Coaches Rally To Defend GMC
December 2nd, 2016
Bucs DC salutes “elite” GMC.
This will make the GMC haters want to gargle Drano.
It’s almost as if Bucs coaches listen to local sports radio or read team sites (ahem). Dirk Koetter and defensive coordinator Mike Smith raced to defend Bucs stud defensive tackle Gerald McCoy — as if he needs any defense — by reminding open-minded fans and scolding close-minded fans that GMC is a top NFL player.
“Well when you’re on the other side of the ball watching, trying to have to block him, you have a lot of respect for him, simply because he’s such an explosive player and he can wreck a game,” Smith said yesterday. “Having an opportunity to work with him, I’ve even more impressed. He’s a great teammate, he’s a good leader and he is a passionate football player. He is as passionate as any player I’ve ever coached.”
For some reason, it seems to irk Bucs fans that GMC enjoys the game so much and has a sense of sportsmanship, as if he needs to be a knuckle-dragging mongrel to be a decent player. This couldn’t be further from the truth, Smith said.
“We all have different personalities, but when he walks between those lines, he wants to play football and he plays it the way it’s supposed to be played,” Smith added. “It’s been a joy to coach him. I think his athleticism and his strength shows up every time he goes out there on the field and I can’t speak to why not everybody has that same opinion. Because I’ve been on both sides of the fence and I see it that he’s a very passionate and elite player in this league.”
Koetter was equally effusive about GMC’s production.
“I’ve said it many times, Gerald makes everybody else around him better because he commands double teams most of the time,” Koetter said. “As a three-technique, they almost [always] double him. …
“He makes everybody around him better and now that we’re a little healthier and we’re playing with such confidence – [defensive ends] Noah [Spence] is on a roll, Robert Ayers had something like seven quarterback hits last week. They still have got to account for Gerald because [if] they try to single-block him, he’s going to cause problems.”
It is sad that so many Bucs fans want to run McCoy out of town as if his name were “E.J. Biggers.” The only logic Joe can see in this is that Akeem Spence has a helluva lot bigger family living locally than Joe ever imagined.
December 2nd, 2016 at 6:35 am
Everyone likes GMC when the defense play great like they have been recently and the team is winning.
When the team plays lousy defensively like fans have gotten accustomed to, fingers get pointed to the highest paid player we have on defense who’s supposed to be the leader. Thats just the way the cookie crumbles, simple as that.
December 2nd, 2016 at 6:49 am
Gmc does his job. He does it well. He will keep doing it for a long time. Add to that the fact that he is a class act and what’s not to like?
Of topic, but did anybody notice that when Sam Bradford went out of the game last night, that the Vikings training staff is apparently Right Said Fred? Just curious.
December 2nd, 2016 at 6:57 am
I tend to agree with EA. Its lazy finger pointing after a loss that has GMC an easy target. IMHO, there is no one else better in the NFL at DT. Need to beat the Bolts this week and Dallas is looking very beatable as well.
December 2nd, 2016 at 7:09 am
Some peoples minds are just too small to comprehend that you can be a decent human being and still be a strong person who physically excels. They associate high character with weakness. They think we need the black hat villains instead of the white hat good guys to have a dominate football team. Its funny because you have never heard one player, coach, or analyst suggest that GMC was soft or weak. In fact it’s just the opposite, they all talk about what a beast he is. Its just amazing that as a community we can’t fully embrace a player who is widely recognized by players and coaches of our team and other teams. Not to mention he is a damn fine man, showing compassion to fellow NFL players in the last few games not only to Long when he got hurt but to the kicker who’s family member died. We should all be happy and proud GMC is on our team.
December 2nd, 2016 at 7:18 am
The fact these haters are getting attention is one reason they do it. Like ive always said, unless you can and are willing to do better, stfu. Go bucs.
December 2nd, 2016 at 7:26 am
Thoughts surrounding GMC are polarizing…including my own at times. Initallly compared to Suh drafted a slot after him….and two spots behind Bradford who I don’t think any Buc fan would want currently. GMC had some freakish injuries early on…with both biceps snapping like rubber bands. I think the combination of his big, big pay and the Bucs being lousy every year but his rookie season has made him an unfair target of fan frustration ( including my own ). I think we can all agree that we desperately need him to play like an all pro these next 5 games. Go GMC…and go Bucs!
December 2nd, 2016 at 7:29 am
I guess these GMC haters should have had the same issue with Lee Roy Selmon when he played here for many of the same reasons. He also was a class act and went out of his way to help the opponent players up between plays after knocking them down. But I never remember Selmon having any haters.
I never had a problem with GMC. He’s not as great as Sapp, but there is no question is is one of the top 2-3 DTs in the game today, if not the best.
December 2nd, 2016 at 7:45 am
All I want from any of our leaders is to play their best when it means the most. McCoy did that last week and if that trend continues then everyone will be happy. People try to insult others intelligence and tell them what to see. If you watch the games it is clear when a player is truly impacting a game. I ask this to everyone who calls out the “haters”. Wasn’t his play better and more impactful than most previous weeks? Didn’t it make a difference? That is all some of us were saying, not “hating” just high expectations for a #3 overall pick who is the highest paid player on the team.
December 2nd, 2016 at 8:09 am
Joe what do you expect coaches to say? ” oh yeah GMC hes a slacker” ? LOL
December 2nd, 2016 at 8:15 am
It’s pathetic that they feel the need to do that because of a bunch of ignorant fans that seemingly do not know football.
Every player, opposing player, coach, opposing coaches, and talking heads all know he’s a pro bowler.
Yet we have some fans who want him gone because he smiles and isn’t a wife beating a- hole
December 2nd, 2016 at 8:23 am
GMC is the least of this team’s concern. The guy is a very good football player. Sapp was a true generational talent. We were spoiled. There are 31 other GMs who would love to have GMC on their team. In the end, for all the publicity, Suh is not nearly more dominating impact player between the two that the early hype led us to believe.
December 2nd, 2016 at 8:24 am
Gmc has labored for the previous 6 seasons under bad coaching and not
enough help on the D line.Jaquis Smith helped some last year when he wasn’t injured, but the addition of Ayers and Spence has changed the game for us.
I think GMC set the tone for the defense last week when he drove two defensive lineman all the way to Russell Wilson and got him in a pincer move
with Spence.
The addition of Jay Hayes has helped GMC he brought a rotation to the D-line
that gives players a breather and allowed Gmc to make a big sack at the end of the game.
December 2nd, 2016 at 9:27 am
GMC is nothing more than a part time player just like Martin. It has nothing to do with nice guy sportsman ship BS it has everything today with games like last week are a rarity. Gmc did his job last week nothing spectacular he did his job. He too fragile to lead a defense. He will be out by halftime nursing one his boo boos
December 2nd, 2016 at 9:28 am
“Wasn’t his play better and more impactful than most previous weeks? Didn’t it make a difference? That is all some of us were saying, not “hating” just high expectations for a #3 overall pick who is the highest paid player on the team.”
———–
Yes, his play was more impactful. However, I would argue that is directly related to the fact that the guys around him are balling. The defensive line works as a unit. If pressure is coming from one person, the offense will adjust their blocking scheme to stop that one person. Even if they don’t, a QB can avoid one guy (especially when coming up the middle). Every single player at every single position needs help. I think even the biggest GMC hater can admit that the guys around him are well below average. If you give him help, he will be dominant every game.
December 2nd, 2016 at 9:30 am
“GMC is nothing more than a part time player just like Martin. It has nothing to do with nice guy sportsman ship BS it has everything today with games like last week are a rarity. Gmc did his job last week nothing spectacular he did his job. He too fragile to lead a defense. He will be out by halftime nursing one his boo boos”
————
Typical weak, no fact argument from someone who obviously is obsessed with GMC. Not to mention the fact that it is factually inaccurate. And people wonder why they get called names?
December 2nd, 2016 at 9:33 am
It’s over tmaxcon. Everyone except the 2 or 3 other haters don’t take you serious. I don’t even think you believe what you type, but even if you did nobody cares what you think.
December 2nd, 2016 at 9:36 am
You’re preaching to the choir, Joe(s), regarding this Bucs fan. GMC reminds me of Lee Roy Selmon. 1st round draft choices from Oklahoma. Lee Roy was a first class act, a true gentleman. Very, very intelligent, highly educated, and spoke like an English professor. He was a gentle man off the field. GMC reminds me of him. Lee Roy loved this area and settled here. It sounds like GMC is doing the same. I’m glad both players are/were Bucs. Go Tampa Bay Sunday!!
December 2nd, 2016 at 10:15 am
Lee Roy Selmon would help opponents up. That’s all that needs to be said about that most ridiculous of arguments used against GMC.
December 2nd, 2016 at 10:17 am
Joe is reaching here. Every coach on every team always speak positive on players no matter what. Omg what this team be like without Winston
December 2nd, 2016 at 10:32 am
I agree with everything you wrote Frank. There’s no shame in not being Warren Sapp. On in Tampa Bay do fans want to run one of best DTs (i.e. top 3 in NFL) over the past five years out of town.
December 2nd, 2016 at 10:33 am
Why feed vultures Joe? They will always be vultures.
December 2nd, 2016 at 10:44 am
“Every coach on every team always speak positive on players no matter what.”
——–
I’ve never heard another coach say Akeem Spence or Will Gholson are elite, or that they are great leaders, or make everyone around them better. Silly argument.
Fact of the matter is, you don’t survive 4 regimes without being a really good player. If he didn’t do his job or didn’t work his butt off, you really think he would have survived here (especially at his salary). Pay attention to what happens around the league – when regimes change, the players change. Look no further than One Buc Place. Look how many guys we’ve gotten rid of, yet there’s never been any speculation about us getting rid of McCoy. Wake up, open your eyes, and think about why. It’s not that complicated.
December 2nd, 2016 at 11:15 am
Wow this comment section is way different than I would have imagined. Bravo
Seems there’s just a couple posters really who make up the main anti-GMC narrative..
Anyone can criticize a player for any reason they want; but I don’t understand criticizing guys unless you truly want them off the team. Or you think we could get better value for their contract. NO ONE has presented anything close to a decent argument for why we should get rid of him in terms of what we could gain.
December 2nd, 2016 at 11:36 am
Hawaiian buc,
Players do survive different regimes. It’s call salary cap. If someone was to ask about akeem spence or Gholdston( who is better than GMC?) They would have nothing but great things to say. My opinion is that GMC is in fact overrated and been the leader of some of the worst defenses I ever seen. Again this post is reaching and shoving this guy down our throats. If he needs support or any argument that he is elite….. there is a problem
December 2nd, 2016 at 11:56 am
Hawaiian I present to you Mike Evans, please show me the receiving help he has on this team. He has been doubled teamed by everyone and yet still thrived. That is what I expect out of McCoy and there is nothing wrong with expecting that from an “elite” player.
December 2nd, 2016 at 12:46 pm
GMC’s teammates voted him as a captain and that tells you all you need to know about how highly regarded he is in the locker room.
December 2nd, 2016 at 12:47 pm
@Lamarcus,
So you think they would call Gholston or Spence elite? LMAO. Whatever buddy. It’s not even worth arguing if you can’t understand the difference between coach speak and praise.
As for him needing support, it’s because of ignorant fans that believe one player can make an entire defense. Unfortunately the Bucs aren’t known for one of the most knowledgeable fan bases. We have people on this site that claim the LB’s eat up blocks for the linemen! Those are the type of people that are anti-GMC. You don’t see any experts, players, ex-players, coaches, front office execs, saying anything negative about GMC – on or off the record.
December 2nd, 2016 at 12:48 pm
@ndog,
Are you seriously trying to compare a WR to a 3 technique? Really? There’s no doubt Evans needs help, but comparing him to McCoy is beyond stupid. You’re better than that.
December 2nd, 2016 at 12:59 pm
@ndog
double team on a wide receiver can mean one defender in front and one in
back,or two defenders in the same vicinity.In no way is similar to a double team on the defensive line.
December 2nd, 2016 at 1:18 pm
I’m flattered!!! 5 articles this week defending Mr. Decoy, hmmm. Lol
“If he needs support or any argument that he is elite….. there is a problem.” Preach LaMarcus Preach.
I know someone on the site that doesn’t watch film. He just regurgitates what he hears on the radio at 3pm.
Question: If James has 5 apples and Paul has 5 apples, who has more apples? However Decoy fans like most! Haha.
See even coach is ignorant according to JBF posters “he commands double teams MOST of the time,” Koetter said. “As a three-technique, they ALMOST [always] double him. …”
No no no coach he gets double and TRIPLE TEAMED EVERY PLAY. BAHHAHAHA. Fire coach now he obviously doesn’t know football 101. Rotfl.
Finally, like I said when ASJ get shipped off “don’t worry Brate got this” I will say now if the ice cream man can’t play per usual “Don’t worry McDonald got this”.
REJOICE BUC FANS FOR THE KINGDON OF JAMEIS IS HERE!!!
Mike the Baptist
Spawn
Ayers the Destroyer
Ghool-ston
VH3 – working on a nickname
Optimus Grimes
Dougernaut
Harvard
LVD
Kwon the impaler
Me ice cream man
One of these things is not like the other.
December 2nd, 2016 at 2:35 pm
Yawn.
December 2nd, 2016 at 2:44 pm
“I know someone on the site that doesn’t watch film. He just regurgitates what he hears on the radio at 3pm.”
——–
Says the guy who “allegedly” watches film, which shows him that the LB’s eat up blockers for the D-Line. DB55 is pure clown status.
December 2nd, 2016 at 2:59 pm
Hawaiian Buc
Gholdston >mccoy right now. Ur just not in reality right now. Yes McCoy is needs ppl to support his case of being elite. That’s a problem. At this point it should not even be in discussion. Everyone knows something is just not right with this player.
Hawaii plz explain and make ur case known why this guy is elite other than what u read or heard but with your eyes on the playing field. What I see is a guy that’s get manhandled from time to time
December 2nd, 2016 at 3:01 pm
I personally wish the GMC haters would commit mass suicide by jumping off the Skyway – that would bring attention to the cause and would make a real difference. Do it. Please.
December 2nd, 2016 at 3:29 pm
LaMarcus
They’re fan boys. There’s no facts or logic behind their arguments just emotions. I suggest you just clown them cuz you can’t converse with them trust I’ve tried.
Well not all of them just the one your talking to now.
December 2nd, 2016 at 4:04 pm
@Lamarcus,
I see him causing havoc almost every play. Causing havoc doesn’t mean always making tackles or hitting the QB. It does, however, mean I see the offense consistently double teaming him, and consistently running away from him. I see him change sides pre-snap, then I see the QB audible away from him. For the record, I don’t listen to the radio, so I’m not sure why that narrative keeps coming up concerning me. I see mobile QB’s like Russell Wilson and Kaepernick running for freedom because the pocket is collapsing up the middle.
Here’s the thing, I’m not a football coach. Neither are you. I don’t get paid to watch film, and neither do you. None of us on this site would know what to look for even if we did study coach’s film, because we don’t have experience, nor do we know the play call. For that reason, I do listen to those that are experts. You aren’t an expert. I’m not an expert. DB55 is an idiot. The other players that select him in the top 50 every year know more than us. The other coach’s that ALL game plan around him know more than us. The ex-players know more than us. I don’t know who you think you are or what level of expertise you think you have, but you are fooling yourself. You literally can’t find anyone saying McCoy isn’t playing well, which is exactly what I see with my eyes as well. So no, your opinion doesn’t mean spit to me, or anyone else. No offense.
December 2nd, 2016 at 4:05 pm
DB55 thinks our LB’s eat up blocks for our D-Lineman. That’s the guy you want to side with?
December 2nd, 2016 at 4:16 pm
Hopefully the coaches are talking him up ahead of a big offseason trade that gets us high draft pics and we can unload his getting old, frequently out azz before it’s too late.
Look for a fire sale from Hawaiian liquidating his hero’s memorabilia. …….. stains included.
; )
December 2nd, 2016 at 4:49 pm
the top 50 every year know more than us.
————–
Yet he was #63, but what do I know?!??!? Lmao,lol,rotfl
Keep trying Hawaii you’re doing great!
December 2nd, 2016 at 5:18 pm
@DB55,
Thanks, but I’m still not as smart as you, because I don’t understand how a LB can eat up the blocks for the defensive linemen. But I’ll get there one day.
December 2nd, 2016 at 5:19 pm
@Dooshlarue,
The only clothes with stains that I have are from your mom, but she’s also great at doing laundry.
December 2nd, 2016 at 5:19 pm
Very doubtful
December 2nd, 2016 at 5:21 pm
You make me laugh though Hawaii. Don’t ever change. Idiot moron stupid.
December 2nd, 2016 at 6:21 pm
Hawaiian,
Yeah, mom has some mad skills. I’d venture to say she originated the 3 technique. …..if you catch my drift. Difference is she shows up every Sunday.
But I digress,
I wasn’t referring to your GMC pyjamas or even your autographed jock strap……
I was referring to the “poi” stained poster above your bed.
I guess you took the canopy down?
December 2nd, 2016 at 7:30 pm
Hawaii
Ur contradictin ur self . I know we will be 6-5 without McCoy. Winston is the biggest factor this team is playing well. McCoy is just a good individual player and that’s it. I agree w Doo. Make the trade now and get a high draft picks. And to say he is explosive every play is lazy. I don’t see it. More times than not he is taken out of play. Again this is weak DT class right now so yea he is better than most but not a difference maker. That’s my opinion