The DaVonte Lambert Show
December 25th, 2016
DaVonte Lambert was the Bucs’ go-to guy after not playing in weeks.
Would it surprise you to learn Noah Spence played just 28 of 71 defensive snaps yesterday in New Orleans?
Yes, defensive ends rotate and Bucs coaches say they love the all-around development of the rookie second-round pick. But Spence’s playing time said a lot yesterday.
First, it told Joe the Bucs knew entering the game that injured DE Will Gholston was irreplaceable in the run defense.
Joe has written since last year that Gholston may be the best run-stuffing defensive end in the NFL. At 6-6, 285 pounds, Gholston is too big and explosive for any tight end to move, and few offensive linemen can consistently handle his lateral movement and strength in the run game.
Second, it told Joe that the Bucs still see Spence is a pass-rush specialist, despite what’s been said publicly.
That probably changes with time. Young Spence has talked to Joe about his desire to put on significant weight this offseason and strengthen his run defense. And the kid is developing and has a strong work ethic.
Undrafted 22-year-old rookie DE DaVonte Lambert played on 80 percent of the snaps in New Orleans yesterday. And the film shows he was just a step slow too often. He finished with zero tackles and one assist.
Before yesterday, Lambert hadn’t played in more than a month! Yes, really!
Collectively, it’s been a tough season for injuries on the D-line, starting with Saints killer Jacquies Smith in Week 1. How did the Bucs win in New Orleans last year? Smith sacked Drew Brees three times, injured him, and forced two fumbles.
December 25th, 2016 at 8:55 am
This defense has serious issues starting with the line as they don’t have one elite player there. Without one everyone else is just gets stonewalled.
December 25th, 2016 at 9:18 am
Bucs 1st round #11 pick VH3/ Saints 1st round #12 pick sheldon rankins
Bucs 2nd round #39pick Noah Spence/ Saints 2nd round#47 pick michael thomas
Bucs 2nd round pick #59 Yippy aguayo/ Saints 2nd round #61 pick Vonn Bell
Saints 3 players will plus 10 year starters and studs and those positions will not to be addressed for the next decade
for 2017 season we still need a cornerback, defensive end and a kicker
We should move jason gumps desk from the gm office to the marketing dept
He is a infomercial salesman and not a GM
December 25th, 2016 at 9:25 am
How about a defense coordinator, and a up to date defense. This coach had lost the locker room, until Winston wrote the letter. Deactivation Martin, will cause them to fall apart. Hire Derrick, to be the G.M and force this coach to hire an Offense coordinator.
December 25th, 2016 at 9:42 am
LOL, McCoy was a man amongst boys yesterday but guys still taking shots at him.
December 25th, 2016 at 9:51 am
dont understand why lambert played that much. best way for a young player to get better is to play! spence is our second best de behind ayers right now. let him lose
December 25th, 2016 at 9:52 am
The Bucs have 3 DEs on IR – Jacquies Smith, Howard Jones, and George Johnson. Presumably, they will all be back – all have produced in the NFL.
Ordinarily, I would say we’ll be okay at DE. But every once in a while a player comes along, a freak if you will, that possesses all the traits the NFL is looking for – size, speed, high motor, and good character.
This year that yet unknown player is Tanoh Kpassagnon 6-6, 290, and runs a 4.76/40 from Villanova by way of Uganda. I going to bet he is a combine sensation and shoots up draft boards. I’m thinking that because he didn’t play FBS but FCS, he could be had in the 3rd round.
He is big and strong enough to play DT and fast enough to play right DE. Noah Spence is good but not strong enough to collapse a pocket. He has to run around the OT and come in the back door – too late for a QB like Drew Brees.
Imagine if William Gholston is pushing from the LE and Tanoh is pushing from the RE, McCoy and McDonald are going to eat. Lol. I have no idea how Tanoh or the Bucs will turn out, but you can tell I’m impressed!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sS0OnaF6Tk
December 25th, 2016 at 10:07 am
@kobefaker
Your an idiot if you think Jason licht isn’t a good gm. It’s funny I don’t really see you post often when the Bucs win. But are always quick to point out negatives when they lose. If you look at his drafts he has added some good talent, along with undrafted guys. His free agent signings are probably only 50 percent good.
December 25th, 2016 at 10:18 am
How are the saints doing this year? Oh worse than the bucs overall? No comparison.
December 25th, 2016 at 10:31 am
macabee
I have read about this kid Kpassagnon. He is a nightmare waiting to happen in the NFL. I would try to get him and move Noah to OLB. If your impressed I”m on board.
December 25th, 2016 at 10:44 am
Only a moron would state there are no elite players on the Bucs D line.
December 25th, 2016 at 10:50 am
De , WR , TE , OL , safety , CB draft and free agent / trade needs
December 25th, 2016 at 10:57 am
That does surprise me but for different reasons. First, excellent point by Joe and good catch. I expected Noah to play most snaps because of being a better pass rusher and expecting Brees to throw the ball the gazillion times he does. Instead, Lambert, who has another 30 lbs of prime beef on his frame played, and I do wonder if that worked out well, especially given lack of production and the fact the Saints had no issue running the ball for 7 or more yard on first freaking down. I really expect Spence to play most snaps.
December 25th, 2016 at 12:38 pm
Lambert was at the right place at the right time getting after the fumble by Fleener at the end of the 3rd quarter, although he committed a penalty on the very next place after the call was overturned. By the way, do you all think that was a catch and fumble? I thought it was, even after seeing the replay. I might have been suffering from proprioception. That killed the Bucs momentum.
December 25th, 2016 at 3:19 pm
@macabee, nice find! If he’s there in the 3rd, dang right we better jump.
December 25th, 2016 at 3:58 pm
im so sick of hearing everyone call for heads every time we lose. y’all should move to texas and be 2016 Romo fans cause thats what y’all sound like and its annoying as hell.