The Pewter Plank
FanSided

4 Buccaneers doing the dirty work and getting no credit

By Cory Kinnan

Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, missed 2021 Pro Bowl(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, missed 2021 Pro Bowl(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 25: Cornerback Ryan Smith #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picks off a pass intended for wide receiver Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers in the end zone for a touchback in the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 27-9. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 25: Cornerback Ryan Smith #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picks off a pass intended for wide receiver Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers in the end zone for a touchback in the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 27-9. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

CB Ryan Smith

Going probably the most unnoticed of every Buc on this roster is cornerback Ryan Smith. He is going unnoticed because his impact is not necessarily being made on the defensive side of the football, but instead on special teams. It is a shame he was suspended the first four games of the season, disqualifying him from making the Pro Bowl, because he is playing at a high enough level to be named as a special teams Pro Bowler.

The first four games of the season, punter Bradley Pinion was among the bottom in the league in punting metrics, however since Smith has returned from his four game suspension, Pinion has been climbing the rankings. Coincidence? I think not.

While Smith is more than likely never going to play a meaningful game of football on the defensive side of the football, many players make a living off of their special teams contributions. Smith has vastly improved the Bucs’ punt team and is their special teams ace; he will be compensated for that either by the Bucs or elsewhere after his contract expires this offseason.

Next time the Bucs line up to punt, keep an eye on the gunner, Smith, as he closes in on returners quickly and tracks the ball inside the 20.

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