The Master
August 21st, 2017
Former Bucs great Simeon Rice tutoring Bucs DE Noah Spence.
If it’s 11 years after you left a team and that franchise is still struggling to find a guy to come close to your stats, then friends, you are a legend.
So this past weekend Joe thought it was cool as hell that a guy who should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, former Bucs defensive end Simeon Rice, who now lives in California, visited One Buc Palace and spent time after practice Saturday working with defensive ends Noah Spence and Ryan Russell.
Rice working with Spence is what has Joe intrigued.
The Bucs laud Spence as the heir to Rice’s throne as a sackmeister. Currently, Spence needs work on his run game defense for him to get on the field more. The same issue haunted Rice in his first few years in the NFL, as well.
Eventually, Rice got that part of his game down and the rest is history.
Rice seemed genuinely excited if not impressed with Spence. In a drill Rice put Spence through, Jenna Laine of ESPN noted Rice said out loud, “Oh, damn!” Rice said. “That’s good sh–. I didn’t expect that. That’s good sh–. That’s a good change-up.”
Rice later Sunday took to Twitter and it sounds like he and Spence are going to keep in close contact.
@simeon_rice: I can not wait to see what we worked on come alive #BucsVsEverybody
In the Tweet, Rice included a photo of him working with Spence.
Joe has no idea exactly why Rice came across the country to visit training camp. But he was wearing a new Bucs polo and he clearly is keen on seeing the Bucs succeed.
Spence told Joe he was in fifth grade when Rice had his last double-digit sacks season for the Bucs — 14 sacks in 2005. Spence said he already was thinking about being an NFL defensive end, and Rice was on his watch list.
As for the hands-on training this weekend, Spence said Rice showed him stuff he hadn’t ever seen. Will Gholston was watching the tutoring session and told Joe that the still-fit Rice seemed to be have the same body as Spence, and was probably a great fit to coach up Spence because of it.
Joe loves that the old Bucs from their glory days still take such an interest in the current Bucs. Warren Sapp was working with Bucs defensive tackles this summer. Ronde Barber is almost a fixture at practices. Derrick Brooks is just a phone call away and he stays in contact America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, and other current Bucs regularly.
It’s almost like the old timers (damn, that makes Joe feel old) feel some sort of obligation to do what they can, pitch in whenever they can, to help get this once proud franchise out of its current, painful playoff-less rut.
“There is no greater gratification than to see these [young] guys become something that they’re capable of becoming,” Rice said.
August 21st, 2017 at 12:41 am
Fn beautiful!!!!!!
August 21st, 2017 at 1:00 am
I wish Noah Spence was built like Rice.
Rice was 6’5″, 275#
Spence is 6’2″, 250#
I know he was hurt last year. He made some plays
Hes been invisible this year, and smaller than last year.
I know the Bucs are high on him, And I hope they are right
But expecting a guy 6’2″, 250# to go up against 6’5″, 315# every play
Is expecting alot. Hes gonna get crushed every running play.
Hope Im wrong, but thats a big size difference
August 21st, 2017 at 1:21 am
@Capt Tim
Spence is closer to 6’3 than 2 and regardless, do u not realize the actual difference in size u are talking about in real actual measurement? If Spence was a flat 6’2, you’re talking about a 3 inch difference in height, that’s basically the width of ur index, middle, and ring fingers for height difference. Anyone ever see Von Miller’s 6’2/6’3 height & frame keep him from getting it done? Weight wise, it’s been stated that Spence actually gained weight (close to 10lbs I believe) in muscle this off-season but looks slimmer because he’s now sporting the % of body fat and chiseled build that Rice played with and still maintains to this day. Of course this all amounts to squat if Spence doesn’t take the next step this season, but you need to re-examine your “big size difference” thinking, you’re way off.
August 21st, 2017 at 4:15 am
Spence has had a better camp than most here credit him for if you watch the games and isolate on him and what the O-line, protection and QB’s are doing based on his play. Going to other sources of information state that Spence has had a very productive camp. I tracked every snap of his in the preseason games, he was double teamed or chip blocked on over half of his snaps. He is accounted for in the game plan. He hasn’t figured out how to handle this yet, but anytime the offense has to use two to account for one, that is a win. Blitzers that come in through the gap he creates with his speed are untouched, every time. His inside move is something he didn’t have last year. To top it off, in the second half of the Jag game he was on the field for running downs only and wasn’t a glaring weakness. He came off the field for all definite passing opportunities. Sure he was washed out a couple of times but GMC gets washed out quite a bit when he tries to penetrate without engaging.
Spence moves the QB in the pocket. His edge rush forces the QB up into the pocket nearly every time. Edge rushers like him require push from the middle of the line. This is why GMC is so important.
We get deservedly chastized for comparing GMC (#3 overall pick) to a first ballot HOF player. But Spence is considered non-impactful if he isn’t Von Miller or Simeon Rice..
All I’m saying is I couldn’t be happier for a second round pick to have the progress and upside he appears to have. Coaches and team mates say the player has it. They all respect the work and talent he has shown in the camp. They are way closer than we are.
August 21st, 2017 at 5:08 am
Not worried about Spencer’s size (see von miller)
August 21st, 2017 at 5:54 am
1.) Defensive End: Elvis Dumervil
• Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) ←Yup
• Weight: 250 lb (113 kg)
• 5× Pro Bowl (2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015)
• 2× First-team All-Pro (2009, 2014)
• NFL sacks leader (2009)
Career Numbers
• Tackles: 352
• Quarterback sacks: 99.0 ←Yup
• Forced fumbles: 23
• Interceptions: 1
1.) Defensive End: Dwight Freeney
• Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) ←Yup
• Weight: 268 lb (122 kg)
• Super Bowl champion (XLI)
• 7× Pro Bowl (2003–2005, 2008–2011)
• 3× First-team All-Pro (2004, 2005, 2009)
• Second-team All-Pro (2003)
• AFC Defensive Player of the Year (2005)
• NFL sacks leader (2004)
• NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
Career Numbers
• Total tackles: 329
• Sacks: 122.5 ← Yup
• Forced fumbles: 47
• Fumble recoveries: 4
• Pass deflections: 16
• Defensive touchdowns: 1
Honorable Mention(s)
• Cliff Avril
• Charles Johnson
• Chris Clemons
• Robert Mathis
• Will Smith
• Darren Howard
• Hugh Douglas
• Phillip Daniels
And on …And on…And on.
August 21st, 2017 at 6:17 am
Sapp and Brooks, they are built that way from being a Cane and a Nole, those guys invest in their former teams recruiting.
August 21st, 2017 at 7:25 am
@tnew
Excellent post! Thanks for saving me some time as there is nothing I can add to your take. Spot on.
August 21st, 2017 at 7:30 am
Simeon belongs in the Hall of Fame way more than Terrell Davis, Morton Anderson, Jerry Jones, Kenny Easley who were inducted this year.
August 21st, 2017 at 7:36 am
Great post Tnew!!! I tried to tell the sheep last year that NS57 was getting attention last year and how it opened up the defense!!!!!!! Did the defense start to really take off when NS57 was getting more snaps the field?????? Coinidence???????? Out of the D-lineman, he is are only consistent player to get pass-rush pressure!!!!!!!!! It is a passing league folks!!!!!!!
Go Bucs
August 21st, 2017 at 7:45 am
Great post & great comments. Like Capt Tim, I’m also somewhat concerned about Noah’s size playing in a predominantly 4-3 defense, but more from a consistency standpoint than on an individual play basis. No question in my mind that he’s got the speed & skill to shine in certain situations (getting him into those situations is more on Smitty than anyone). Agree with tnew’s observation that ‘Edge rushers like him require push from the middle of the line’ & I’m really hoping our interior DLine gets that push consistently this season with the addition of Baker. DEs like Dumervil & Freeney amaze me LUVMYBUCS, but they were also the ‘exception rather than the rule’ as they say. Both started their careers like gangbusters (22-24 sacks in their 1st 2 yrs) & stayed relatively consistent (and healthy for the most part). That’s what we need from Spence … consistency (and to stay healthy of course). And he’s doing a very nice job IMO in working towards that consistency.
August 21st, 2017 at 8:49 am
I don’t think it’s unfair to say that Spence, in his young career, is a work in progress. He has the potential to be scary. Lets hope that he realizes that potential and matches his mentor in years to come.
August 21st, 2017 at 9:08 am
Defense Rules
Actually its quite the opposite.
Since the NFL started to offically record sacks in 1982.
Of the 250 guys that have recorded 39+ sacks and their career.
There’s just as many sub 6’3 290lbs guys (if not more); 6’4 300lbs + DE’s.
It’s one of the biggest misnomer of all time.
NFL Sacks Career Leaders
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/sacks_career.htm
*Note: Elimate all Rushing LB’s
August 21st, 2017 at 9:23 am
I hope Rice’s appearance at training camp is part of a larger campaign by the Bucs to get the man the recognition he deserves! Would love to see a robust PR campaign and maybe even an induction to the Ring of Honor next year as part of a larger push to get the man to the Hall of Fame!
He was a horse in Arizona and truly put our defense over the top upon his arrival. If the Rams can get three or four of their offensive guys into the Hall we should be able to get four or five of our defensive guys in. Our D was every bit as good as their offense for almost twice as long.
C’mon Ira fill the Hall with these Buc legends!
August 21st, 2017 at 9:38 am
LUVMYBUCS, I agree with you about the 6’3″ & 290 lb DEs, but I was talking about the supposedly ‘smaller’ DEs (Dumervil went 255). Freeney was probably about average size for a DE (he went 268). I think Simeon played at around 265 if I remember right. My point though was that Noah Spence is quite light in comparison (earlier article this year said he was now at 240 lbs which is closer to what OLBs might weight in a 3-4 defense). His speed, quickness & technique will help him tremendously no doubt, but to make it to the Super Bowl you’ve got to hold up through 19-20 games plus preseason. That’s a lot of getting pounded if you’re playing a lot of defensive snaps & getting double-teamed frequently.
August 21st, 2017 at 12:08 pm
Capt.Tim Says:
August 21st, 2017 at 1:00 am
I wish Noah Spence was built like Rice.
Rice was 6’5″, 275#
Spence is 6’2″, 250#
I know he was hurt last year. He made some plays
Hes been invisible this year, and smaller than last year.
I know the Bucs are high on him, And I hope they are right
But expecting a guy 6’2″, 250# to go up against 6’5″, 315# every play
Is expecting alot. Hes gonna get crushed every running play.
Hope Im wrong, but thats a big size difference
—————-
Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney were both shorter than Spence and were two of the better pass rushers of the past 20 years. Mathis topped out at 248 and Freeney was a bit heavier in the 260+ range. I’m not worried about Spence in the run game IF his technique is sound and he is fast enough to stress the OTs. In football, speed will almost always beat strength and power if it is used correctly.