I’m Not Going To Slow Down Because Of The Rule Changes”
July 27th, 2018
The NFL has a budding mess on its hands when it comes to a rule change that threatens football as we know it.
Joe asked Gerald McCoy about how he’s adjusting today.
Team owners voted this year to make it a 15-yard penalty to lower a helmet to initiate contact with an opponent. And it applies to everyone including linemen, who one could say cause that type of contact on every single snap.
There’s little clarity around the NFL about how the rule will be enforced.
Gerald McCoy is known for having arguably the best get-off in the NFL among defensive linemen, and that means a good share of helmet-clashing with the guy in front of him.
McCoy said he will play his game and the new rules are a complete afterthought.
JoeBucsFan.com: Gerald, do you have a good handle on the new blocking rules, the new rules in the trenches, the head-up stuff, what’s legal what’s not? Do you feel like the team and you have a good handle on the rule changes?
Gerald McCoy: I’m going to be honest, man. I don’t even know’em. I want to play football. I’m a d-lineman. It’s a physical game. I’m going to play hard. I’m not going to be dirty. I’ve never been dirty; I just play football. I don’t want to say I don’t care about the rules because rules are rules. Without rules we don’t have order. So I’m not going to say that. But what I am going to say is I’m going to play football hard, physical and fair. It’s just who I’m going to be and, you know, I’m going to try my best to play to within the rules. I’m want to play football. I love the game, so I’m going to just go. I’m not going to slow down because of the rule changes.
Joe’s hoping for the best — and hoping the rule changes don’t backfire on the Bucs.
General manager Jason Licht went out and purchased a ton of expensive linemen known for their hard-hitting ways, including center Ryan Jensen, Beau Allen and DE Jason Pierre Paul.
July 27th, 2018 at 12:51 pm
GMC is a legend, a future HoFer. He’ll be able to adjust! 🙂
July 27th, 2018 at 12:55 pm
Yah not worried
July 27th, 2018 at 1:05 pm
It’ll be interesting to see how strictly the refs enforce that rule in the trenches this year.
July 27th, 2018 at 1:08 pm
I’m more concerned with the running games across the league. If you cannot lead with your helmet, a lot of RBs will be getting penalties.
July 27th, 2018 at 2:34 pm
That’s funny stuff right there D Rome…. he isn’t even the best DL in the league. Best talker best self promoter and best show off yes but not the best DL.
July 27th, 2018 at 5:04 pm
No kimono this year? No geisha? How about a Batman suit?
July 27th, 2018 at 5:08 pm
Can we AT LEAST get some fuzzy slippers? WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS TEAM!?
July 27th, 2018 at 6:46 pm
@Byc Believer I find it strange that you say he isn’t a legend/HoF material due to not being the best defensive lineman in the league currently…
To this I ask: do you really think that all the HoFers were the BEST in their position across the league while they played? Much less best amongst a type of position like d lineman which encompasses several positions…
The GMC haters will take any chance to take a stab even if they know not what they’re even stabbing at…
July 28th, 2018 at 6:36 am
Happens every play in the trenches. I mean cant see it just stopping. Already too many penalties in the game today. Just another way for the zebras to control the game imo!