Buccaneers Play Of The Year Nominee: Ryan Smith’s Punt Save

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Ryan Smith (29) downs the ball after teammate Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Josh Robinson (26) knocked it back on the field of play in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Ryan Smith (29) downs the ball after teammate Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Josh Robinson (26) knocked it back on the field of play in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

The Buccaneers’ Play of the year is currently up for discussion… but is there any play this NFL season better than Ryan Smith‘s unbelievable punt save?

The argument for many plays  of the year this Buccaneers‘ season are there, but in all honesty none compare to the job that Ryan Smith and the punt coverage unit had against the New Orleans Saints.

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Not only did the specialists manage to pin future Hall of Fame quarterback and division rival Drew Brees at his own endzone, but they also managed to keep alive a cultural changing five game win streak. The Bucs’ have had issues in the past with winning in the “Den of Depression” and Smith was going to make sure that name was put to bed.

Smith who was a consistent special teams player and who did not play a single snap on defense this regular season, made sure to make his name known.

https://twitter.com/TBBuccaneers/status/808102851075444736

The internet and media world BLEW UP. Features on NFL Network, ESPN, Fox Sports etc… had Smith’s acrobatic play plastered all over their media. Smith with his best Michael Jackson esque moves toe tapped one of the best punt saves that you will ever see and it is currently up for the NFL’s play of the year.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better play than that,” Head Coach Dirk Koetter said after the big win. Now that is something to be proud of, Koetter who is a true football guru has seen just about all a coach can see with his time in the game.

The best part about it, is the fact that after the game Smith gave all his credit to his team. “The coverage team is amazing. I was just doing my job,” Smith said. Now that is what you call a great teammate and a great Buc.

Next: This Date In History: Buccaneers Win Super Bowl XXXVII

Ryan Smith is one Smooth Criminal.

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