Buccaneers vs. Lions: 3 things to watch for

Noah Spence

2018 is a pivotal year for Noah Spence. In his third season, the pass rusher needs to prove his worth if he wants to remain a crucial contributor to the Tampa Bay defense.

All offseason long, Spence has been hyped up as the Bucs’ pivotal pass rusher. Talk about his great diet, and his new role with an improved supporting cast has made him a potential breakout player.

If the preseason is any indication, Spence may not be in for the active 2018 season many predicted.

While he saw some time as a situational edge rusher so far in the preseason, Spence has been on the field late in the fourth quarter, Playing every down at the end of meaningless games.

To see Spence play alongside players who likely won’t have jobs in the NFL in a few weeks is concerning. Perhaps the coaching staff doesn’t see much production out of Spence this year.

As the coaching staff tries to motivate Spence, his performance versus the Lions front could force defensive coordinator Mike Smith to put him on the field more often.

If he gets his chance early in the contest, Spence needs to perform at his best. The Bucs front seven should be much improved and he needs to find his way into the mix. The potential has always been there; it’s time to harness it.