With an otherworldly defensive performance on Sunday, the Bucs are now 2-0 after extracting some revenge on the Lions up in Detroit, 20-16. A big part of that stellar defensive performance was the performance of rookie nickel back Tykee Smith.
Smith, who was battling the flu all week, was a part of a secondary that intercepted two passes and deflected another seven. While Smith didn’t get his hands on the ball, he was still a plus-zone defender for Tampa Bay, finishing with seven tackles, including a tackle for loss on defense and a special teams stop.
Perhaps no play better illustrates Smith’s impact in pass defense than this red zone play at the end of the first half.
Most veterans would not have the savvy and play recognition skills to read this play out, abandon his hook flat and haul ass to the end zone to help create underneath leverage to help force the incompletion. It was reminiscent of a similar play he made in the preseason against the Bengals.
Smith also showed growth from last month as the play against Cincinnati resulted in a pass interference call as he ran through Bengals receiver Jermaine Burton. Against Detroit he took care to slow down and make contact after the ball arrived to avoid the same penalty.
Smart play from such a smart rookie.
Tykee Smith Talks About His Preparation
Pewter Report asked Bucs defensive back Tykee Smith, a third-round pick out of Georgia, about the play, and he walked us through it with incredible detail.
“When I saw them motion down Jameson Williams, I knew that was a big route they liked in the end zone. So, once I saw three [receivers] go the fast down, I figured it was going to try and be something behind me. With that we teach “hinge” and then play top down, so we give up the one in the flat. And then also helping the safety coming inside out. Because that is a hard route on him. So, just trying to be underneath that to make sure I am helping the safety and then we will rally to the flat route.”
Smith further confirmed to Pewter Report that he was able to read that out and react so quickly due to his preparation throughout the week while he was unable to practice due to illness. He spoke about extra film study he did away from the Bucs practice facility.
With the Bucs moving on from defensive stalwart Carlton Davis III and linebacker Lavante David nearing the sunset of his career it is incumbent upon young players to step up and assume those larger roles. Smith is quickly proving that his high football IQ and quick mental processing could lead him to stepping into that defensive leader role sooner rather than later.
Whether it was in coverage or playing fast and downhill as a run defender, through two games Tykee Smith looks like he is the real deal.
