Steve McLendon: “Smart” Football Is Bucs’ Challenge
November 27th, 2021
The oldest defensive player in the NFL is loaded with sage wisdom, and he shared some of it on CBS Sports Radio this week.
Tampa Bay defensive tackle Steve McLendon is that guy. He’s always got plenty to say, even if it’s about his Georgia gym business.
McLendon made it clear on radio that the Bucs have been nailing two of the three keys to victory: playing fast and playing hard. But playing “smart” is what’s been escaping them. And he said that wasn’t fully fixed against the Giants.
On beating the Giants, McLendon said practice didn’t change following the Bucs’ two-game losing streak to New Orleans and Washington with a bye sandwiched in between. Coaches emphasized, per McLendon, that “we’re not going to change the wheel because it works.” But a put-our-foot-down mentality by players was a difference-maker, he said, “We’re home and enough is enough.”
The smarts of the Bucs will get a huge test Sunday at a sold out Lucas Oil Stadium, where the roof is almost sure to be closed to jack up the noise on the Bucs offense.
Episode 2 this week of The Ira Kaufman Podcast.
November 27th, 2021 at 9:29 am
This is very concerning b/c playing “smart” shouldn’t be an issue w/ a veteran Superbowl team. What he’s saying is…..we have a few dumbasses on this team that are freelancing & doing whatever they want. Then, you have to blame the coaches for allowing it
November 27th, 2021 at 9:39 am
Two out of three ain’t bad. Check that…..three out of three is what we need.
November 27th, 2021 at 9:40 am
OMG!!! McClendon got a pick thrown directly at him from five yards from a NYG offense so bad that the only place to start is to say their OC got fired the next day.
McClendon has been garbage and very lucky to be a second string player with his old ass. Show some production and I’ll consider your wisdom ya old fart.
November 27th, 2021 at 10:37 am
SOE – you don’t do much football do you.
November 27th, 2021 at 10:56 am
Swampbuc, with your statements around here lately its not a good look for you to be checking credentials…… season is over and the Bucs were going to lose to ny remember?
November 27th, 2021 at 11:01 am
Mike C – I don’t give a rat’s azz what you think. Have a cookie and hug your participation trophy. The Bucs were horrible against the Saints and WTFs and anyone who knows football recognized that. You can be a blind cheerleader, that’s fine, just don’t pretend that it’s based on team performance or it gives you the right to be somehow commander of JBF’s comments board.
November 27th, 2021 at 11:18 am
Guys guys were in first place and still have a shot at the conference bye. Yes we could be better, but the charge has just begun. There’s nothing that they can’t do better. GO BUCS!
November 27th, 2021 at 11:39 am
Wow….all those loosing years have really done a number on most of you guys. Just freaking Wow😳!
There’s nothing but negativity spewing out of your mouth. Even when the team is wining. Check your sheets, guy. These are all different coaches and players. We are good now, you know, in case you haven’t notice. Just Go Bucs and stop your whining.
Smdh.
November 27th, 2021 at 11:46 am
No no swamp I never said they were perfect, I am just not going to ( like an idiot) say that this team has no shot and that the season is over, THAT would be something that someone who can’t recognize football would say. As far as commanding the boards is concerned, I just see it as calling you out on your trash, not gonna stop, guess you will just have to suck your thumb and deal with it.
November 27th, 2021 at 12:03 pm
Mike C – I never said they were perfect either, boy, so I guess that makes me as smart as you. Any sucking being done is by you and I doubt it’s your thumb.
The Bucs we’re playing like trash and if they kept playing like that they would miss the playoffs. Anyone would recognize that. But go ahead and revise your Pollyanna bullspit, have another cookie and hug that trophy.
November 27th, 2021 at 12:04 pm
Enjoy your day troll
November 27th, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Swampy. What makes you so cool?
November 27th, 2021 at 5:27 pm
Jennifer Aniston digs me.
November 27th, 2021 at 6:03 pm
DL!!! Weekly culprits for penalties!
November 27th, 2021 at 9:32 pm
Back on track.
Yes, the Bucs need to play smarter, cut out those damed penalties, start fast, and don’t go flat in the middle of the game. It’s time to get real, playoffs are closer than the beginning of the season, finally. Play like it.
McLendon was a savior last season, he was big in the playoff run, he is old but so is most of the rest on the line. Get a good rotation of them old farts going and bottle up Taylor, let Wentz lose it for us.
November 28th, 2021 at 2:58 am
Rosie O’Donnell loves Mike C.