Freeney/Mathis Combo?

The combination of Jacquies Smith and Noah Spence has looked really good this preseason as you can frequently see both of them flying around the corner getting after the quarterback. There once were 2 shorter speed rushers in Indianapolis that were really a terror for QBs and actually won a super bowl together. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis formed quite a duo in their prime with Indy and the bucs might have the makings of something similar here.

Smith and Spence resemble the duo as they are both 6'2 and weight about 250 lbs which is considered smaller for a defensive end. What made Freeney and Mathis so special were their get offs and ability to get Tackles off their base so that they could manipulate them however they would please. Tampa's duo have been showing that get off and speed off the edge consistently this preseason. Again its preseason but you have to give credit where its due.

Spence is still a rookie and has to learn more pass rush moves to master his craft but he already is showing the makings of being a pure edge rusher. They may or may not be starters come the regular season but you better believe when its 3rd and long those two will be on the field together with ears pinned back ready to fly to the quarterback.

Past Their Prime

With the season getting closer, the Bucs are equipped with a very talented and deep roster which is something they haven't had in quite some time. As we head into training camp, things like injuries or certain players become available does occur in which Bucs gm Jason Licht must be prepare for at all times. The current roster is not set and is always fluid as the team is always looking for ways to get better. Licht in the past has done a great job of finding key players in August to help this team during the season. For instance, Jacquies Smith two years ago, then last year in Godser Cherilus and Joe Hawely whom all have been big contributors for this team.

Now as we head into August this year, fans want to see the team add a big name like Dwight Freeney or Roddy White and while those two guys could certainly help sometimes it is just not the right move. Gm Jason Licht said it best yesterday while on 620am that signing the name player isn't always the best move.

#Bucs GM @jasonrlicht: "Signing the name isn't always the right thing to do. Sometimes, they're past their prime."

— Buccaneers on Scout (@TBBucsOnScout) July 26, 2016

Now this doesn't mean the Bucs haven't look at these guys as the Bucs look at all players available, but it means perhaps these two guys are just not what they used to be. Now again the roster isn't set and injuries do occur so maybe the Bucs give these guys a call in a few weeks. For now the Bucs have a more than capable roster and it should be a fun season in 2016.

Noah Spence is Adding to His Pass Rush Arsenal

The Bucs are hoping Noah Spence can be that dominant pass rusher that they have been searching for since the days of Simeon Rice. The Bucs were lucky to get Spence in the second round because he was the best pass rusher in the draft. Spence made some bad decisions but it doesn't mean he is a bad person, and he is ready to turn the corner with the Bucs. Spence was very good in college with 20 sacks combined between his time at Ohio State and Eastern Kentucky. Spence is just a natural as he has good athleticism and outstanding quickness off the snap allowing him to get to the Qb quickly. Spence's go-to move is the outside speed dip and rip which can be very effective if executed properly. Watch Spence do it perfectly against Donovan Smith who Spence will go against in practice every day now.

Now that move can be very effective but to be a great pass rusher you have to have a counter or a inside move to set up the outside move. Lets take a look at Dwight Freeney who is one of the best in the game in setting up left tackles by using his spin move inside to get sacks.

Freeney does a great job of making it look like he is going to use the outside rip but does a great job of spinning back inside and its a easy sack. Now Noah Spence is looking to add the spin move to his rush game as he has been working with pass rush specialist coach Chuck Smith who tweeted this out a couple days ago.

The RedField Spin (Outside Spin) Legend @RobertMathis98 is the best to do this Pass Rush #Salute #NoahSpence 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/13hizvPHX2

— Chuck Smith (@chucksmithnfl) July 8, 2016

Now this is an outside spin move which has been perfected by Robert Mathis which can be very effective and can be used to set up inside rips or swim moves. This is great to see from Spence who is working hard to add to his pass rush ability and if he can effectively add this move he could be very dangerous for years to come. The outside spin move makes sense for Spence as it will allow him to use his speed off the edge which is his best attribute. It's still early and Spence has a long way to go but it looks like he wants to be great and will be someone to watch when training camp starts.