Can Noah Spence Play The Run?
August 6th, 2016
Defensive coordinator Mike Smith was candid when asked by Joe about rookie defensive end Noah Spence’s play against the run.
In the spring, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht cautioned that rookie DE Noah Spence might not be a full-time player for a while.
Spence has flashed all through training camp in pass rush (wait till you see Joe’s video posting later!), but can he play the run? Joe hasn’t seen much of Spence executing in that capacity.
So today, Joe asked defensive coordinator Mike Smith how Spence is playing the run. Smith was quite candid.
JoeBucsFan.com: Coach, what do you see from Noah Spence as far as his evolution against the run?
Mike Smith: By standards, Noah’s an undersized defensive end. But I think he plays a lot bigger than his measurables. You know, he has a very good short punch, and he understands leverage and he’s got quickness. So he can move and run around blocks at times and make some plays. And he’s also got strong enough hands and punch that he can hold the point. We’re going to have to be very careful about what we ask him to do early on in the season.
Smith and veteran defensive line coach Jay Hayes have a lot of diverse talent to work with on the D-line. They’ve got a hell of a challenge ahead of them to figure out all the right fits and rotations. That was a specialty of Hayes for 13 years with the Bengals, and Smith had great success without big names on his D-lines in Jacksonville.
No, Joe doesn’t expect much of Spence on first and second down for a while. But he will play a lot, and the rhythm of the games will dictate so very much. The dude is lightning for the right edge, and he has inside moves. He’ll have plenty of chances.
August 6th, 2016 at 12:18 pm
I’m cool with him being Simeon II.
August 6th, 2016 at 12:28 pm
Family outing today with my dear ones? Nope..I told my family that I am waiting for Joe’s notes from today’s camp..
Everyone left for Comic Con..and I am so damn happy..
And as far as Spence goes..GO BUCS baby! Can’t wait to see him on the field Thursday..
Thursday kids! Thursday we get to see our guys!!!
Thanks Joe waaaay ahead of time..can’t wait to see that video!!!!
August 6th, 2016 at 12:28 pm
Only time will tell if he plays the run well. He was compared to Kalil Mack, with a few more bench press reps. He may be a pass rushing specialist here in Tampa, and I am ok with that.
Mike Smith will find a way to use him.
August 6th, 2016 at 12:33 pm
Spawn!
August 6th, 2016 at 12:33 pm
Joe,
I’m surprised that you haven’t mentioned your appearance on “Training Camp Live” with Casey Phillips and Scott Smith.
You were pretty good on it. Looked like a natural.
One question…your hands are always below the desk.
Were you rubbing on Caseys inner thigh?
You guys are twisted. Joe didn’t want to talk with his hands. So Joe kept them below the table.–Joe
August 6th, 2016 at 12:46 pm
Joe
Didn’t see the piece Dave complimented but as a former broadcaster I can tell you that you always want your hands above the desk for the reason you just encountered.
BTW at least you had good instincts to neutralize your hands. Everybody thinks they can go on TV and simply talk and it’s all good…same for radio…but there are actually skills to acquire. Just like a guy who can throw the football great but isn’t really an NFL QB.
BTW..good luck on any future endeavors in that area.
August 6th, 2016 at 5:20 pm
Stpetebucsfan Says:
August 6th, 2016 at 12:46 pm
“BTW..good luck on any future endeavors in that area.”
SPBF says referring to Casey’s inner thigh “area”. LOL
August 6th, 2016 at 9:02 pm
“Stop the run on the way to the quarterback” – Warren Sapp
August 7th, 2016 at 10:05 am
Its the effort not the size, he will.play a lot on 1st and second downs I bet