Two weeks into the 2015 season, a Buccaneer is leading the NFL in sacks. Defensive end Jacquies Smith's four sacks land him the top spot among all defensive players thus far, one sack ahead of J.J. Watt, Justin Houston, Chandler Jones and Derrick Morgan, who are all tied for second with three sacks each.
Smith picked up three sacks this past Sunday against the Saints, in addition to forcing two fumbles and recording two quarterback hits. He said during the offseason that he believed he's capable of recording double-digit sacks and so far, he's nearly halfway there.
But the individual accomplishments weren't what Smith was most excited about following Sunday's game.
"That'd be great," Smith said of reaching double-digit sacks, "a great personal accolade. But honestly, I'm just happy we got the win. It's just big for our team to come on the road and get a division road win. We've got the only division road win in our division, so I think that's bigger than what I've got going on."
In his post-game press conference, Smith's name was one that Head Coach Lovie Smith brought up right off the bat.
"Jac Smith – Jac was a factor," Coach Smith said. "He was a legitimate outside pass-rusher today."
Smith, apparently, can defend the pass in more than one way. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the best defensive end in the league in coverage this past week. His grade was twice as high as any other player at his position.
Both Smith and defensive end Gerald McCoy have earned sacks in each of the Bucs' first two games. They will look to extend their streaks to three games on Sunday against the Texans in Houston.
Photos from the Buccaneers' game against the Saints in New Orleans.
