Aware Of Dwight Freeney
August 5th, 2016
Yes, the Atlanta Falcons, the Bucs’ opening day opponent, signed legendary but old edge pass rusher Dwight Freeney last week.
Joe asked Donovan Smith about Freeney after practice today.
“I seen it,” a slightly-grinning Smith said of the transaction.
But Smith isn’t watching film of Freeney quite yet. “We’re still going Bucs on Bucs (laughs). So, you know, we still got four preseason games and everything. When we get to the Falcons, we’ll start focusing on that.”
Smith has had a solid camp, he definitely looks a little leaner and stronger than in his rookie year.
“Oh, a lot stronger,” Smith said of his 6-6, 330-pound frame. “You know, the thing you can’t replicate is the reps [in the offseason], in terms of just coming. You actually have to go out there and get the feel. So having played a whole season, I know what I’m looking for, know what to work on in myself. It allows me to come out on focus on things. It may not be perfect, but that’s why we practice.”
The blind side of America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, is in good hands — and feet. If Smith takes the proverbial Year 2 leap many rookies do, then the Bucs better start saving their money for a gargantuan contract when Smith’s four-year rookie deal is up.
Speaking on WDAE-AM 620 earlier this week, veteran right tackle Demar Dotson said Smith reminds him an awful lot of Donald Penn because of his monstrous size but nimble feet and intense nature.
August 5th, 2016 at 11:57 am
eminds him an awful lot of Donald Penn because of his monstrous size but nimble feet and intense nature.
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No doubt and penn is still playing at a high level. Lots of folks in TB said he was done. Nope! DSmith my boy, love this ny native.
Why are the Bucs unable to sign high value FA like Freeny (even last year) and Boldin? Is it a money issue or what? No reason why Boldin would go to Detroit of all places than be 2 hours from home. I don’t get it. What’s up with that?
August 5th, 2016 at 12:09 pm
D Smith did well against some quality dudes last season. Unconcerned.
August 5th, 2016 at 12:12 pm
DB55…I don’t get it either, but I have a hunch they are going to make some big FA splashes after this season.
Gotta load up for a SB run when the SB run is in sight. At least that’s my theory anyways.
This team has a pulse right now and that’s a good thing. Sprinkle in a few well targeted FA’s before next season and the run might be on. Check that. That’s how I see it playing out anyways.
It’s going to be a fun 2016.
It’s going to be an incredible 2017 though.
August 5th, 2016 at 12:36 pm
Donovan Smith is the hurdy gurdy man. So glad he is with our Bucs. Go Smith! Flatten them!
August 5th, 2016 at 1:37 pm
87
I hope so, we need to stack the deck to make a run.
August 5th, 2016 at 3:19 pm
Can’t remember who it was, but someone put a spin move on D. Smith last year early on, may have even been preseason, my guess is he learned from that cause you better believe the king of spin D. Freeney will be coming with it, but I got much confidence.
August 5th, 2016 at 3:38 pm
Million dollar smile bra!
August 5th, 2016 at 3:57 pm
Boldin and Freeney would look outstanding the Bucs roster righ about now. We’d have a true #3 WR and a true pass rush from DE.
August 5th, 2016 at 5:13 pm
Hopefully Donovan Smith continues to improve every year. He played quite well at LT as a rookie IMO.
August 5th, 2016 at 7:41 pm
I think we will be able to sign free agents after this season this is a 10 win team ceiling and 7 win team basement
This year we will get national coverage and a good draft spot based on where we are and our needs
Which are safety, WR, DT and CB… We’ll be fine
We are gonna win a Super Bowl within five years, I bet that on the boat in the end zone