Bucs Looking at Antowain Smith

[Hostile]

Published: Jun 25, 2004






TAMPA - The Bucs' three-day minicamp came to an end Thursday, but their search for talent continued.
Within minutes of dismissing his players for the summer, Coach Jon Gruden and his staff were running former Bills and Patriots running back Antowain Smith through a tryout at One Buc Place.

``Antowain Smith is another Anvil,'' Gruden said, referring to fullback Mike Alstott, whom the coach has re-nicknamed. ``[Smith is] a horse.

``So we're going to keep looking at him.''

The 6-foot-2, 232-pound Smith is a seven-year NFL veteran who played a significant role in each of the Patriots' two recent Super Bowl runs.

He started 15 games and ran 287 times for 1,157 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2001, and played in 13 games and produced 734 total yards last season.

Bucs officials would not say a signing is imminent, but Gruden hinted earlier in the week that the Bucs soon might add another running back.

``He's been a productive player in this league, but this is just part of an ongoing process,'' General Manager Bruce Allen said.

``We're going to be looking at a lot of players over the next few weeks.''

[Derinyar]

For a small contract, I wouldn't mind him in here as a backup. I really think we need to see what Julius brings to the table this year, considering we should end up with 3 picks in the top 60.

[big dog cowboy]

I wouldn't offer anything more than the vet minimum and the only reason I would be interested in him is to cover us in case of an injury.

[Nors]

Smith hits the hole hard. North/South runner.

He produces in big spots and is a worthy consideration here to be a backup here......

[blindzebra]

Smith hits the hole hard. North/South runner.

He produces in big spots and is a worthy consideration here to be a backup here......

If all else fails he can move to 3-4 LB. :D

[InmanRoshi]

RB is a position where being a "veteran" really doesn't mean squat, IMHO. Its not a heavy tenchique position, its an instinct position. Rookies can come in and start right away, and frequently do. Either you can run with the rock in your hand or you can't. I'll take a young player over Antoine Smith.

[Peterman60]

I think we'll see how Cason and Lee do, then if needed, we may look at the few guys out there, James Stewart, Ricky Williams (colts), Stacey Mack, Levens

[Roughneck]

Let TB have him. I'd rather Smith not have a Star on the side of his helmet.

[perhaps2]

Let TB have him. I'd rather Smith not have a Star on the side of his helmet.


Hi folks, first time poster to this board and a Pat's fan since 1978. Antowain Smith's strength's lie in the fact that when he gets hit, he always falls forward. The guy has no speed on the wideouts, but can do it for a an extra 3 yards if needed. He's loyal, knows Parcells and keeps his mouth shut. I'd sign him as a backup.

[jimmy40]

RB is a position where being a "veteran" really doesn't mean squat, IMHO. Its not a heavy tenchique position, its an instinct position. Rookies can come in and start right away, and frequently do. Either you can run with the rock in your hand or you can't. I'll take a young player over Antoine Smith.
Sonner or later those young players have to learn to do other things besides just run or they won't be running with the rock.

[Nors]

If all else fails he can move to 3-4 LB. :D


No he's not big enough to do that.

Think Ogobugu - thats the 3-4 guy this year. Mark that down

[Eskimo]

I think we'll see how Cason and Lee do, then if needed, we may look at the few guys out there, James Stewart, Ricky Williams (colts), Stacey Mack, Levens

I would worry a great deal about relying on Cason too much as his ACL repair was only 6 months ago. I see lots of guys come into the clinic at the 6 month mark who have started returning to heavy physical activity. We usually have to slow them down because even though they aren't in any pain, they often have significant swelling in the knee. The strength of the ACL graft will never be normal but isn't usually optimized until at least one year.

[junk]

Any vet off the street at RB can pick up the offense easily. I bet BP will let training camp play out before he makes any decisions. I wouldn't be surprised to see a vet brought in after week 1 a la Murrell since I believe his salary would not be guaranteed then.

[jay cee]

Sonner or later those young players have to learn to do other things besides just run or they won't be running with the rock.


Thank you Jimmy. That is the point many people seem to miss. That's why I wanted a veteran with better running skills than Anderson as the backup.

Anderson is a good enough blocker and receiver from the tailback spot, but if Jones does not have it, or struggles getting the nuances of the game, I don't think Anderson can hold the fort until he is ready. or take over if Jones goes down.

[InmanRoshi]

If we just wanted someone with no running ability but can pass block, then we should have kept Hambrick.

[SALADIN]

Originally Posted by InmanRoshi
RB is a position where being a "veteran" really doesn't mean squat, IMHO. Its not a heavy tenchique position, its an instinct position. Rookies can come in and start right away, and frequently do. Either you can run with the rock in your hand or you can't. I'll take a young player over Antoine Smith.

Sonner or later those young players have to learn to do other things besides just run or they won't be running with the rock.

I agree with you 100% Inman. If you got it you got it, as far as talent is concerned with the RB position. However, the only exception to that is experience, and if you don’t have that then no amount of talent can make up for that.

To add to what jimmy said, it’s the little things that make the difference in this game. Certain subtleties, little nuances that can only be acquired from experience. Protecting the football, staying in bounds when trying to run out the clock, and probably a list of other things that I know nothing about having never played at a level of football at which these players that we are discussing are playing.

Veterans are survivors of the yearly onslaught of new young talent that enters in the league every year. They too (the veterans) are talented; perhaps not all are as talented as the ones who come in to compete for their position and playing time, but again, the experience in surviving, winning competition after competition in the NFL is something that a rookie will never have, regardless of his talent. I like to think that to a coach, that that means a lot. However, having never coached I could be wrong ;)

Talent goes a long way in the NFL but only experience can take you (your team) ALL THE WAY...IMO


Now with all of that being said I have no interest in A. Smith or any other veteran RB and hope that J. Jones can be the work hoarse RB that this team hasn’t had since Emmitt.