Spence hopes to learn from new defensive ends

by Gary Shelton on June 8, 2018 · 0 comments

in general

Noah Spence (57) can't wait to return to Bucs./JEFFREY S. KING

Noah Spence (57) can't wait to return to Bucs./JEFFREY S. KING

Thursday, 2 a.m.

In his absence, his team went out and found a new starter at left defensive end. In his absence, his team went out and found a new starter at right defensive end.

Why, then, does Bucs' defensive end Noah Spence, who now finds himself a backup, seem so happy?

"I grew up watching JPP (Jason Pierre-Paul) and Vinny (Curry) a lot, and it's crazy that I'm on the same team as them now," Spence said. "It's just a blessing to be able to learn from them, talk to them in the locker room and just get little tips from them to play defensive line better.

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After high hopes, Spence ends his year with one sack./CARMEN MANDATO

Spence hopes to learn from Paul and Curry../CARMEN MANDATO

"I think it's going to make us better, though, because with less reps we're going to be not as tired when we get out there so we can play our best. It's going to be better, I feel like – less people tired, less injuries, so it's going to be good."

Spence, at one time heralded as the next big thing at defensive end, says he will benefit from the competition.

"It's a blessing," Spence said. "I feel like them dudes bring a different type of energy. Like, Vinny's always talking; he's a new type of animal for the defense and he just gives us all energy when we get on the field. You've got dudes like that are just talking all the time and telling us to get better, get better – you can't lose."

In all, Spence said there was a different feeling across the Bucs' roster.

"There's definitely more energy," Spence said. "I feel like everybody knows what's expected now. We feel different. We feel like more of a team, I feel like. We're talking more, everybody's trying to help each other out. I just feel like last season was a blessing for us because it showed us what we didn't want to be anymore."

Granted, across the league, there are a lot of teams who feel that the coming year will be different for them.

"Coming off of a disappointing year last year, you can definitely sense something different in the facility," said tight end Cameron Brate. "Maybe there’s a little more sense of urgency. Everybody knows how big this year is for everyone in the building. All of the players can feel it, the coaches feel it. So, I think there is that sense of urgency. It does feel a little bit different this year, for sure.”

Brate said that quarterback Jamies Winston has been excellent.

"It was definitely very organized compared to the past and that was spearheaded by Jameis (Winston)," Brate said. "That stuff, that goes such a long way, putting in time in the offseason, getting that head start on the spring training. I really think it has paid dividends so far. You guys aren’t out here every day but Jameis’ deep ball, I will say, looks pretty special so far this spring. That’s just a testament to him and the receivers getting together this offseason.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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