Smith Worried About Smith
September 8th, 2016
Focused on his own play.
So the man so many Bucs fans wanted AC/DC-loving Bucs general manager Jason Licht to sign, defensive end Dwight Freeney, will face the Bucs Sunday as a member of the Dixie Chicks.
While Freeney is listed on Atlanta’s depth chart as a third-team defensive end, behind second-team Adrian Clayborn, Joe surely imagines Freeney lining up on passing downs against Bucs left tackle Donovan Smith.
So yesterday, Joe asked Smith about Freeney. Smith respects Freeney a great deal, but Smith confessed he’s not much into watching tape of Freeney.
“He’s an old, savvy vet,” Smith said. “Not like old in age but old as in years in the league. He’s a savvy vet. He’s seen it all and done it all.”
Joe pressed Smith for details but Smith offered up a candid response.
“I haven’t seen much of him to be honest to say,” Smith said.
When Joe asked if Smith didn’t watch a lot of film on Freeney because he was more concerned about his own fundamentals and assignments, Smith said, ““Oh, yeah. For sure.”
So soon we will see who wins this battle, the savvy vet, or the up-and-coming second-year man who spends more time perfecting his own craft than worrying about the guy lining up across the line of scrimmage.
September 8th, 2016 at 8:03 am
@Joe… The season is here. Thanks for getting us thru the offseason. This site has been my go to for about 4 years and keeps getting better. Thanks Joe!
September 8th, 2016 at 8:04 am
Freeny with fresh legs and on carpet is going to be a tough match up. Will be interesting to see how smith does.
September 8th, 2016 at 8:18 am
Let’s see if Donovan gets some help from one of our 5 TEs…
September 8th, 2016 at 8:34 am
Yeah, thanks for a great offseason Joe. I know it’s hard work but we all appreciate the daily bucs updates in camp. The season is finally here. Go bucs!
September 8th, 2016 at 8:36 am
I think we will see a package with 3 TE on the field at the same time…2 on the line 1 as a fullback.
September 8th, 2016 at 8:42 am
“I haven’t seen much of him to be honest to say,” Smith said.
Maybe instead of playing Madden ’17 and streaming it on Periscope last night he should have been watching some game film. Get better every day!
September 8th, 2016 at 8:46 am
I am not worried about Freeney. He is old, not as in NFL experience, just old! lol If it was 5 years ago, Freeney would be starting even if he had use of only one arm and one leg – and back then I would be very worried about him.
Not so much now. Donavon will be fine.
September 8th, 2016 at 8:47 am
I agree @Mike, JBF is my bucs fix that I have to have throught the offseason. He adds personallity to all things Bucs and is more like one of us fans than a reporter. Keep up the good work Joe.
Looks like Smith will be tested right away. He seems to struggle with speed rushers and Free new has that nasty so in move that he has perfected so this will be a intriguing matchup to keep a eye on.
September 8th, 2016 at 9:20 am
Thanks for the kind words guys. Glad Joe can be your lifeboat through the NFL offseason.
September 8th, 2016 at 11:37 am
@OhioBuc…..umm, I’m pretty sure playing Madden ’17 IS studying.
September 8th, 2016 at 12:48 pm
Donovan will do hos film studies tonight and tomorrow- which is normal in the NFL.
Donovan is quick, and massively powerful.
Bless him, but Freeny has lost much of his quickness
Donovan will crush him
Donovan iwas a match for the Defensive ends he faced as a Rookie.
This year- he will be beter
September 8th, 2016 at 12:52 pm
Jameis just better be aware and on the look out. Freeney’s inside spin move will expose Smith’s most glaring weakness. I’ll be watching Smith closely all season. He gets a pass for being a rookie last season, when he succeeded on pure strength and athleticism. This season we need to see some serious improvement in technique to say he’s a franchise LT.
September 8th, 2016 at 5:09 pm
i hope d smith is just trying to avoid saying that freeney is nowhere near the level of play that made him famous. if he’s honestly saying he hasn’t looked much at the pass rushing specialist that he is facing in 72 hours, i am more than a little concerned