn’t enough to go around. Its all good.
September 22nd, 2015 at 10:26 am
@Dusty
Jack had a sack against Tennessee which was an accomplishment given how fast MM was getting the ball to a receiver.
September 22nd, 2015 at 10:52 am
I saw the Hard Knocks episode where Mike Smith of the Falcons had to let Jack go. It was down to between him and one other player whos name I cant even remember. Jack had gotten a roughing penalty in a preseason game that hurt the Falcons. He was the better player but they let him go. In the cutdown meeting between Smith and Jack, Jack handled it with complete class. We are the beneficiary of Mike Smiths bad judgement. Thankfully we have him now and not the Falcons!!!!!!
September 22nd, 2015 at 12:51 pm
Nick3 – Different Jack Smith. Ours has an “i” (Jacquies) in his name and went to Mizzou. Theirs has no “i” (Jacques) and is a Vol.
September 23rd, 2015 at 12:10 am
Actually Houston has 7. That is incorrect. Good to see Smith with four cuz that’s accurate