Mike Smith Not Into Tricks
August 8th, 2016
Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith doesn’t believe in mind games.
A lot has been written about Smith dialing up different packages, looks and blitzes that, at times, have confused America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, during training camp practices.
Smith insists he’s not doing this in an effort to screw with Jameis’ head. Everything is done for a reason and all of his defensive calls in practice have been planned in advance, Smith detailed last week.
“We’ve spent a whole lot of time orchestrating these practices and trying to make it where both sides are getting all the looks that they need,” Smith said. “We’ve [incorporated a] lot of stressful situations just like [the offense has], and I think that’s the fun part of camp. Keeping these guys on high-alert. We don’t want them to get comfortable. We’re competing and we don’t want them to be comfortable.”
So Smith, in so many words, is trying not just to see how his defenders work in various looks and fronts and schemes, he also is helping prepare Jameis for damned near anything he may see from an opponent.
Imagine that, preparation? Not just for the defense, but for the offense as well.
August 8th, 2016 at 12:09 pm
I just get the feeling that the coaching staff has checked their egos at the door.
Obviously Koetter and Smith have a special relationship. It says a lot when a former employee hires his former boss to a new position where the roles are going to be reversed.
These guys have been through a lot of Sundays together…both in Atlanta and in Jax. All the bs has long since passed under the bridge.
Theses guys are focused…not on their egos…or even their futures….they just want to win…they NEED to win just like #3. Winning is ALL that matters.
August 8th, 2016 at 1:03 pm
“Getting the looks” to be prepared, creating “stressful situations ” are words you will not hear from the 2014 and 2015 training camp!!! There is a reason they were woefully unprepared the last 2 years!!!!!
August 8th, 2016 at 1:05 pm
This is a great bit of insight to our new coaching staff, and is very encouraging to hear.
Thank you, Joe!
August 8th, 2016 at 1:10 pm
Nothing here to talk about, heard it all before!
August 8th, 2016 at 1:34 pm
The best thing about all this ,is, the team is ready to win now!…What a concept! Who would have thought of it! Lol
August 8th, 2016 at 2:48 pm
“We’re competing and we don’t want them to be comfortable.” That is so gosh golly gee willikers refreshing to hear, Joe!
August 8th, 2016 at 4:56 pm
stpete… you said it like it is and like it will be. Winning, Go Bucs!