Noah Spence Dominant, Sacks Blake Bortles
August 18th, 2016Something special is really brewing along the Bucs’ defensive line.
Rookie second-round pick Noah Spence continues to impress day after day. Joe’s really seen Spence jack it up a notch the past 10 days or so.
It’s been damn impressive, and it flowed right into the joint practices in Jacksonville.
Spence beat Jags left tackle Luke Joeckel to the inside so cleanly in a 1-on-1 drill, it was stunning. Then immediately came Round 2 of Spence and Joeckel. Spence had a tougher time but once again, he won. The Bucs’ defensive line coaches were all jacked up. (see video below)
Later, Spence’s pressure was evident. And late in practice under brutal, bright noon sun, Spence, at right defensive end, flushed Blake Bortles and sacked him near the Tampa Bay sideline. There was huge celebration from the Bucs.
Spence doesn’t strike Joe as a guy who’s ever going to do much of a sack celebration. But after other teammates congratulated him, America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, ran over and was so damn fired up. The two slapping hands so loudly you could hear it across the field. Spence seemed fired up after that.
Joe asked Bucs linebacker Daryl Smith, a veteran of 172 starts, about Spence’s rise as a rookie and his performance today.
“I mean, that’s what Spence has been doing in our practices back in Tampa. That’s the norm for him. It really is,” Smith said. “We expect that to get better and now he has to translate, translate into games and into sacks. That’s the step for any rookie.”
Joe can’t help but be excited. Yeah, even though it’s August. Spence practices with a fire that’s just not common, certainly not among rookie second-round picks.
August 18th, 2016 at 1:54 pm
Spawn!
They took everything from him and now he’s back for revenge!
August 18th, 2016 at 2:06 pm
I am so excited about Noah. If this kid is the real deal, he’s the edge rusher we’ve been needing for years.
August 18th, 2016 at 2:07 pm
LOL DB
Look at that look. This kid has a little nasty to him.
Nice pic Joe.
August 18th, 2016 at 2:15 pm
87
He even looks like Al Simmons. #Spawn
August 18th, 2016 at 2:23 pm
Could not be more pleased with drafting this young man. He really did a 180 after his expulsion from Ohio State. Someone got through to him and he is determined to be the best he can be, it shows. Wish him continued succes and look forward to proudly wearing his jersey for many Sundays to come. GO BUCS
August 18th, 2016 at 2:30 pm
Is the kid fast, Yes. But the most Impressing thing is this kid has hands!!!! He should not have the handwork that he does unitl his 3rd-4th year, and that is if work hard at it!!!!!
August 18th, 2016 at 2:36 pm
That kid is wicked fast!
August 18th, 2016 at 2:42 pm
So we have seen the inside rip, inside spin, outside swim (last week) outside rip (last week). His pass Rushing ability isn’t what impresses me, but the versatility in the moves to get that pressure. That is that scary part!!! He isn’t a one trick pony.
August 18th, 2016 at 2:49 pm
I’m loving it. Keep up the pressure Spence! No doubt he’s our best pick this draft, no doubt in my mind at all.
August 18th, 2016 at 2:54 pm
Bortles looks a little stiff in that video.
August 18th, 2016 at 3:00 pm
This new breed of buccaneer player s that have emerged with kwon, marpet, d smith and spence being led by Ayeres and jameis is exciting. Not only do they have more talent than the choir boy experiment under schiano andn lovie they have that fire and desire to win and be great unlike the previous face of the franchise. spawn is going to rule the south.
August 18th, 2016 at 3:01 pm
Glad to hear the kid is doing good#keepbeastin’
August 18th, 2016 at 3:02 pm
@Realist
Before the draft I was reading up on all the DEs/DTs & CBs and came across an article by Stephen White from SB nation that broke down Spence’s game. He did this for a lot of DEs and his article on Spence had me sold as the #1 player I wanted on our team from the draft. I would have been fine with taking him at #9 even. He was the only DE that White said could turn the corner consistently with speed AND be effective with inside pass rush moves. He’s also wasn’t that bad against the run given his size.
People knocked him down the draft board because of his 40 time but he’s not running 40 yards to the QB. All his short area athleticism drills were some of the best in the combine among any d-lineman. I was just staring at his name the entire 2nd round praying he would fall to us.
August 18th, 2016 at 3:04 pm
DB55
Go ahead and trademark that $h!t bruh.
#wickedwickedwicked
August 18th, 2016 at 3:05 pm
great to see…GO BUCS!!!!
August 18th, 2016 at 3:08 pm
Lord Cornelius
Some of Us (cough,cough) been bragging about this kid (on this blog) since – the earlier part of 2015.
August 18th, 2016 at 3:13 pm
Not surprised. Spence has been studying film of the top NFL sackers on his own and getting pointers from our excellent Defensive Line Coach and from our Veteran players on the DL. He will be able to contribute big time from day one.
His competition has motivated Smith and Jones to pick up their game too. This will disrupt QBs who are having to hold the ball because of excellent coverage by our DBs downfield already. If they try stepping up they will get grabbed by McCoy. This will be an exciting year to watch the Bucs!!!
August 18th, 2016 at 3:21 pm
Luv
I can’t take credit I saw it here on JBF first and ran with it. Wish I knew who started it.
Tmax
the choir boy experiment under schiano andn lovie
———-
The choir boys weren’t Schiano’s experiment. Didn’t he draft Talib, blunt, Bennett, Barron and others? the choir boys are a result of a fan base and media that perfer “players” with big smiles who are soft spoken as to not offend their civility. They even hated on Sapp cuz he wasn’t a nice guy but PRAISED Brooks and Dunn. You know what I’m saying?
August 18th, 2016 at 3:23 pm
Man Spence is no joke. Gaines Adams and Adrian Clayborne never had a camp like this, let alone their first!
August 18th, 2016 at 3:42 pm
Go get’em Spawn.
August 18th, 2016 at 4:14 pm
Luv
-True – you probably were high on him before I even knew who he was. I think he was a pretty popular draft desire for a lot of us. I just thought of that article when Realist mentioned his hands.
August 18th, 2016 at 4:16 pm
D Smith giving Malik Jackson and Donte Flowers the buisness.
August 18th, 2016 at 4:21 pm
I never understood drafting Clayborne, a one armed guy. I liked him and he had a good motor, but not worthy of a first round pick.
August 18th, 2016 at 4:29 pm
Good news. Say can he kick extra points?
August 18th, 2016 at 4:40 pm
What’s the point of even kicking extra points? Just go for two.
Joe
Do you know if safeties and touch backs on punts will come out to the 25 yard line or is it just kickoffs?
August 18th, 2016 at 4:54 pm
Sidebar:
I know most of us have voiced our concerns – regarding the depth of the defensive tackle position. Well guess what? Jacksonville has quite a few guys battling for that 5th tackle spot.
*Example(s):
• #99 Sen’Derrick Marks DT – 6-2 | 309 (29) 8 Auburn
• #96 Michael Bennett DT – 6’2” | 300 (23) 2 Ohio State
• #94 Richard Ash DT – 6’3” | 325 (23) 1 Western Michigan
• #92 Sheldon Day DT – 6’1″ | 293 (22) R Notre Dame
Maybe one of the following tackles have impressed our Pro Scouts enough.
That if released – one of them – can garner a roster spot; on the final 53.
August 18th, 2016 at 5:00 pm
SPAWN’s former teammate
#96 Michael Bennett DT – 6’2” | 300 (23) 2 Ohio State
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA-SR0Jt_Pg
August 18th, 2016 at 5:09 pm
Is Spence doing that well or is Luke looking that bad? Damn he looked sluggish
August 18th, 2016 at 5:13 pm
Cam will make a loud thud.
August 18th, 2016 at 5:15 pm
I’ll say it… He reminds me of Derrick Thomas
August 18th, 2016 at 5:20 pm
Wes
After that high-ankle fracture – during his rookie year. He hasn’t been the same.
At this point in career – he’d probably be better off kicking inside to guard.
Sidebar: Funny how Luke resembles a young Tony Boselli – But doesn’t play like him.
August 18th, 2016 at 5:24 pm
DB55, also INTs in the end zone.
August 18th, 2016 at 5:31 pm
Spence looks like the real deal but I’m telling you, I could have sacked Bortles in that video. Zero movement from that guy. Oh, it should also be mentioned that I would need to be unblocked.
August 18th, 2016 at 5:36 pm
Luv
I’d take Day and Marks any day. I also like Francis as a NT he’s a 5th string DT for the Bucs right now.
Cmurda
Unblocked – yes sir, I heard that, lol.
Eric
Yea any of the other times the ball gets spotted at the 20. I think it’s only on kickoffs though.
August 18th, 2016 at 5:42 pm
Atlanta is in trouble… This whole team seems fired up and ready for September 11th. Suddenly our defense looks as talented as any. Jameis is Jameis… Our O-line and Doug Martin seem ready to close out some victories. My expectations were so so a month ago… Now I’m thinking playoffs without a doubt.
August 18th, 2016 at 5:54 pm
Firethecanons I like that. And he sure will. I was just telling my big brother he thinks Von Miller was all over him during the Superbowl. Man o man I can’t wait for him to meet this new Ferrari of ours.
August 18th, 2016 at 6:20 pm
I’ve been a Bucs fan since 1976 and I wanted Spence picked more than an other pick ever! I actually cried when we picked him, that’s how much I wanted him.
GO BUCS
August 18th, 2016 at 6:51 pm
Is it me or is he more impressive than our 1st Rd pick?
August 18th, 2016 at 7:12 pm
Controlled Fury! Pass it on! Go Bucs!
August 18th, 2016 at 7:21 pm
Evening Fellas. If Spawn keeps this up he will be what GMC has been waiting for all this time!! This line has a chance to be NASTY!!!
August 18th, 2016 at 7:27 pm
SPAWN!!!
I believe credit goes to NOSBOS for that one.
agreed with the other poster, I would have been cool with him at 9, but getting him in the 2nd makes it that much sweeter.
August 18th, 2016 at 7:27 pm
Oh………and we are now up to 41 players in the JOEBUCSFAN.com Pickem league. That is Sweeeeeet!
August 18th, 2016 at 7:31 pm
Sounds reminiscent of Kwon last year. Rookie coming in pissed off with a chip on his shoulder….love it.
August 18th, 2016 at 7:42 pm
SB with Jameis Says:
August 18th, 2016 at 7:27 pm
Oh………and we are now up to 41 players in the JOEBUCSFAN.com Pickem league. That is Sweeeeeet!
How does one join?
August 18th, 2016 at 7:54 pm
James Harrison in his 30th year in the league is playing preseason and beasting on kids. #football
August 18th, 2016 at 8:00 pm
Here you go StAug……..Love your town. I surfed there a bunch years ago.
http://games.espn.com/nfl-pigskin-pickem/2016/en/group?groupID=99276
August 18th, 2016 at 8:04 pm
LOL at the ’30 years” DB. Actual LOL for me
August 18th, 2016 at 8:07 pm
I aim to please brother
August 18th, 2016 at 8:19 pm
SB/J: It’s about time!!
August 18th, 2016 at 8:23 pm
BigHogHaynes Says:
August 18th, 2016 at 8:19 pm
SB/J: It’s about time!!
…………………
If you are referring to GMC Finally getting the edge help he deserves than Yes Sir it is about damn time.
I dont see your screen name on the League Pickem. Are you competing ?
August 18th, 2016 at 8:28 pm
Look at Von Millers deal!
Pass rushers get PAID!
I pray he stays healthy.
I love his thick neck.
Reminds me of Takeo Spikes!
Go Bucs!
August 18th, 2016 at 8:45 pm
JOE, how does Bortles personality in practice differ from Jameis?
August 18th, 2016 at 8:46 pm
Seeing Brent Grimes’ int today gives me a slight boner. We have definitely found the right guy to teach VH3 the ropes. Kid was Un-freaking-drafted and was told he never could be great. He is still good no matter what the pundits say. GREAT time to be a Bucs fan
August 18th, 2016 at 8:51 pm
Bonzai asks a great question and Should receive a response from Joe I would believe. Why not compare America’s QB to Bortles?
August 18th, 2016 at 9:01 pm
Licht bettwr pyt some moeny aside…..some SERIOUS money, becasue he will demand a big contract. Only Jameis over him when the time comes
August 18th, 2016 at 10:30 pm
SB with Jameis
Thanks for putting the pigskin pickem together. Very cool.
August 18th, 2016 at 10:35 pm
Thanks tmax. I think it will be cool for us Bucs fans who come here every day to be able to compete against each other while we still route passionately for our Bucs. A little smack talk never hurt brethren. 🙂
August 18th, 2016 at 11:53 pm
It is hard to believe Spence fell all the way down to us in this draft. All of us here jumped for joy when he was drafted by Tampa.
August 19th, 2016 at 8:40 am
If that pic doesn’t scream SPAWN I don’t know what does. Absolutely LOVE this guy. Can’t wait to see him raise hell in opposing backfields for years to come. QB’S will soon know #57, that’s for dam sure. #time to take back the south.
August 19th, 2016 at 8:51 am
Time to take it back indeed Demboyz..
August 19th, 2016 at 12:03 pm
What’s with the ‘Spawn’ bit? Was that Spence’s nickname in college? I know squat about college football hence the question. I’m not worried about the D this season; I’m more concerned with the depth on the OL. Go Bucs!!
August 19th, 2016 at 12:06 pm
To Joe, “spawn” is a pretty derogatory term. Joe would never use it for someone he respects, that’s for sure.
August 19th, 2016 at 12:31 pm
Joe: I wondered about that negative whiff w/’spawn’ myself. Obviously, it’s a compliment in the eyes of several of the regulars on here.
August 20th, 2016 at 12:24 am
Isn’t Spawn a reference to that badass character from Spiderman?
August 20th, 2016 at 11:55 am
Good hand fighting. His repetoire of moves and get off… combined with his dawg mentality. Let’s turn him loose!