Clifton Smith recognized as NFC Special Teams Player of the Week

by Buc Wild on Nov 11, 2009 11:07 AM EST in News

Clifton Smith had a Pro Bowl 2008 season. The follow up to his sensational year has been a bit lackluster so far. That trend ended last week against the Packers as he was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 9.

Special teams played a big role in the Bucs 38-28 win over the Packers and outside of the punt block for a touchdown, there may have been no bigger play than the return in the 4th quarter. Trailing by two scores after Aaron Rodgers"rumbled" into the end zone, the Bucs were in need of a big play. That big play came in the form of an 83 yard kick return that set the Bucs up to get within one score of the Packers.

On the day he averaged 53.5 yards per kick return (on 2 returns) and 13.5 yards per punt return on four returns. Smith joins Sammy Stroughter as Tampa Bay Bucs who have won this award in 2009.

Congrats Clifton.

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For the record . . .

I love this kid. He runs hard and he’s great at reading blocks and finding running lanes. Imagine that – the buccaneers actually have a kick returner . . . and he’s consistent! And that kickoff return in the fourth quarter against Green Bay was the spark the team needed to mount the comeback. While Freeman is getting all the credit, it would have never happened without Cliff’s return.

Congrats Clifton!

Paul Mueller

by Paul Mueller on Nov 11, 2009 11:40 AM EST reply actions

He's creative

Why do you kill threads????

by 4QB on Nov 11, 2009 11:55 AM EST up reply actions

Man, I felt like an ass

on Sunday. I was clamoring for them to put Stroughter back in there (I still think he is a better returner) and then Smith ripped off that kickoff return. He may just still have it after all.

"Three or four plane crashes and we're in the playoffs" - John McKay

by LeeCaz on Nov 11, 2009 12:52 PM EST reply actions

I have a feeling that Stroughter will see enough field time as a WR to limit his ST duties.

Signature space available for rent - Got to pay the bills somehow

by Buc Wild on Nov 11, 2009 12:54 PM EST up reply actions

Which is really surprising

to me, at least. I can’t believe all of those other guys really let that little 7th round draft pick come in and steal that 3rd spot right out from under their noses. He deserves to be on the field, but I think Brian Clark is horrible. I don’t know why he earns a paycheck. Stovall is an enigma. I would like to see him get some of Clayton’s targets and see how he does with the shots down field. He should be able to go up and get the ball at a much higher point than the defender.

"Three or four plane crashes and we're in the playoffs" - John McKay

by LeeCaz on Nov 11, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions

Not that he is the same type of WR

but I think Housh was a 7th rounder. A lot of WR’s aren’t of early round pedigree. Colston, T.O., Welker, etc. If players (Stovall) can’t use their assets (size) to their advantage, that’s just too bad.

Signature space available for rent - Got to pay the bills somehow

by Buc Wild on Nov 11, 2009 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

Stroughter kinda reminds me of Steve Smith

but he was drafted in the 3rd round of course. If Stroughter can bulk up a little bit and still keep his speed and quickness he could develop into a legit wideout and not just a 3rd option.

"Three or four plane crashes and we're in the playoffs" - John McKay

by LeeCaz on Nov 11, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions

I like Smith alot and he has a ton of talent...

BUT I would rather see that roster spot filled by a position player. Stroughter fills both needs.

"I have come that you may have life, and life to the max"

by MNeilson on Nov 11, 2009 6:44 PM EST reply actions

Smith

is a RB, he’s buried 4th on the Depth chart- behind Graham. So, him not seeing touches is normal. We’ll see if caddy becomes FA next year, how things pan out? Plus, remember- if Stroughter doesn’t get fatigued/injured returning kicks and punts, he might be more effective.

Why do you kill threads????

by 4QB on Nov 11, 2009 7:19 PM EST up reply actions

I personally like having

a dedicated returner like Smith. That way the rest of the position players can focus on their positions and you don’t have to worry about a good position player getting injured doing punt/kick returns. Also, a good returner can be very very valuable (see the return in the 4th that set up the game winning TD).

by RuudAwakening on Nov 11, 2009 10:27 PM EST reply actions

Good Point Ruud...

You know Devin Hester hasnt been the same since the Bears tried to use him on offense and defense too.

When these guys can concentrate all of their efforts on Special Teams, they stay good returners.
Notice Smith is no longer in the running back rotation and his special teams pick up?

Will the NY Jets please stop wearing those Titans uniforms. For a team that was only around for one year, Ive seen those uniforms 5 times already!

by Niko Houllis on Nov 12, 2009 4:12 AM EST up reply actions

Exactly...

I feel like him being a dedicated returner has many benefits and just like you mentioned it seems that when returners get worked into other facets of the game their return abilities slip. That said for the bucs I feel like a great returner is more important than an average returner that contributes slightly somewhere else..

by RuudAwakening on Nov 12, 2009 4:26 AM EST up reply actions