Arians On Donovan Smith: Solid Camp But Off Day
August 27th, 2020
Some fans say Donovan Smith doesn’t finish enough plays the way they want him to.
Offensive line coach Joe Gilbert talked about that in January.
It’s a fair critique of Smith’s game, but it’s certainly a overblown and over-magnified, in Joe’s opinion.
Smith has been having a quiet camp to date (a good thing for a left tackle), so Joe asked Bucco Bruce Arians about Smith’s summer after practice today. The head coach had a strong review but he did use the “F” word (not that one).
“Yeah, he’s had a real nice camp. I didn’t like the way he finished this practice, but overall I’d say he’s had a really solid camp,” Arians said of Smith.
Again, Joe’s not in the camp of Donovan Smith haters and screamers. He did improve last season and if he’s always been among the least of the Bucs issues over the past five years.
August 27th, 2020 at 10:32 am
Finish? or is it Fatigue, or Fornicate, or maybe even too much Fortnite?
August 27th, 2020 at 10:36 am
Cracker says: Even after all this time, Donovan Smith still takes plays off and if his initial move/jolt doesn’t work, he rarely follows his player around.
Say what you want either way, but he’s not a top LT and certainly shouldn’t be paid like one – maybe next year we can finally replace him.
August 27th, 2020 at 10:50 am
Let’s see how he does in the actual games. If he’s improved, we’ll see it. If he’s the same, he’s still considered one of the better LTs currently playing.
August 27th, 2020 at 11:06 am
As Joe said, he was improved last year.
Also, he does not miss games.
Some may disagree but I think the offensive line will look better this year just because Brady is probably elite in his decision making and therefore will make the line look better because of his decision making.
August 27th, 2020 at 11:08 am
gotta practice how you play….
GO BUCS!!!
August 27th, 2020 at 11:09 am
“He’s had a really solid camp” We could do a lot worse than Donovan Smith. Plus…does he ever miss games? Jaymiss says: “Uhhh……no.”
August 27th, 2020 at 11:09 am
only issue is there aren’t really any left tackles to replace him with.
August 27th, 2020 at 11:15 am
I was a Donovan Smith hater up until last year when he finally proved that he was a descent left tackle. Hope he continues to improve. Very durable – I think he only missed 1 game in 5 years.
August 27th, 2020 at 11:46 am
Also, for the record I am not a Smith Hater he did a good job last year.
August 27th, 2020 at 1:21 pm
Problem is you can’t really dump on your RB’s when both tackles suck at run blocking (Smith and Dotson). Makes you look stupid.
August 27th, 2020 at 3:41 pm
He was better last year but he was also far from a championship quality starter. There was not one team in the playoffs who would have traded their LT for ours. He needs to be better than last year if we are going to progress as a team.
August 27th, 2020 at 5:29 pm
Winston didn’t do Smith any favors. Early interceptions caused the Bucs to play from behind a lot of the time. That means more pass plays and a more predictable offense. Brady will make Smith look a whole lot better.
August 27th, 2020 at 7:23 pm
Donovan Smith is not in the same league as Tyron Smith, however, he’s not Erick Flowers either. Donovan Smith is an average left tackle, who at times can be dominant if he puts more consistent effort in his craft.
August 27th, 2020 at 9:36 pm
The opposing DE’s in the division were happy to see him resigned. What else is there to say?
He’s an average starter. He’s as good as he’ll ever be. The scouting reports on him coming out of college were spot on.
August 28th, 2020 at 5:36 am
Tom Brady will straighten out D. Smith after a loaf, I believe that. He’s either engaged and finishes to the whistle or he’s gonna get his a** handed to him in game.