The Bucks are now 2-0 after getting revenge on the Lions, 20-16, in Detroit with an otherworldly defensive performance on Sunday. A big part of that stellar defensive performance was the work of rookie nickelback Tykee Smith.
Smith had been battling the flu all week. Secondary He recorded two interceptions and seven deflections. Though Smith didn’t have the ball in his hands, he was still a plus-zone defender for Tampa Bay, finishing the game with seven tackles, including a tackle for loss on defense and a special teams stop.
Perhaps no play better showcases Smith’s impact in pass defense than this red zone play at the end of the first half.
In my opinion, this is the best play for Tykees today. The Bucks are running QQH (Quarters-Quarters-Half, or C-4 in concept and C-2 in the field).
It continues to amaze me how, as a rookie, Smith has a sense of the structure of the play and the ability to slip into areas of the field where he shouldn’t be to meet the ball. pic.twitter.com/jj04XKyID8
— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) September 16, 2024
Most veterans wouldn’t have the insight or play recognition to read this play, dump the hook in the flat, sprint to the end zone and use the power of the under to force the pass into incompetence. It was reminiscent of a similar play he made in a preseason game against the Bengals.
Tykee Smith DPI clip. TranslatorSmith has great awareness and knows almost instantly where the ball is going to be thrown.
Obviously, he has to work on understanding and avoiding penalties. pic.twitter.com/gfNK1hNgph
— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) August 13, 2024
Smith also showed improvement from last month, when he was called for pass interference after running past Bengals receiver Jermaine Burton against Cincinnati, and was careful to slow down and make contact after the ball arrived to avoid the same penalty against Detroit.
A smart play by a very smart rookie.
Tykee Smith talks preparation
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles and DB Tykee Smith – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
Pewter Report spoke to Buccaneers defensive back Tykee Smith, a third-round draft pick out of Georgia, about the play, and he provided a shockingly detailed description.
“When I saw Jameson Williams make the pass, I knew that was a big route they like to take in the end zone. So when I saw the three passes; [receivers] We rushed down the stairs and thought something was coming from behind. “Hinge” And then he plays it top-down, allows him a flat route, and then he can help the safety with an inside-out run, because that’s a tough route for him. So he’s underneath there, trying to help the safety, and then he rallies to a flat route.”
Smith also credited Pewter Report with helping him prepare throughout the week when he was unable to practice due to illness, which allowed him to make quick reads and react quickly. He spoke about the additional film study he did outside the Buccaneers’ practice facility.
With the Buccaneers releasing defensive anchor Carlton Davis III and linebacker LaVante David nearing the end of their careers, the onus is on younger players to step up and take on bigger roles, and Smith is quickly proving his high football IQ and quick mental processing skills will translate to him taking on a defensive leadership role sooner rather than later.
Through two games, Tykee Smith has looked like the real deal, whether it be in coverage or playing fast downhill as a run defender.
