“Paramount To Having Success In This League”
August 13th, 2016
Mike Smith talks Eagles and using Robert Ayers and Noah Spence
Freshly-showered and wearing glasses and a sport coat, Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith talked to Joe and good guy reporter Dustin Hockensmith from Noah Spence’s hometown newspaper in the locker room Thursday night.
Hockensmith, of PennLive.com, was in Philadelphia sniffing out all things Spence for a feature story on his debut. (You can read that here). He nicely typed Smith’s comments that made Joe smile when they were spoken.
Joe was intrigued by the anti-Lovie approach, but also the peek into how Spence and Robert Ayers likely will be used.
As scary as it might seem, the Buccaneers showed just a fraction of the exotic looks they’ve practiced in training camp, Smith said.
“The skill set that these guys have, it gives a lot of flexibility,” Smith said. “Flexibility from week to week is paramount to having success in this league. Noah is really starting to feel comfortable in our scheme. He’s got a great first step and he’s got heavy hands.
“We didn’t do a whole lot [of exotic looks] tonight, but in practice we’ve had some fun giving some different configurations. That’s the fun of coaching is to try and put these guys in their best position. To have Robert and Noah line up on the same side, one of them is going to get a real good opportunity to win.”
That sure sounds like Ayers and Spence will be seen alongside each other on passing downs, with Ayers inside. Interesting stuff. Imagine what a healthy Jacquies Smith could do on the left side with Gerald McCoy next to him. Of course, Joe realizes there will be pass rush games, blitzes and more.
Joe asked Mike Smith how proud he was of the defensive line’s work against the Eagles.
Smith acknowledged his pride — if he were to step back and focus on the evaluation process of a unit. But Smith wasn’t in that mindset and quickly turned his focus on the Bucs failing to force a field goal on the Eagles’ two touchdown drives with short fields after a Tampa Bay turnover.
“We just can’t have that,” he said.
August 13th, 2016 at 9:38 am
We have not seen the scheme and game planning enter the equation yet!!! And now that the have tape on the defensive roster they will be working hard on technique. Love the coaching, flexibility, putting players in position to win cannot wait to finally see this defense and watch it evolve over the year!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 13th, 2016 at 10:29 am
All-be-it vanilla I enjoyed watching the little game within the game between Mike Smith an they’re coaching staff. Wentz was throwing every down,Smith sent a nickleback. They proceeded to blitz Griffin a few times our next possession. Wentz comes back in Smith proceeds to blitz his @$$. I’m watching like I love it. Try me I’ma try yo @$$ back.
August 13th, 2016 at 10:45 am
I’d like to see an A Gap blitz on the right side gap combined with a Nickel blitz from the left side. QB sees the A blitzer and rolls right (left) into the CB!
August 13th, 2016 at 10:49 am
I agree, Joe! The Smith, Ayers, McCoy and N.Spence line could be really fun to watch! Go NASCAR on em’!
August 13th, 2016 at 10:54 am
Totally impressed with Jay Hayes. Ayers n Spawn are going to terrorize the division I’m so stoked a got a chub. #tmi
August 13th, 2016 at 10:55 am
@ Realist
You are now a pleasure to read…..even though Joe mentioned Lovie…you didn’t take the bait…..keep up the good work.
As for the pass rush…..with Ayres & Spence we have improved half of our Dline….and with Jay Hayes….he has likely improved the other half.
August 13th, 2016 at 11:12 am
Realist, yea, I’m shocked! And you even used the word love! Lol
August 13th, 2016 at 11:19 am
That 4-man Rush on passing downs will be lethal. Howard Jones looks like he can bring the heat in place of Smith or Spence as well…Akeem also looks like he’s continuing to get better.
August 13th, 2016 at 11:58 am
Glad to see that Rhealist is a man of his word regarding turning the page to the new chapter once pre-season started. That constant Lovie bashing chit was getting really stale. Hopefully others will follow suit (cough-Joe-cough).
August 14th, 2016 at 5:40 pm
Wait… So we’re not just going to run our guys out there and see how the other team stack up agInst us in cover two???