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Durham Smythe – December 29, 2021 Download PDF version

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

TE Durham Smythe

(Fun to see the continued evolution of you as a dangerous receiving threat in this offense. I know you’re always happy to do whatever is asked of you of course, but has there been some satisfaction in the expanded role in the receiving game? Do you feel like you’ve needed to prove yourself in that way over three years to convince the coaches to give you more of that role, Co-Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends George Godsey, etc.?) – “I think you hit it on the head with the opening of the question. I try to do what’s asked. That’s kind of been my mindset really dating back to college because offenses are always changing. Some years you’re going to run the ball more. Some years you’re going to have to throw the ball, so I just try to do what’s asked of me. It is always nice every now and then to have something kind of show up from a statistical standpoint, but I’ve always just tried to do what’s asked whether that’s in the run game, pass protection, being a receiver – whatever it is – special teams. So that’s my mindset and that’s kind of what it’s always been.”

(Was there ever a conversation the last year or two with Co-Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends George Godsey where it was conveyed that you would be looked for more in the passing game because clearly these are career numbers for you and you are being targeted more than ever before?) – “Not directly. I think like I said, each year the offense evolves in a different way so you have to be ready to adapt and play the role that you’re needed to play. I think that’s just the evolution of our offense this year and that’s kind of how it’s been. Everyone has to roll with the punches. You have to be able to adapt in this league and be able to do what’s needed. So I think that’s just kind of how it’s been.”

(I have two different things on two totally different topics. The first one I’ve got to ask you about the t-shirt. Did you have that specifically made or how’d that…?) – “I was hoping someone would ask. Let’s give another view of it. (laughter) I just wanted to obviously pay the respects back. Mike (Gesicki) hit his career high for a season in receiving yards this past week so thought it was worth a shoutout there. I didn’t have it personally made. This I think is for sale somewhere, but this was given to me from Mike last year so I’ve held onto it. Unfortunately this is the first time I’ve worn it. He’d probably be pretty angry to hear, but maybe I’ll break it out more starting now.”

(Totally different topic. You were a rookie in 2018 when Titans QB Ryan Tannehill played here his last year. I wanted to ask your recollections of playing with him as your quarterback.) – “Yeah, he was actually in the locker right next to me in 2018. Great guy. Great football mind. He’s one of those guys that can look at a defense and tell you a lot of things just by really subtle things the defense does. So it was nice having him honestly around my rookie year as a guy who could teach us a little bit coming right out of college. He’s a great player obviously. Has been for a long time and like I said, it was nice having him around for our rookie year.”

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