Distraught Gerald McCoy Could Barely Speak
September 23rd, 2012
The Bucs were close. They played hard. The defense was strong. The Bucs battled.
These are the time-honored cliches of the vanquished. And similar utterances were heard on the Bucs radio network when Bucs stud defensive tackle Gerald McCoy was interviewed.
And GMC would have none of it.
At points, so disgusted by the loss, it almost seemed like GMC was about to burst into tears. GMC didn’t want to hear any rationalizations or tripe about moral victories. The Bucs lost and GMC was sickened.
GMC was reminded that today, with two sacks and a forced fumble, was likely his best as a professional.
GMC, clearly emotionally drained, didn’t want to hear about it. The Bucs lost, he said, and that was what was truly important.
“The Cowboys played a great game,” GMC said. “They made the plays. We didn’t. The start? The start was fine but “finish” is the word. Doesn’t matter how well or how fast we start.
“Getting to Cowboys quarterback Tony “Romo? Doesn’t matter because we didn’t get the ‘W,’ that’s all that matters. We didn’t win, that’s all that matters.”
Joe could just feel the pain in GMC’s voice; it made a listener cringe. But Joe applauds GMC that, despite a fantastic game, he would have taken a no-tackle, no-assist, no-sack, invisible game if the result was a victory.
That’s the type of player Joe likes and appreciates.
September 23rd, 2012 at 5:41 pm
If Freeman had just played mediocre, we would’ve blown out the Cowboys.
Barth could’ve just kicked a couple of FG’s and that would’ve been enough had Freeman been able to at least move us past midfield.
September 23rd, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Clearly GMC and Bennett were the bright spots today. GMC is beating people badly. Amazing what happens when he’s not stunting and looping around the opposite DE like last week.
Joe, any news on Clayoborne? I know it’s probably not good.
September 23rd, 2012 at 5:46 pm
McCoy balled 2day. I feel h
is pain and emotion. Excellent game
September 23rd, 2012 at 5:48 pm
Romo called this one of his toughest games ever. Defense played very well. Hope Adrian’s injury isn’t season ending. Don’t know what to say about the offense other than we scored a lot of points last week. Games are close. Might even go to the game next week.
September 23rd, 2012 at 5:49 pm
The defense would be even better if we had an offense that could move the ball and give them so rest.
September 23rd, 2012 at 5:53 pm
I threw a paper towel ball at the tv after Dez’ punt return. I thought about throwing my tv at the wall after Sullivan called 3 straight running plays on that closing series.
September 23rd, 2012 at 5:58 pm
Yeah, way too much talent on this team to play like we did. Its sickening. Before those coaches even think about digging into the players they had better look in a mirror and acknowledge that they were the worst performers of the day. Just disgusting.
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:01 pm
So what did we learn today? Doug Martin should be 2nd string, Sullivan is a terrible play caller, Josh Freeman is maybe not that good or he needs to play more instinctively. The Run D is not that bad.Vincent Jackson is all hype! Myron Lewis should be cut!
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:02 pm
McCoy had a great game along with the rest of the D. I’m happy to see the Defense return to Tampa Bay, but unless we can at least get withing distant to kick field goals on a regular basis, this will be a long and frustrating season. How long until some of these players mentally check-out?
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Wow great, now it seems that Clayborns injury is serious and potentially season ending. Maybe if the offense wasnt so pathetic our defense wouldn’t have to be on the field the whole game every game.
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:10 pm
Nah, we l;earned the defense took a step forward, and the offense took a step backwards. I think Joe stated oin another article, Freeman seemed to be over coached. They need to let the poffense play. I would like to see them go no huddle right off the bat next week. The defense played well this week, but not so much last week. This week was the defense played well but not the offense. maybe next week the both click at the saame time.
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:10 pm
Bright side comment, last year Dallas scored 28 points in the first half.
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:12 pm
Most people also picked tampa to b e 0-4 for the first quarter of the year, I say 2-2 at this point. Thye offense was horrible, but last week they showed signs. Shiano said it would take time.
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:19 pm
That’s good thing to hear from GMC. He’s been known as a goofball but the guy definitely cares and is at least attempting to lead the team…oh and he had a HELLUVA game.
…somewhere in some lonely dark basement Thomas 2.2. is bawling his eyes out right now.
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:19 pm
i’m very proud of this years defensive effort, the giants game was an anomally and remember thier the champs.and today was lights out tampa D keep on rocking guys your our heart and soul.i’m so sorry our offense sucks and can not give you guys a well deserved break between change of posessions. if only we had a average QB and some creative play calling we would have won and been 3-0
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:20 pm
@McBuc
I had them being 0-3 or 1-2 at this point anyway. We’ll go 6-10 or 7-9 this year no question.
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:22 pm
McBuc I like your optimism but im going to have to burst your bubble. Time helps the offense gel, it helps the team work on execution and it helps them learn from their mistakes and improve. However time does not fix the biggest issue today. The offensive philosophy and play calling. You can’t run, run, incomplete pass, then punt every series and expect to win. The players aren’t making mistakes because they don’t have the opportunity to. They just hand the ball off with a draw over and over then throw a short pass on third that has no shot of moving the chains.
Time will make this team better, but it wont make it good. The offensive philosophy must change.
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:23 pm
Two D-linemen combined for 4 sacks and two forced fumbles; not too shabby.
September 23rd, 2012 at 6:52 pm
Interesting how quickly things change and likewise our opinions. Before the regular season we felt like the O-line was one of the best in the NFL and our offense looked to be potent because of our off-season additions.
The defense lead by Softy McCoy, incompetent Roy Miller, without Bowers and lacking little depth was going to be the bane of the Bucs. Well things look quite different now and the comments have changed tone accordingly.
Not complaining, just an observation!
September 23rd, 2012 at 7:15 pm
One thing is for sure…I was absolutely right about McCoy. All he needs to do is stay healthy and he’s a pro bowler.
September 23rd, 2012 at 7:22 pm
He’s sold me on the 93 jersey
September 23rd, 2012 at 7:42 pm
Hell if this is the McCoy we are going to expect this season i’m all for it. He’s taking the leadership role seriously.
September 23rd, 2012 at 7:48 pm
I’m disgusted with our offense and special teams defense played the best I’ve seen in along time. Good game gmc but let’s get back to the drawing board.
September 23rd, 2012 at 8:16 pm
McCoy and Bennett looked downright dominant….constant pressure, and helping blow up run plays in the backfield. Mason Foster looks great playing downhill, looks like a completely different player than last year. amazing what a little experience and playing in the right system can do. Lavonte David has some serious quickness, and his instincts really show big time on a handful of plays…also does a great job with the play calling and getting them into the right defense the majority of the time.
the offense was the most boring, unimaginative pile of garbage i’ve seen in quite some time. Freeman looked terrible….accuracy was almost non existent, and he needs to realize he can’t stand in the pocket for 4+ seconds (especially against one of the top 3 pass rushers in the game). he has a lot of natural athletic ability, yet refuses to extend the play. hoping to see more of Blount next week, he actually looked ok. i believe 2 drives started in Dallas territory and stupid penalties prevented them from coming away with points either time. the Shipley fumble couldn’t have possibly come at a worse time.
with the exception of Eric Wright getting abused by Miles Austin pretty constantly, the defense looked incredible and was really the only bright spot of the day. i was expecting a 7-9 season anyway, but it would be nice to not be absolutely nauseated by any of the 3 phases as i was today. this is not all doom and gloom, next week is a new week and i fully expect some adjustments to be made….it’s a long season.
September 23rd, 2012 at 8:24 pm
Miracle Says:
September 23rd, 2012 at 5:53 pm
I threw a paper towel ball at the tv after Dez’ punt return. I thought about throwing my tv at the wall after Sullivan called 3 straight running plays on that closing series.
.
This is a misconception among the Tampa fans this week. Freeman stated that his headset was statically through the game and it kept going out. Because he had to call plays at those times, he decided to call running plays to dummy things up.
The headset thing is key…because he is still learning this offense…an offense that was still being developed in training camp and is even now still being developed.
In my book, it’s easy to guess at the things the players on this team need to improve on as a coach, but until the new coaches started seeing the players in real games, they were only guessing. They are probably only now getting to know the players habits.
Expect a win next week, and they will work on fixing the big stuff the following week during the bye.
ABOUT GMC
It sounds to me like Sapp is rubbing off on him. Remembers Sapp and Brooks stating that one day they got together with Lynch and the three of them said they were sick and tired of losing. Together, they decided to make the team become winners.
So this is a very good sign from GMC.
Pete, that is NOT what Freeman said about his headset. –Joe
September 23rd, 2012 at 8:28 pm
I agree about GMC. He was beastly. However, he will be receiving a hefty fine for the hit on Romo. Helmet to helmet.
September 23rd, 2012 at 8:42 pm
@Pete,
I’m sorry, I like Freeman too, but you don’t run the ball on 3rd and 9 in that situation regardless. Do you think for one second Matt Ryan, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, or any other capable QB in this league would have called a running play? I have been watching pro football for about 25 years now, and that was the dumbest play call I have ever seen. Made absolutely no sense considering the situation, and there is absolutely no defending it. I don’t care about the radio going out. I don’t care if his right arm fell off. Throw it with your left arm. You don’t “dummy it up” in that situation. Throw a damn INT for all I care. At least try to win the game. There is no defending Freeman in this case. In fact, it worries me even more that he had the opportunity to call his own play for once and that garbage is what he came up with.
September 23rd, 2012 at 8:43 pm
I would rather him just go in the huddle and say “everybody just get open”.
September 23rd, 2012 at 8:47 pm
I did hear about the headset afterwards and I do give a pass on that one. Was a panic mode and nobody can really say what they’d do in that situation.
But why were there 2 running plays called before it AND why didn’t he call a timeout?
I do believe in the Schiano philosophy of run first and take your shots. But it doesn’t take rocket science to conserve the clock when you’re down by 2 scores with 3 and a half minutes to play.
September 23rd, 2012 at 8:55 pm
IMO and that has about as much weight as a feather on the moon but this loss falls squarely on Sullivan. I like Sullivan and I think he’s going to make a good OC but this was a dud and he needs to own up to it. Learn from it and move on.
Does Freeman have the power to audible to a new play? Kinda would make sense if not.
September 23rd, 2012 at 8:59 pm
How about some screens or quick slants to break up their pass rush?
Just a thought.
Our star studded O line sucked it up pretty good. Not opening running lanes or protecting the passer.
I’m not throwing in the towel on Josh. Just last week he had a lot of good throws.
September 23rd, 2012 at 9:04 pm
Hawaiian Buc, I never said he made the right decisions on those plays. I actually agree with you on that.
But I also think a lot of Tampa fans are giving up on him without having the slightest clue about what is happening.
Eli Manning took some time under Sullivan to get things down…yet Tampa Fans expect it to be done in 3 games. I think if we don’t see improvement by the end of this season, THEN people have a right to question him. But I’m seeing people mention it having been 4 years now…and it hasn’t. It has been 44 games…that is not even 3 full seasons (2.75 seasons)
September 23rd, 2012 at 9:08 pm
Personally, I don’t think any of the other teams we play this year can handle our defense. I think starting next week, the defense will be winning games…and that will in turn help the offense.
And this season is going exactly how I thought it would so far as wins and losses. I still think we go 10-6. The way I see it, the Falcons will be they key games from here on out.
September 23rd, 2012 at 9:40 pm
I’m not really giving up on Freeman, but if he continues like this for the rest of the season, then I’ve seen enough. I don’t think he will, but I say that without a lot of confidence or evidence to the contrary. He may not have played for 4 years, but he has played long enough where we should see some growth from him. He shouldn’t be sitting in the pocket, as if Ware isn’t coming with his arm cocked back for 3 seconds. His pocket presence is absolutely terrible, and that has nothing at all to do with being in a new system. I can give him a bit of a pass on learning Sullivan’s system (which pretty much consists of running up the middle on first and second down, then throwing on third), but if he can’t step up in the pocket, break out of the pocket, or look off safeties, he can’t be a successful NFL QB. That is a fact.
September 23rd, 2012 at 9:43 pm
As for our defense, they played great. However, they can’t keep this up all season. They aren’t that good, let’s be honest. We are paper thin, and most likely losing Clayborn for the season. Our secondary is average at best. The defense is being carried by GMC, Bennett, and Mason Foster. If they get hurt, or if offenses actually key on them, we will be in major trouble. Not to mention the fact that if our offense continues to struggle like this, the defense will be on the field too much. Not only will they wear out, that increases the chance of injuries. Did I mention we are paper thin on defense?
September 23rd, 2012 at 10:15 pm
I’m not giving up on Josh either. Yet. I don’t think anyone has yet.
But the guy is in his 4th year, and he had a Ryan Leaf caliber performance today.
Last week, he didn’t have a that good of a game either. His inability to do anything in the 2nd half was part of the reason our defense didn’t hold up. We had a huge lead/advantage and he couldn’t extend it at all or even move the ball.
Our defense would be even better if they didn’t have to be on the field all the time. We’re lucky we only lost by 6 points to the Cowboys.
Btw, anybody notice that everytime we play IN Dallas, we always struggle to score?
2001 – TB 10, Dal 6
2006- TB 10, Dal 38
2008- TB 9, Dal 13
September 23rd, 2012 at 10:22 pm
Troy Ackman said it best … Mike Sullivan will be facing a lot of questions this week. I couldn’t agree more. I am starting to have major doubts about Freeman but I wonder if that is quite fair because that was worst, most vinilla, predictable play calling I have seen in a long time. Sullivan was so bad in this game he made everyone look bad. Absolutely horrible!
September 23rd, 2012 at 10:22 pm
I would say that calling a draw play, followed by an incompletion, then another draw play with 2:48 was a display of an Offensive coordinator that was a deer in headlights. Luckily they converted and took advantage of the zone defense. What happened to pound it and take a shot down field. When they actually do it , it works…..Maybe gameplan for more than just the first drive, I am at a loss. It would be easy to point at the officiating for not calling a fumble when GMC sacked Romo costing the Bucs defense a score, but that call would have been hard for an all star staff….again I am at a loss.
September 24th, 2012 at 4:11 am
when ur qb can’t read defenses or throw from under center then there will always be an issue