Gerald McCoy & The Tale Of The Tape
March 26th, 2018
BY IRA KAUFMAN
For the Bucs, this offseason has been all about ramping up the pressure.
In a dizzying span of seven days, Jason Licht created a new world order up front.
Beau Allen, Mitch Unrein, Vinny Curry and Jason Pierre-Paul were added to address serious deficiencies in both stopping the run and rushing the passer.
When Dirk Koetter stood at a podium on the day after a 5-11 season ended and bemoaned the lack of a four-man pass rush, Tampa Bay’s offseason blueprint was officially revealed. If Noah Spence overcomes his chronic shoulder problems, so much the better, but the Bucs are no longer beholden to him.
For far too long, Buc fans watched Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton carve up Tampa Bay without getting their hair mussed. Most of the time, their post-game showers came out of courtesy, not necessity.
Let’s go to the tale of the tape:
Drew Brees against the Bucs: 16-9 record, 67 percent completion rate, 95.8 passer rating.
Matt Ryan: 13-7, 66 percent, 95.5.
Cam Newton: 8-3, 63 percent, 93.3.
You get the picture … and it ain’t pretty.
The Glazers grew tired of watching NFC South quarterbacks feast. Licht felt their pain, then he went out and did something about it.
In the process, one holdover Buccaneer is also feeling some pressure.
Wish Granted
For eight seasons, Gerald McCoy has reigned as one of the league’s premier defensive tackles. He has played some very good football for the Bucs, despite a suspect supporting cast.
Here’s a roll call of Buc defensive ends since McCoy entered the NFL in 2010: Stylez G. White, Tim Crowder, Kyle Moore, Daniel Te’-o-Nesheim, Adrian Clayborn, Michael Johnson, Jacquies Smith, Robert Ayers and Will Gholston.
Does that look like the makings of a Fearsome Foursome?
Add Michael Bennett to the mix, but Bennett promptly departed as a free agent after registering nine sacks in 2012. That season happened to generate the first of six consecutive Pro Bowl berths for Mr. McCoy.
Once the deal for Pierre-Paul was finalized, Licht couldn’t wait to inform McCoy that serious help was on the way.
“The next call I made was to Gerald, and Gerald was equally excited,” Licht told the Tampa Bay Times. “Since I’ve been here, he’s been dreaming of having a premier defensive end as his sidekick. I told him a couple times, ‘Gerald just be patient. Just be patient.’ ”
Just last summer, McCoy sounded like a man who felt underappreciated.
He took to Twitter to vent his frustrations with a fan base that includes its fair share of McCoy detractors.
Even McCoy’s fiercest critics would have to acknowledge he has rare quickness off the snap. He has a knack for getting into opponent’s backfields, but teammates couldn’t finish the deal, especially last season.
While McCoy’s individual numbers may not improve significantly, this looks like a pretty stout front seven, at least on paper. And the draft is still to come.
Now Time
If the 2018 Buc defense struggles, McCoy’s game will come under even more scrutiny.
That’s fair.
According to Pierre-Paul, McCoy’s hunger drive will be a powerful force this fall.
“Me and Gerald have been cool,” Pierre-Paul said. “I met him a couple of times and we chit-chatted. We had some time in L.A. He’s a great man. I can just tell from his energy that he wants a championship. That’s what I’m here for.”
This brings us to one of Jon Gruden’s favorite lines — you either apply pressure or you feel pressure.
For Gerald McCoy, both elements are in play.
Ira Kaufman is the most revered sports personality and writer in town. He has hung his hat at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters since July 2016. Tampa Bay’s only Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, Ira busts out columns here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and his award winning podcasts fire Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also hear Ira on SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio Wednesdays during football season, and see him now on Mondays at 10:30 p.m. on Spectrum Sports 360 (aka BayNews 9). Ira also is part of the FOX-13 Tailgate Sunday and enjoys beet salads, Riesling, Chiefs victories and needling Joe.
Be there for Thursday’s Round 1. Arrive early. Return for Rounds 2 and 3 the following day.
March 26th, 2018 at 12:34 pm
Still hope we spend a top 4 round pick on DE.
Also why I hope we trade back and get an additional 2 / 3.
DE/DT/RB/CB/OG
If we could trade back and get an additional 2 & 3 we could hit those 5 positions up in the top 4 rounds
Add another RB/S/OT with 5/6/6
March 26th, 2018 at 12:39 pm
Well put. While GMC makes many solid to good plays, he does not have a history of dominant play when it matters. He has a whole new group and now is the time for him to make the difference. That large contract does matter as well. Here’s hoping he creates pressure instead of feeling it!
March 26th, 2018 at 1:08 pm
Well put Ira. Put in context with the d-linemen over the years, you can understand the excitement AND pressure. A whole lot of eyes are going to be watching. Hopefully, the new blood yields dividends and the GMC criticisms will quiet.
Fingers crossed!
March 26th, 2018 at 1:25 pm
If the Bucs start out slow they should unload McCoy for picks before he loses any more value (e.g. Belichek year early vs too late theory)
March 26th, 2018 at 1:46 pm
So the current Barney Fyfe GM took 4 years ti get him some help…
Good grief…
Let’s all hale Jason Licht the Savior…
It took the Glazers to tell Jason to get McCoy some help?
Ray Charles good have seen that!
March 26th, 2018 at 1:49 pm
4 new starters / major role players on the defensive line (possibly more after the draft).
I’d be surprised if wasn’t a slow start. It takes guys a bit of time to gel with each other and adjust to game speed together, as a unit.
Any fans expecting us to come out of the gates blazing will almost definitely be disappointed. Now if they are still struggling by week 4 or 5, then it’s time to be seriously concerned and consider GMC trade options (if any are available).
I’m pretty sure GMC will finish his career as a Buc though, much to the chagrin of his detractors.
March 26th, 2018 at 2:36 pm
Biggest needs on the team are now:
SS
RB
CB
We can only fill two of those needs in the first two rounds of the draft.
1st round: SS Derwin James
2nd round:CB Mike Hughes UCF or Carlton Davis Auburn
4th round: RB Royce Freeman Oregon or Bo Scarbrough Alabama
March 26th, 2018 at 2:40 pm
Man, it looks like it was a good thing we did not land Bennett. I am surprised that the Eagles were okay signing him. Sounds like his success has gone to his head. He is facing charges that can land him in prison for up to 10 years.
March 26th, 2018 at 2:40 pm
GMC has also caused the plague, world famine, the aides epidemic, global warming, earthquakes, hurricanes and Tmax’s ED.
March 26th, 2018 at 2:56 pm
LOL TBBF!
I know at least the last one of those is true…
March 26th, 2018 at 3:04 pm
“and Tmax’s ED”
Yep. LOL That certainly explains a thing or two doesn’t it.
Where ya at maxi-pad?
Ira and Joe both throwing you softballs today for cancer93 trolling opportunities and you are nowhere to be found. Probably out chasing billygoats…
March 26th, 2018 at 3:14 pm
Who knows, this may inspire GMc to step up his ‘game’s even more, let us hope.
March 26th, 2018 at 3:22 pm
GMC along with dirk and smitty are feeling the pressure!!!!……unfortunately, I have to include Winston in that list too!!……Winston, dirk and smitty have to prove that 2017 was a fluke because of injuries(even tho every team has injuries)……
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!!…..GO BUCS!!!!
March 26th, 2018 at 3:27 pm
I bet Tmax will be watering at the mouth when he reads this.
March 26th, 2018 at 3:29 pm
813
Where are you going to file 2017 if the Bucs win 9 in 2018? 10?
I still question our depth of course but I believe we are finally getting it together.
With just a little bit of luck….not a lot just a smidge of a break with all 4 QB’s going in the first six.
If we get Chubb…and if Spence returns healthy..can you imagine our DL…JPP…Spence and Chubb as our edge guys and our three new guys and GMC our disruptors up the middle. Our DL would be scary!!!
If not Chubb…how good would Nelson make our OL which in turn would improve our running game.
If not Chubb or Nelson how about Barkley…best RB prospect in years.
4 QB’s in that first six and we’re golden! Just a little bit of luck.
March 26th, 2018 at 3:52 pm
I agree. If Jameis expects to get his payday he needs to take that next step this season. Sure, the team could exercise that 5th year option but what does that say about the QB if a team doesn’t reward him with a long term extension prior to picking up that option? The Bucs need their franchise QB to be closer to Aaron Rodgers than Andy Dalton.
March 26th, 2018 at 3:53 pm
Tampabaybucfan
close very close sir… he did not cause global warming that is just a made up fairly tail by the loons most of which worship the career loser and locker room cancer known as the face of the basement years captain blowout cancer93
March 26th, 2018 at 4:12 pm
tmaxcon Says:
March 26th, 2018 at 3:53 pm
Tampabaybucfan
“close very close sir… he did not cause global warming that is just a made up fairly tail (sic) by…”
You have just PROVEN your ignorance.
Has everyone by now noticed that those with flimsy arguments are the ones who argue the loudest?
March 26th, 2018 at 4:23 pm
I wonder if anyone has ever told McCoy about Tmax. Also, I wonder if any players or staff members ever read JBF.
March 26th, 2018 at 4:24 pm
TBBF – hilarious. Trollmaxcun+, you forgot to mention his great “first step to nowhere” that somehow resulted in 48.5 sacks from the 3T position. Do your homework Felicia!
March 26th, 2018 at 4:27 pm
(Insert what I usually write here)
FIX THE TRENCHES, FIX THE BUCS!!
March 26th, 2018 at 4:31 pm
Tmax…..I note your dispute over the global warming causation or even it’s existence… but, I also note that you didn’t dispute GMC caused your ED.
March 26th, 2018 at 4:50 pm
My current dream scenario – after trading back with the Bills for 12 / a 2 & a 3
R1-(pick 12) – Marcus Davenport DE
R2 A – Isaih Oliver / Mike Hughes CB
R2 B – Sony Michel / Ronald Jones RB
R3 – Braden Smith / Frank Ragnow OG
R4 – BJ Hill DT
R5 – Ade Aruda DE
R6/R6 – speed/complimentary/speciall teams type RB + an OT
Sign a S.
Hill/Davenport/Aruda = D-line rebuild complete with both youth + experience:
DE-JPP/Spence/Aruda
DT-McCoy/Hill
DT-Allen/Unrein
DE-Curry/Davenport/Gholston/Clark
We don’t even need great CBs if that’s our front 4 mix
March 26th, 2018 at 5:07 pm
To be fair, gmc should be the poster boy for causing ED. They should have an ad on every porno site in existence. “Does GMC give you a case of the penile floor stare?” He should be in medical textbooks on what to avoid. He’s Viagras kryptonite.
March 26th, 2018 at 5:30 pm
To be fair… Fair weather fans help with ED… Just saying, I like their mouths…
Troll much??? LOSERS!!!
#12thManRising
March 26th, 2018 at 5:31 pm
At least we know he needs “Elite” talent around him.
It won’t matter. It will be the same ol and excuses will flourish for him.
March 26th, 2018 at 5:47 pm
I read it!!!! Hmmmmm
March 26th, 2018 at 6:36 pm
Gerald mccoy is amazing were so blessed to have him In tampa
March 26th, 2018 at 7:20 pm
So let me get this straight, McCoy will get blame for a bad 2018 season but Mike Smith will hear what?????
It’s the damn scheme but naturally everyone will call for the heads of the UK and players. Smdh
March 26th, 2018 at 7:54 pm
I agree it’s that French dude la Marcus and D855 that just love to hate the guy. I think we should get them McCoy fat heads and a jersey that might help
March 26th, 2018 at 8:22 pm
If you like GMC or not, I happen to appreciate his talent. As football fans, and knowledge fans at that, ( I use that tearm lightly) , do yallwho dislike him think its fair to blame a DT for the struggles the Bucs have had over the years? I think not, more like its the fact we have had King, washed up Garcia, Dilfer, Freeman, McCown, Glennon, etc , at Qb. Clearly a DT all be it great Dt does not impact a team to make playoffs alone. They need help!!! And I believe we are better with GMC than without, IMO.
March 26th, 2018 at 8:26 pm
Alan
I got Charmin at home. I don’t need a fat head
March 26th, 2018 at 8:30 pm
Danbucsfan
I think this team is better without him or there is no drop off with him injured we get the same results and more likely to get BLOWN OUT with Mr. FLATBOYANT
March 26th, 2018 at 8:35 pm
I wish I spoke French so I could get through to you la Marcus. We are better off with him then with out him. Please la Marcus go back to France! Follow soccer or pick another team I really don’t want you as a bucs fan nobody does… except may Gerald McCoy because he forgives like JC does. GMC and Christ JC and GMC you need a little of that in your life. Please bro go back to France
March 26th, 2018 at 8:37 pm
Gerald McCoy is the best player we have on our defense and has been for a very long time with the addition of JPP you will see Gerald have a big year. Go bucs and GO 93! We all love us some GMC!
March 26th, 2018 at 8:39 pm
Alan
We dont feed the animals.
March 26th, 2018 at 8:41 pm
Alan
Ur favorite player…. Either gets removed from the Bucs we can start winning. It’s shame only a few ppl can see this issue. U can’t have weak minded soft defense lineman as a capt and expect toughness. That’s dumb
March 26th, 2018 at 8:46 pm
Alan
Been waiting for his “big year” since he has been drafted. Or his signature game. Or a game winning stop. Goal line stop? Clutch? Can he close out a game?
We had like 5 games last year we needed a stop to close out a game? Yes I want my star players to hit game winners. Why not him? Oh it’s the free pass thing
March 26th, 2018 at 8:59 pm
Oh la Marcus it must be exhausting hating someone you don’t even know. You should apply this energy to finding a new team to root for! We don’t want you here
March 26th, 2018 at 9:14 pm
I know his game and his game is overrated
March 26th, 2018 at 9:28 pm
Did I miss something? Joe nor Ira haven’t mentioned a word about the Michael Bennett indictment. Could that be why the asking price was so low?
March 26th, 2018 at 9:34 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
March 26th, 2018 at 2:40 pm
GMC has also caused the plague, world famine, the aides epidemic, global warming, earthquakes, hurricanes and Tmax’s ED.
——
LMFAO!!!!!!
March 27th, 2018 at 3:26 am
*******************
Playing off what the consistently awesome, LORD CORNELIUS said, below is my dream draft, after the Bucs trade #7 to the Bills for #12, #22 and #96.
1st (#12)- SS Derwin Jameis
1st (#22) – RB Derrius Guice
2nd – DE Arden Key
3rd – CB Anthony Averett
4th – DT RJ McIntosh
5th – CB Holton Hill
6th – Best OT available
6th – Best OG available
7th – RS.CB DJ Reed
DE-JPP/Spence/Gholston
DT-McCoy/McIntosh
DT-Allen/Unrein
DE-Curry/Key/Clark
CB: Grimes/Hargreaves/Elliott
CB: Averett/Smith/Hill/
FS: Evans/Conte
SS: Derwin/Tandy
THAT is a defense!
*******************
March 27th, 2018 at 7:43 am
McCoy being a fraud is still up for debate, but if he doesn’t perform this year with all that talent around him, it will be confirmed.