Believe it or not, the Buccaneers are 2-0 riding the Fitzmagic train and with a high powered offense puts points on the board. In addition the new look defense, that struggled greatly last year, has seemed to improve this year as well.
With the team recognizing that there needed to be change, the front office went to work through the draft and free agency to improve this team. Many of those additions, especailly from the draft, had their number called this past Sunday. With leaders for the cornerback unit out, Vernon Hargreaves and Brent Grimes, rookies and younger players still developing as a result were thrust into the hot Florida sunlight.
One of those players was Ryan Smith. He hasn’t been a player the Buccaneers have had to rely on much since coming to the NFL from UNC just a few years ago. With both starters out he played an extraordinary game not only on defense but also on special teams with kick coverage.
It was a very pleasant surprise to see him play as well as he did. From what you hear, the coaches have always believed he had it in him, it was just a matter of showing what he can do. With Josh Robinson leaving the team in the offseason, you can now understand why they were so high on Ryan Smith. Koetter even mentioned that he was “proud of him” during a press conference. He should be proud, as this game was arguably the best of his career. Leading the team in tackles and a couple of key “passes defensed”.
There is no doubt that this defense is starting to point up, and part of the reason why is because of a number of rookies who stepped in and helped solidify a win against the Philadelphia Eagles. Jordan Whitehead, M.J. Stewart, and Carlton Davis all played a great game alongside Ryan Smith and came away with an impressive win. Hats off to you young guns. This team is exciting to watch, and the camaraderie is contagious. On to week 3 vs the Pittsburgh Steelers.
