GMC Still The Best
September 30th, 2014
Gerald McCoy, again, was dominant in his return to the starting lineup against the Steelers.
There is no question who is the leader of the Bucs. It isn’t Vincent Jackson, though some fans want him to be. It isn’t Josh McCown, though he is a good dude.
No, the leader, without question, is Gerald McCoy.
Players rave about him. In the locker room, GMC is famous for going up to teammates, lauding their work or, if need be, giving teammates a needed pat on the back for support.
We all saw how the defensive line crumbled against Atlanta when GMC was hurt. And we all saw what happened on the D-line when he started with a broken paw in Pittsburgh.
Even the stat geeks could see the difference through their spreadsheets, so writes Sam Monson of ProFootballFocus.com.
This wasn’t quite the most dominant game McCoy has ever had but he was still clearly the best player on the Tampa Bay defense and made a nuisance of himself in the backfield all throughout the game.
Signature Stat: Earned a +3.3 grade despite missing two tackles in the game. That speaks to the dominance he had in other facets.
This wasn’t a game with too many standout performances, but Gerald McCoy was as big a player as there was, earning himself a game ball.
GMC noted after the win over the Steelers that he didn’t want any credit. But he was a big reason for the win. He had to change his game since he was playing with a broken hand, even though he was still able to bat a pass down with that damaged paw.
GMC is the stud of the Bucs. There really is no debating this.
September 30th, 2014 at 5:20 am
Although he isn’t the weakest link on defense, he hasn’t taken over games like Warren Sapp or Simeon Rice used to do.
So he is not the best yet. He needs to start taking over games.
September 30th, 2014 at 5:54 am
Bucs fan #237 wow are you kidding me. Warren sapp had booger McFarland, and Simeon rice on the d-line. Though booger never got the recognition he deserves he still helped create push in the middle while Simeon was coming from the outside allowing sapp to reek havoc cus they couldn’t double team him. What do you think GMC would be able to do with that kinda line talent. So far this game was the best the d-line has had. But it has never striker fear into opposing qb’s and offensive coordinators like that of our old legendary line. He only left the game after bating that ball down thrown by Big Ben. And if you have ever played football you would know that hurts like a bitch. And that’s not to say with a batting one down with a broken hand. Sh!t even sapp said he is way Better than he was at this point in his career.
September 30th, 2014 at 6:24 am
Well said Buc Fan #237. Let’s see how he does this Sunday at New Orleans,
September 30th, 2014 at 6:40 am
Agree with Buc fan 237. Sorry Depressed Buc but Sapp was a star before Booger or Simeon arrived. Remember his breakout game against the Niners when he took out Steve Young? He was chasing Brett Favre around before Booger and Rice. This is not to demean Booger or Rice. They were terrific players who made the defense great something one player can never do. And so I take your point about not blaming the defense on GMAC.
However here is my biggest fear. GMAC has frequently lacked what Tony Dungy called the greatest ability…AVAILability. When he plays he’s a stud and there’s no doubt about that. But he has had difficulty staying on the field. Perhaps his injured days are behind him. But do we really feel comfortable dumping boatloads of cash on a player who may or may not be available?
It doesn’t matter how great GMAC is if he is not on the field. Just sayin’. I like everything about GMAC, talent, work ethic, leadership are all the best. But is he durable?
September 30th, 2014 at 6:40 am
Joe is right, “Best in our team”
September 30th, 2014 at 6:44 am
lets not forget McCoy was an all-pro last year with no help from the line..
September 30th, 2014 at 7:02 am
Lets not forget McCoy gets list and disappears for many many snaps.
Fyi… Mike Glennon is the only player this year to take over a game and win it.
September 30th, 2014 at 7:03 am
list = lost
September 30th, 2014 at 7:25 am
I get it he’s a leader, but, is that really saying much on this team?
September 30th, 2014 at 7:34 am
don’t compare him to sapp, depressed buc you have it wrong sapp would tie up 2 or 3 blockers to allow rice the ability to be free, even rice will tell people that, GMAC is Good\ Sapp is HOF
September 30th, 2014 at 8:10 am
I agree nick. I’m just saying. It was a much more complete d-line when sapp had booger and rice. i am by no means down playing sapp’s greatness. He is by far the most feared DT Tampa has ever had. I just believe if we had an edge rusher like rice and someone to complement gmc we would be a fearsome defense again. Yes I do have concerns about gmc being healthy. Cus the bucs have a rep of giving someone millions then they become the captain of the floppy hats IE nicks. I just hope he can stay healthy and improve those around him like sapp did.
September 30th, 2014 at 8:42 am
St.Pete,
You’re worried about dumping cash on a guy because he had some injuries a couple years ago for fluke torn biceps? When people complain about that, ask yourself who would we be able to have to replace him? Nobody can. It would set us back greatly not to have GMC playing for us. And he’s never had an injury to his legs, where it really matters for any NFL player.
September 30th, 2014 at 8:50 am
The best in the league!!!
September 30th, 2014 at 8:58 am
I really don’t like when people compare players of today with players of yesterday. First of all, if you are a Bucs fan over the age of 30, no player will ever be better than #99 and #55, or at least they shouldn’t be. Just like if you are a basketball fan over the age of 30, no player will ever be better than MJ. Therefore, we are completely biased, and I’m okay with that. However, the game is different, and it’s really irrelevant. Last I checked, Warren Sapp isn’t lining up on Sundays. All I care about is how good is McCoy to the other players at his position, and he is the best. I don’t even think it’s very close. He is double and triple teamed on every single snap, and he still is a beast to deal with. He played with a broken hand, which is very difficult with the way he plays the game, and he still was a disruptive force. Add to that he is the unquestioned team leader and a great guy off the field and I just can’t stop wondering when we are going to lock this guy up. Get it done L&L.
September 30th, 2014 at 9:01 am
“But do we really feel comfortable dumping boatloads of cash on a player who may or may not be available?”
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I feel 100% comfortable. Injuries are a part of this league and can happen to anyone. Carl Nicks never missed a game and look what happened. You just never know, but to be scared of what MIGHT happen is plain foolish. Like Travis said, none of his injuries have done any damage to the long term health of his game. He hasn’t torn an ACL or broken an ankle (knock on wood). His best days are still ahead of him. Lock him up.
September 30th, 2014 at 9:11 am
Best 3 tech in league. Period. Hands down. End of discussion. Sapp was top of league for years consistently though. Thats what we need from GMac.
September 30th, 2014 at 9:29 am
I swear to God if we pull a “Suh” on McCoy my rants will be unprecedented.
Drafting McCoy over Suh was either a stroke of genius of a stroke of luck by the Rockstar. McCoy is by far the superior player of the two.
As previously stated I’m willing to keep my mouth shut about ManU,
the Stadium deal, the cheapness, etc as long as the owners field a winning team. That’s the fair trade-off in my mind.
Not re-signing McCoy would be an insulting kick in the nuts from the
owners showing that they truly have no respect for the fans.
September 30th, 2014 at 9:38 am
For my money, I’ll take david as my defensive leader. Although I’ll give credit to mccoy for stopping bell on 3rd and 5 to get the ball back at the end of the game. He didn’t make the tackle but he blew up the hole which made bell change direction and ultimately get tackled for a loss. Too bad those plays don’t show up on the stat sheets.
September 30th, 2014 at 9:39 am
I feel more confident in McCoy being with the Bucs in 2015 than I do with Tom Brady being with the Pats in 2015
September 30th, 2014 at 9:41 am
Whatever. This win won’t mean much if we get boat-raced at New Orleans.
September 30th, 2014 at 9:53 am
@mpmalloy
Dom didn’t have a choice Lions drafted 2nd, Bucs 3rd. I’m so happy it went that way. Suh would not redo his deal this offseason which is like a $22 million cap it his so no way can they franchise him next year. He’s walking to free agency next year
September 30th, 2014 at 11:00 am
@Patrick And the rumors already have him going to New York. Can’t remember if it was the Jets or Giants. Perhaps someone here knows.
September 30th, 2014 at 11:12 am
Stpete
Can u imagine SUH and Richardson on the same line in NY. Danger Will Robinson danger!!
September 30th, 2014 at 1:22 pm
Without McCoy this team would lose 56-14 every single week this year. Period. Anyone not recognizing his value is a drooling moron and needs a hard slap across the mouth that draws blood. I would be personally happy to oblige, too.
September 30th, 2014 at 1:51 pm
“Without McCoy this team would lose 56-14 every single week this year. Period. Anyone not recognizing his value is a drooling moron and needs a hard slap across the mouth that draws blood. I would be personally happy to oblige, too.”
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When your hand gets tired, I’ll be more than happy to be your backup.
September 30th, 2014 at 2:30 pm
in my opinion, we have yet to see the best seasons\games of GMC’s career. as a bucs fan, that is awesome to think about.
September 30th, 2014 at 7:26 pm
HawaiianBuc after you get tired I’ll back you up.
October 1st, 2014 at 12:51 pm
Ptwalk then it’s my turn.