Gerald McCoy Is A 2010 Denier
December 9th, 2016
Shame on Gerald McCoy.
It’s understandable why many Bucs fans, beaten down by losing, would be in denial that the Bucs were 7-5 in December 2010 (same record they have now), just after losing a home heartbreaker against a 9-2 Falcons team.
That Falcons game, in which the Bucs blew a 10-point, fourth-quarter lead, was a contest with massive playoff implications under huge national scrutiny.
Who could forget Bucs wide receiver Maurice Stovall whiffing on a routine push-out-of-bounds tackle on Eric Weems’ 102-yard kickoff return? It was as if the football gods invaded Stovall at that exact second to kick the Bucs in the groin.
Gerald McCoy was a healthy rookie starter in that critical December game.
In fact, McCoy was coming off a two-sack performance in Baltimore the previous week. He was riding high and very dialed in.
But it seems McCoy has blocked out all his valuable 2010 experience and isn’t bringing that to his teammates and the current Bucs experience this seek.
Consider McCoy’s response when he was asked by Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times yesterday. (Full video here)
Stroud: When you get to this time of year, do [games] feel bigger. Do they feel bigger to you in December?
McCoy: “I don’t know. I don’t know. I’ve never been in this situation, so I don’t know [laughs]. I would assume so. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I would assume so. This being November, December football, for us, very meaningful football. And, you know, You look around the league in past years, you’re like, ‘Hey, they say well this game counts and this game counts and this team team’s in the hunt, well that team is this number, and that’s what this time is about.’ All our coaches and our players that have been there have said, ‘You win in December, you get to play in January.’ Simple as that, so December has begun.”
This really gets under Joe’s skin.
McCoy has previously said that his rookie year was sad for him. He didn’t enjoy it.
Imagine the Bucs finishing 10-6 this year and Noah Spence looking back with a tinge of regret and blocking out the success and experience of a winning club.
Joe defends McCoy’s play routinely and vigorously. Regular readers here know that. But this mindset from McCoy is baffling, bizarre and nearly ridiculous.
Joe hopes it’s not a result of McCoy taking too many shots to the head.
December 9th, 2016 at 10:19 am
McCoy is always trying to downplay stuff. It’s annoying.
December 9th, 2016 at 10:21 am
That’s because he doesn’t play for the love of the game. As Jameis said he is not a loser and is bringing a winning mentality to the Bucs. McCoy is our highest paid player and with his years in the league should want to win so bad, but just don’t show it. The last game was the best I have seen him play and he should do that weekly.
December 9th, 2016 at 10:23 am
Smh time to draft and groom his replacement. The will to win is not there
December 9th, 2016 at 10:29 am
Did Smitty ask GMC to put on weight? He’s never been in great shape. Always has been Fleshy and gooey. But this year it seems he’s carrying more jiggle around the waist.
December 9th, 2016 at 10:30 am
‘You win in December, you get to play in January.’ Simple as that, so December has begun.”
I think the fact that he is regurgitating Lovie-isms is deeply concerning.
December 9th, 2016 at 10:30 am
No Joe is just you. Please stop talking about 2010 because you’ll be labeled the jinx. It was always McCoy mental makeup called into question, why would he remember anything if he ended his first 2-3 years on ir. Media has nothing better to do but bring this up so you can create a story about it if they start to lose. Leave the past in the past and let fans enjoy this season for what it is
Don’t be ludicrous. McCoy made 13 starts in his rookie year, which ended on IR. Joe writes about everything Joe finds interesting, and Joe isn’t going to pretend the past doesn’t shape players, fans and coaches. It does. And why is 2010 a jinx? The Bucs finished 10-6. That will get them in the postseason dance this year. That’s half the point. McCoy should have learned a lot from that season.–Joe
December 9th, 2016 at 10:32 am
I think he was trying to say that this team now has more potential for a championship future for years to come than the 2010 team did. The 2010 team didn’t have super great talent like we have, they didn’t have coaches like we have now and they didn’t have a QB like we have now. I think he knew the 2010 team/staff didn’t have a bright future but on the flip side, he didn’t hate Tampa because he re-signed here and now is excited because our franchise now has something to look forward to.
December 9th, 2016 at 10:34 am
Joe and the rest of the GMC loving mob are also in denial. This bucs need players that love to win GMC does not love to win. His salary cap number could be put to much better use by players that actually have determination and drive. GMC needs to take that better homes and garden sports reporter from ESPN and start a reality show maybe he’d be more passionate at judging fruit cakes and summer clothing lines. It be nice to convert that huge cap number to actual reliable production and then maybe we could get some actual football news and substance out of espn versus the Family Circle Magazine pieces we get now about fluff, group hugs and other non relevant bs….
December 9th, 2016 at 10:37 am
I don’t get you people. Every single one of us are different. We react different in different situations. JW is Rah Rah and tries to get pumped up even more for bigger games. McCoy, like many other athletes have done in the past, tries to stay grounded whether it’s the first game of the year or a playoff game. There’s nothing wrong with that. Whatever works for him.
Just let the dude play and stop dissecting every single thing he says or does.
December 9th, 2016 at 10:42 am
Every game is a big game. The wins or losses early in the season will dictate if the games in December mean anything. So to say December is where it all matters or is more important is pretty stupid. Every game matters. That week 2 loss could be the difference in making the playoffs. Every game is of severe importance, not just December games.
December 9th, 2016 at 10:46 am
That was 6 years ago….players are conditioned to forget about games 6 days ago or 6 hours ago….I’ll cut him a bit of slack on this one…
As far as winning in December….this is true…but there are always games earlier in team’s seasons that make a huge difference….for us, it was the Rams & Chargers……we win those and we have some slack in December.
December 9th, 2016 at 10:57 am
YMCA cmon bro. We can play with 12 men on the field(putting Mcdonald with both of YMCA replacements that you always cream for) and we would be no better off. Gmc has value that can be measured in so many different ways. He’s ballin out this year and you still claim we can find someone better.
Just eat your crow. I would never punch you in the gut like this but when you start talking and saying these things then you’re honestly not much better than mike Johnson or big hog…please accept my apology for grouping you with them. But when you make bonehead comments I have no choice
December 9th, 2016 at 10:58 am
Why is YMCA in my post twice lmao. First is tmax*
Gmc* replacements
Whoopsie
December 9th, 2016 at 10:59 am
Loser mentality. Thot so. Huge talent but a winner.
December 9th, 2016 at 11:02 am
While GMC definitely brings a lot of the negativity on himself during his interviews and his general disappearance in the 4th, we are easily a worse team without him. Teams game plan him, that is disruption in of itself, one person dictating how the offense plays.
The truth is, he hasn’t had a savvy veteran (ayers) AND up and coming DE (spence) to capitalize on his disruption. If spence goes off this or next year, it’ll relieve pressure on McCoy and then all the GMC haters will see the stats they want.
We can sit her and talk all this crap, but it’s been a one man line (with the exception of Bennet) for mccoys last 6 years.
December 9th, 2016 at 11:12 am
I honestly believe the only thing that sets GMC apart from the great 1s is his lack of nastiness. I tell my youth kids to be great you have to have 4 things … WANT TO BE COACHED ! TALENT! TEAM 1ST! AND ATTITUDE . You can be a really good player with 2 and apart from most with 3 but to be considered the best I believe you need all 4 . I watched him get a sack on Russell Wilson couple game ago and he acted like he was teaching a young kid how to tackle . I watched Reggie White sack a quarterback and try to KILL HIM. Reggie and GMC are the same type of people except Reggie played to with a nasty attitude .
December 9th, 2016 at 11:17 am
I don’t care if he gets up there and sings nursery rhymes, just bring it on Sunday. You may never realize how good he is until he goes to another team and you have to play against him. He does get hurt. It’s a tough job and most of the injuries he plays through without complaints. I wouldn’t change anything with this team right now but two months ago I was ready to pull the plug. That’s what makes this game great.
Whodat gonna beat dem Saints?
You know it, These Bucs are gonna crush em!!!
Go Bucs!!!
December 9th, 2016 at 11:20 am
“McCoy should have learned a lot from that season.–Joe”
Like what – to not go on IR at the end of the year lol? Is it his fault we blew the 10 point lead? I just don’t understand the valuable lesson to be learned.
December 9th, 2016 at 11:22 am
Shadow man Says:
December 9th, 2016 at 10:58 am
Why is YMCA in my post twice lmao.
———————
Every super hero deserves a theme song.
December 9th, 2016 at 11:51 am
McCoy should have learned a lot from that season.–Joe
Didn’t I just read here, “I don’t live in the past like that,” Koetter said. “We’ve got no reason to visit anything except what’s happening right now.”
Just maybe Mr. McCoy is following the visions of his leader Coach Koetter. No harm in following the leadership of the Captain of his ship. Could it be he has belief in his coaches team direction and philosophy. No way, “this mindset from McCoy is baffling, bizarre and nearly ridiculous.” Right?
Keep your mind focused on the game on hand, do what we need to win this game Mr. McCoy. Thanks a Fan!
Go! Bucs!
December 9th, 2016 at 11:53 am
GMC has got “IT” like curly was telling billy crystal, mccoy is not a winner inside he is just out there…that ending hurts the fans worse than him….wish he would have said winslow doesnt drop an easy TD, the history of Tampa may have been different, but I love december football now and the direction we are going….but it doesnt mean that much to him because he may have to play football in 2017 8 months too early
December 9th, 2016 at 11:56 am
Maybe he doesnt remember that 10-6 team because that team was unmemorable. They were a pretend football team that got destroyed for 3 quarters against everybody and only managed 4 qrt comebacks against the worst teams in the league. Everybody thought they should of made the playoffs but me. That team had no business anywhere near the playoffs.
December 9th, 2016 at 12:02 pm
@ dave
I agree with you. Joe I believe you are truly reaching for a story. 2010? We did not even make the playoffs. There is no participation trophies. I really wish i could hear what the players really think of some of you reporter’s thoughts. Gerald mccoy is the only player left from that 2010 team (maybe dotson and stocker). He can draw nothing from 2010. Last year is more relevant imo. No need to bash mccoy because he has no love for or care to remember a season that ended with him watching the playoffs from the couch like you and I.
December 9th, 2016 at 12:06 pm
@ dusty
Winslow did not drop an easy td so why would mccoy say that. He was called for a bogus offensive pass interference in the endzone after he made a great catch which took points off the board.
December 9th, 2016 at 12:22 pm
JOE!!!!!
You are very frustrating. No game should ever be bigger than any other game. Never. the guys who think that way actually make it to the big time. People who don’t well, write and read about people who do.
I work a relatively high profile and stressful job and the one lesson I picked up from every successful person I admired who had been to where I wanted to go was simple… do the task in front of you to the best of your ability, day in and day out. Every day is like a giant pile of wood that needs chopping. Don’t worry about how big the forest is… just chop the wood right in front of you.
The Tampa media is constantly reming the Bucs about some season 6 years ago like it should have relevance today??? The Tampa media is constantly reminding others of the collapses of last year as if that really held relevance to what they’re doing right now. How they practice this week matters – not how they played over 360 days again and in this instance over 2000 days ago.
Ask Bellichick that question, Joe. Ask Brady that question. What answer would they have given?
By no means am I comparing McCoy to them – but his mindset is just like theirs. Every game and every play should be treated the same.
December 9th, 2016 at 12:46 pm
I am a die hard from 79 as well as a die hard fan of this site and i respect the voice of all its supporters but more important im a dad and ill tell you if you dont wacth your children they will make the same mistakes .if you have a track record of devorce or maybe even failed business or maybe you are one of those people that drive and change lanes without looking bet your insurance is high huh ….point is if you go through life not looking back on your mistakes then how can you get it right ? Thanks joe for being real.
December 9th, 2016 at 12:49 pm
Really guys if no game is bigger than the other then qhy do gou rest players the last game pf the year if you made the playoffs. Camon really!!
December 9th, 2016 at 12:50 pm
Hey Joe: how old are you guys? Don’t faint but a young Steve Young QBed this team. The Snowball Bowl against the Packers in Green Bay has always been a big draw in terms of eyeballs watching it, and laughing. It wasn’t funny to the Buc fans who followed the team. It was just another dose of Culverhouse. Joe needs to do some research.
Please let this be the last time I and plenty of lurker fans have to read this nonsense. Like, okay? 🙂
December 9th, 2016 at 1:39 pm
@ foxworth
Maybe only three guys on this current team was on the 2010 team. A different coaching staff, different front office and different uniforms. Really, what does 2010 have to do with 2016? Really comical
December 9th, 2016 at 2:19 pm
The way I remember that season and that Atlanta game was that our current coaching staff out coached us so thats one reason and that we were never in the playoff hunt until the end plus I feel him as far as remembering the hearbreak of that season. Things are on our side right now though because the Dixie Chicks gave up on that incredible staff that beat us and now thats our staff and the corner that ruined that game for us was Brent Grimes who’s our corner now. The Saints are gonna lose this Sunday because they mightily on the road and we have come to overcome our struggles at home. Sterling Moore has not produced for them and may factor in on a turnover for redemption but overall hes had the same effect on their defense as he had on ours which is getting toasted. Joe no need to worry here the bucs win with a huge offensive day that sets Jameis up for 4000 yards again. Oan Joe i know you only been around for few seasons but this wont 2010 but more like 2002 thats just what it feels to me.
December 9th, 2016 at 2:44 pm
Joe has serious questions about the reading comprehension of many of you. …
@J$Mac – Joe has been around a lot more than a few seasons.
December 9th, 2016 at 3:04 pm
Joe – in 2010 we weren’t tied for the division lead. Atlanta had us by multiple games. This is the first time in his career we’ve been atop the division at this point in time. So not really that “bizarre” of a mindset to say this is a first.
What valuable lesson was he supposed to learn? How do you know he didn’t? How do you know he “blocked it out”?
just weird article imo
December 9th, 2016 at 3:14 pm
No idea where joes viewpoint on this is coming from.
Kind of like Joe saying that Jameis giving a game ball to the fans for being loud and rowdy and finally giving some home field advantage was just an empty gesture.
The Joes are pretty strange this week.
December 9th, 2016 at 3:14 pm
I saw that interview yesterday and thought nothing of it. So he forgot. No Biggie.
December 9th, 2016 at 3:40 pm
The 2010 team was certainly not one to be emulated nor worthy of being looked back on nostalgically Joe.
Luckiest Buccaneer team of all time by a wide margin. That team used up (and wasted) 10 years worth of franchise luck all in one season.
A team that had 4-5 wins worth of talent pulled out 10 wins via every lucky bounce and advantageous call imaginable. Freeman only had 6 Ints – but should have had 16. Every win came against losing teams.
Other than the experience gained by playing in 13 NFL games, It’s likely that the only positive lesson McCoy learned in his rookie season from that 2010 team (a lesson that Freewee, Tanard Jackson and Talib apparently DIDN’T learn) was to stay away from the contents of Sgt. Winslow’s briefcase…
December 9th, 2016 at 3:59 pm
Hawaiian must be staring at his keyboard right now thinking….
“Just let it go Poi-Boy, they don’t know what they’re talking about…….GMC is my hero and no one will ever convince me that he’s not the greatest DT ever”
Go Bucs!
Trade McCoy in 2017!
December 9th, 2016 at 4:13 pm
That season was smoke and mirrors. It was not a good team.
December 9th, 2016 at 4:37 pm
I dont blame.him at all. That season was a fluke. Teams who have one good year sandwhiched in between years and years of losing…
Is a fluke. McCoy, teammates and fans alike all feel like this is a real long term change for the best we are seeing in this team. 2010 had no leadership, no grit. It was a fluke. As a fan it was a fun fluke but ask Mccoy what he feels about this weeks game versus 2010s late season games. This team.is legit now they will still have they bad days sure here and there but they are playjng hard and fast. Cant say I blame Mccoy for what he said
December 9th, 2016 at 5:26 pm
He wasn’t playing then. He was out for the year with biceps injury.
He was playing. Look it up. –Joe
December 9th, 2016 at 6:52 pm
No Joe- its from you taking too many shots.
Playoffs? -no
Championship?-no
Whats to remember.
McCoy has had a new DC every damn year of his career.
And they all sucked.
Did nothing but wasted his time, Efforts, and yeats of his career
You see some beautiful memory there somewhere.
I see us having the best DT in football- and F’ing wasting his talent with horrible coaches, talentless teammates, ,and a lack of commitment to win.
And you wanna blame him for not seeing a sunny past her????
Please!!
December 9th, 2016 at 7:57 pm
…click bait article… Nothing of value here and I am ashamed of myself for getting sucked in.
You should be ashamed of calling it click-bait. Joe provided real facts, real perspective, real quotes and context. Joe finds it interesting that McCoy and other players rave about experience and its value, yet a guy who was in the same exciting boat doesn’t even remember it. Joe finds that very interesting and unique.–Joe
December 9th, 2016 at 8:51 pm
They got hit back to back weeks lost Talib in that Atlanta game and McCoy was lost following week in Redskins game. The following week they lost that crucial Lions game.
December 9th, 2016 at 9:42 pm
I have been critical of McCoy as I have high expectations but this dies not bother me one bit. The Saints is all he should be thinking about.
December 9th, 2016 at 10:04 pm
Wasn’t he injured for the last 3 games that year?
December 10th, 2016 at 8:56 am
“He wasn’t playing then. He was out for the year with biceps injury.
He was playing. Look it up. –Joe”
I did look it up, he played in only 13 games that year.
Meaning, he wasn’t playing meaningful games through most of December that year.
Either way, I think it is a bit of stretch to fault him for what he said. He obviously feels like this team is legit and maybe he never had that feeling in 2010. No one, and I mean no one, thought that team was for real. There was never the level of excitement and optimism surrounding the 2010 team like there is this year.