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ESPN analyst refers to standout former Vol Trey Smith as ‘backup’ ahead of Super Bowl 59
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ESPN analyst and former linebacker Bart Scott said on Get Up this weekend that he likes the matchup between Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter and Kansas City Chiefs “backup” Trey Smith in Sunday’s Super Bowl.
The problem? The former Tennessee All-American lineman has started all 19 games for Kansas City this season. And he was selected as a Pro Bowler.
Now, it’s possible that Scott got his names confused. He also mentioned Mike Caliendo, an undrafted free agent who has started in 5 of his last 6 appearances at left guard as Kansas City has shuffled its offensive line and kicked Joe Thuney out to left tackle.
But when Get Up host Mike Greenberg tried to save his partner by adding that Smith was a “veritable giant of a man,” Scott responded rather dismissively.
“What’s a goon to a goblin, though?” he said.
Smith and teammate Creed Humphrey enter into Super Bowl Sunday with the most pass-blocking snaps played by any NFL offensive lineman without allowing a sack, per PFF. Sixty-three NFL linemen have played at least 600 snaps as a pass-blocker this season, according to PFF; Smith is 1 of just 6 who have not allowed a sack.
And he has been a consistently effective blocker for Kansas City across his 4 years in the league. In more than 3,200 pass-blocking reps, Smith has allowed just 9 sacks. He has played at least 1,230 snaps in each of his 4 years with the organization.
As expected, Scott’s slight didn’t go over well on social media, with more than a few calling him out for the fact error.
Smith and the Chiefs take on the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX. Kansas City is seeking an unprecedented 3-peat.
Related: Get in on all the action during Super Bowl Sunday by signing up with one of our favorite DFS apps. New users can score one of several sign-up bonuses to take advantage of a robust prop market.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
