“We’re Kinda Catching On”
August 3rd, 2015
Clinton McDonald
The Bucs were grinding at a fast pace today at practice. The pads were finally on, and 11-on-11 was in full swing with live blocking.
Late in the two-plus hour session, guard Kadeem Edwards was roasted, and then Logan Mankins, on successive snaps.
In a real game, they likely would have resulted in two quarterback hits — of Jameis Winston, America’s Quarterback.
That pass rush was coming inside. That’s no surprise in around Tampa Bay. The heat was from Bucs starting nose tackle Clinton McDonald.
With 5 1/2 sacks last year and a Super Bowl ring with Seattle two seasons ago, McDonald was almost a folk hero on a 2-14 Bucs team last year. The guy came to play and was one of a few free agent successes among a pile of expensive misses.
McDonald looks a little leaner and meaner in 2015. And, as usual, he almost refuses to speak about himself in detail, only about his” band of brothers” on defense.
Joe talked to McDonald after practice about what was a very successful day for the Bucs defense. Jameis was picked off three or four times.
McDonald said he felt “sloppy” and “sluggish” on the field, despite his good moments. But McDonald was much more upbeat about the defense’s overall performance. He said nothing much has changed other than “we’re kinda catching on” to the teachings and messages of Leslie Frazier and Lovie Smith.
McDonald also said he’s enjoying the challenge of practicing against the new Mankins.
“To be honest with you, Logan’s a lot more lean this year. He’s ready. He’s in rare form,” McDonald said. “Going against Logan every day it’s an honor and a privilege. He has a lot of heart about what he’s doing. You see why he’s got all those Pro Bowls and playoff wins. Playing against him makes you better, even if you don’t win every time.”
August 3rd, 2015 at 5:58 pm
3-4 picks huh…better to get that stuff out of the way right now.
August 3rd, 2015 at 6:08 pm
“Going against Logan every day it’s an honor and a privilege.”
High words of praise for Logan Mankins from a DLineman who can hold his own against anyone in the league.
Optimistic now that’s a good omen for our whole OLine this year. Sounds like our OLine now has a clear-cut leader for a change.
August 3rd, 2015 at 6:10 pm
3-4 picks out of a thousand passes ain’t so bad!
August 3rd, 2015 at 6:33 pm
Dude is class personified!!! Go Bucs!
August 3rd, 2015 at 6:54 pm
Hopefully it’s Banks and Verner making the picks.
August 3rd, 2015 at 7:07 pm
They were “kinda catching on” by the second half of last year. I think they can continue to build on that. And apparently so do they as it seems they all came back in the best shape of their lives.
August 3rd, 2015 at 7:21 pm
I LOVE MY BUCS!!!
August 3rd, 2015 at 10:37 pm
He’s going to to throw picks. Prepare for it.
August 3rd, 2015 at 11:12 pm
We need to have our best run-block linemen in the game,we need to get the running game going early. The running game is a must when you have a rookie QB. Right now they are working on pass protection and the passing game.
August 4th, 2015 at 9:05 am
Without the passing game, we will not run. Once we get that safety to back off and force them to adjust to our passing game, then we will be able to run.
August 4th, 2015 at 3:41 pm
McDonald is a beast up front and I love it when I hear him speak. He has class and it shows in how he communicates and in his play. You can not feel more confidant than when a Super Bowl winning player praises another Super Bowl winning player like Mankins and how he is a man on a mission this year. That is why I know this team is going to win this year. There are so many different players with a story. Mankins and his six pack of leadership. McDonald looks a little leaner and meaner. McCoy doubling has workouts and losing 12 lbs. Gholston attending a month long pre-training camp, DE training camp to improve his pass rush. Henry Melton being healthy for the first time in two years. Mike Evans spending time with Randy Moss and so on. This is our year!