Gerald McCoy Talks Bucs Locker Room
October 3rd, 2023
It’s best to pay attention when six-time Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy, the retired Bucs defensive tackle, talks about the Buccaneers.
McCoy has close friends in the Tampa Bay locker room and a keen understanding of all things Bucs.
Now a personality on NFL Network, McCoy visited The Rich Eisen Show today and talked about the impact of Baker Mayfield on the Tampa Bay roster. Again, keep in mind McCoy’s ties to the club. (He also attended the last Bucs home game where he found himself face-to-face with Joe.)
McCoy told Eisen the Bucs needed Mayfield because of how he approaches the game; he was the guy who answered the question, “Now what?” after Tom Brady.
“[Mayfield’s] shown with his belief that’s carried throughout the locker room. Now they believe in him,” McCoy said. “And they believe, ‘Hey, we got a guy that we can believe in. We don’t have to worry about it. We’re going to do our part; he’s going to handle his business.'”
The Mayfield buy-in at One Buc Palace is obvious to Joe, and it runs from coaches down through the bottom of the roster.
McCoy noting that Mayfield answered the “Now what?” question for players really intrigued Joe because of what former Bucs running back LeSean “Shady” McCoy said on FS1 in early July.
Shady was adamant that there was little to no belief in Mayfield among the Bucs’ locker room leaders. Shady gave that take while mentioning he had just talked to Devin White.
October 3rd, 2023 at 5:49 pm
Believe
October 3rd, 2023 at 5:50 pm
A guy that gave his all for the Bucs, his only shortcoming was that he wasn’t Suh. But then, few are.
October 3rd, 2023 at 5:53 pm
It’s Mr. I’m sorry Ben, himself.
October 3rd, 2023 at 6:07 pm
In early July DW45 was not happy with the Bucs period. Thankfully he had his epiphany and decided to play his best in a contract year and I think he too is getting swept up in the fun. And not just Mayfield…I think Winfield has enough Vet cred now along with AMAZING performance on the field that he’s joined DW45 and LVD as leaders on this D. And they are ALL having fun.
What is more fun than proving people who doubted you wrong?
October 3rd, 2023 at 6:07 pm
You have to wonder if a guy who plays decent within a decent system, has a decent attitude, is a better fit than a dude who can win a few games by himself, just willing wins and using super talent. It’s crazy to think the Bucs (albeit with gentle competition so far) feel more legit than last yrs Bucs with Brady who looked amazingly tentative. I hope it’s not an illusion. Inevitably there is going to be a tough stretch or two. Can Canales, Mayfield hold the O together? Can Bowles keep the D bought into Mayfield and the system. F’n cool to watch. I figured 2/2 and I’d be happy. Super cool to see 3/1. What I really like is they are winning the games they OUGHT to win. Can they win a couple games they really shouldn’t? Can they keep winning.the supposedly even and outclassed matchups? Man, what an entertainig season so far.
October 3rd, 2023 at 6:17 pm
A win against any one of these will have me thoroughly impressed….Detroit, Buffalo or SF
October 3rd, 2023 at 6:22 pm
If you play well and are winning, people will believe in you.
If you’re losing and not playing well, people will not believe in you.
The longer Mayfield plays well and erases the stink of the rest of his career, the more faith people will have in him, and more importantly to Baker, he’s going to make a ton of money.
October 3rd, 2023 at 6:32 pm
WHAT IS HAPPENING?!!!
I couldn’t really read the article. I am mesmerized by GMC’s image. What is that? How do you describe that? I’m going “Rastacomicon with mad drip”. Not sure I’m with it but he’s glowing.
October 3rd, 2023 at 6:42 pm
Rod, the rest of his career did not stink. He had an 11-5 season and won a playoff game. Then played hurt. Then went to Carolina. He had no training camp or off-season program at LA or at Carolina. No he did not play well, but he was never “the guy” at either place. By the time he got to LA, they had basically been eliminated. No coach has ever believed in him until Bowles. Considering his circumstances, he did not play all that poorly in LA. This was a calculated move and no NFL scout ever thought Mayfield was devoid of talent. Now he seems to have his head on straight. He had a blah game against Philly. Not terrible, but not enough. Three out of four isn’t bad.
October 3rd, 2023 at 6:43 pm
Hey Chris Stuart…………Walk the freakin’ Plank. WE don’t want you here Idiot troll.
October 3rd, 2023 at 6:53 pm
Don’t tell Gerald I said this but for a moment I thought this Pic was Whoopie Goldberg! HAHA
October 3rd, 2023 at 6:53 pm
Munch: You just can’t help yourself can you? You can’t give Baker a simple compliment without throwing out garbage about “the stink of the rest of his career.” Look what he did in 2018 and 2020 before you spew your Baker hatred. You’re such a loser.
October 3rd, 2023 at 6:58 pm
Hey Munch knows dam well what stink smells like! Where in Wyoming are you from cowboy? Nothing beats out west!
October 3rd, 2023 at 7:00 pm
What VA Tom said: In 2017, after Carson Wentz blew out his knee/career, Nick Foles led the Eagles to a Super Bowl win—there’s a frikkin STATUE of the guy there. The man was unstoppable. He leaves the Eagles and that system, I don’t even think he’s on a roster anymore. Baker might be in HIS perfect scenario
October 3rd, 2023 at 7:00 pm
WyomingJoe – I literally have said since the first game of the season how impressed I’ve been by Mayfield, how great he’s been playing, and how I think it’s sustainable – and yet you still seek out comments in order feign outrage and be offended. Nothing is never enough with psychopaths and stalkers.
October 3rd, 2023 at 7:07 pm
Beeej – This same system made Geno Smith go from a career laughing stock to making a ton of money. There’s a lot to be said for that.
In any case if Baker can keep it up, his rep will be repaired just like Geno’s. Not sure why that idea triggers people.
The story of the guy who had it all, busting and losing it all, then rebuilding himself is generally something most people applaud. But not the stalkers and psychos, they have to pretend the bust never occurred, everything is fine, thus there is no journey. It truly is some sort of mental issue I think.
October 3rd, 2023 at 7:12 pm
The D line and oline better get stronger for the better teams in the league. Of the top of my head Detroit and Bills. All this peaches and cream love talk will drastically change if this team plays like it did against the Eagles. Eagles gashed that D really bad! Just saying!!!
October 3rd, 2023 at 7:14 pm
Good Grief what is that?
October 3rd, 2023 at 7:14 pm
He’s all talk.
October 3rd, 2023 at 7:32 pm
Rod says
“The longer Mayfield plays well and erases the stink of the rest of his career,”
Buddha says…”Rod, the rest of his career did not stink. He had an 11-5 season and won a playoff game. THEN PLAYED HURT. Then went to Carolina. He had no training camp or off-season program at LA or at Carolina”
The caps are mine because earlier today I saw the story about Baker’s replacement the Browns latest savior…DeShaun Watson. The Browns 2-2 and decent this year face their division rival Baltimore which currently has a one game lead. Watson says he can’t play. His coach Stefanski says yes he can according to the training staff his arm is ready. Perhaps Watson learned something from Baker’s experience…whatever he’s not the football player Mayfield is…or at least not as competive.
Buddha as usual is correct in his assessment.
And what does Rod the 8th grade name caller respond with…
“how great he’s been playing, and how I think it’s sustainable”
Really? Something does not add up. If he stunk so badly why would Rod have any reason to believe that now he’s going to sustain it based on 4 games and a career that Rod and others have totally dismissed because unlike Buddha they buy a meme without checking any of the facts or paying attention to those here (and there are plenty of GREAT posters here as well as the nasty ones) like Buddha who DO take the time to actually examine ALL the facts and not just regurgitate memes.
October 3rd, 2023 at 7:48 pm
A few like to pontificate in here. Haha
October 3rd, 2023 at 7:54 pm
Idc what the haters say about GMC. 6 pro bowls on the worst team in nfl history says it all. And he was great to the community.
October 3rd, 2023 at 7:57 pm
Okay it is true Rod has said a lot of really bad things about Shake n Bake but I will have to give credit where credit is due. During the A’ints game Rod posted, “Dang am I happy Winston didn’t start, he’d have been a lot better than Carr, without question.” Two minutes later Winston threw his one pass of the game and it was an interception. I literally laughed so hard that beer came out of my nose. Rod is the gift that keeps on giving.
October 3rd, 2023 at 8:06 pm
Still only 4 games in. Anything can and will happen. Big test up next game against the Lions. They are truly an improved team. I will believe when and if we get to the playoffs.
October 3rd, 2023 at 8:10 pm
Rod-Rod-Rod I have not given you literary license. When I referred to dung and stench it was to be metaphorically applied to the Browns and Panthers organizational situations at the Baker played for them.
October 3rd, 2023 at 8:14 pm
at the time Baker played for them….
There is no stink around Baker and shame on you for saying that.
October 3rd, 2023 at 8:19 pm
Don’t tell me it’s raining; Two minutes later Winston threw his one pass of the game and it was an interception. I literally laughed so hard that beer came out of my nose. Rod is the gift that keeps on giving.
That’s priceless !
October 3rd, 2023 at 8:25 pm
Rod reminds me of a witless comedian that can only rely on vulgarity for laughs.
Don’t accuse me of calling you names Rod. I did not call you a comedian.
October 3rd, 2023 at 8:55 pm
Da##ed joes, that is a picture for sore eyes. I was always a fan of GMC and I’m glad he’s enjoying his retirement.
October 3rd, 2023 at 9:02 pm
The Ole Rod Muncher
October 3rd, 2023 at 9:37 pm
@VATom
Hey Tom, well put. That’s much like I feel about it and see it unfolding. It’s So Rare to see an actual Cinderella story come true. Looks like the slipper fits. But to be a witness is the cherry on top.
I admit I had very little confidence in Mayfield when this whole thing kicked off much less even sort of dreamed I’d actually be a witness of it coming true. But it is. “THEY” ARE DOING IT! And I can get behind that with my support every time.
And the KEY to this being the “Real Deal” was and Is Todd Bowles. He’s the author even if little is spoken of it, This IS His vision.. He’s done a Masterful job of orchestrating his vision as best he could, AND on a shoe string budget.
Step back and look at the Big picture and by the end of the season, Bowles “may need to take a bow” No Wonder the man keeps smiling from ear to ear. He sees it and JUST KNOWS that everyone else “will”
And if someone can’t go for this ride, I guess ultimately, I feel sorry for them because they’re missing a rare and beautiful thing….
Anyways, I’m picking up what you’re putting down Tom. Well done
October 3rd, 2023 at 9:44 pm
Get off of Rod!! Baker has played terribly except for some stretches. So much so that all of the NFL analysts picked us to finish behind Desmond Ridder and a rookie qb in our division.
We have both commended Mayfield for his current play. So why do you guys act like Bakers been an all pro player his whole NFL career?
October 3rd, 2023 at 10:05 pm
I’m giving the guys a good chance vs the Lions and Bills. Those are coaching battles and who shows up hungrier games. Right now, if the 49ers stay healthy, I don’t think there is another team in the league that can beat them. Any Given Sunday and all that, sure but the 49ers are loaded and well oiled.
October 3rd, 2023 at 10:21 pm
Sheesh. Don’t stop now you guys. I laughed so hard I snorted my beer! I was not on the Baker train during training camp. I wanted to see Trask get a shot and thought he did pretty well in preseason. But maybe they wanted to see if Trask was a decent backup, or not. I personally thought Trask showed enough to be a number two. But I had my doubts about Baker until he really showed up when the regular season began.. A surprise but a good surprise. The Bucs now seem to have a pretty dam good #1 and a decent backup in Trask. To me that is a win/win. Go Bucs!)
October 3rd, 2023 at 10:37 pm
stpetebucfan Says:
Really? Something does not add up. If he stunk so badly why would Rod have any reason to believe that now he’s going to sustain it based on 4 games
———–
He was literally the worst QB in football the past two years, is on his 4th team in a year when he signed, and only got $4-million, which is middle of the road backup money. If you think he had a great rep, then why did did three teams already give up on him, even with his #1 overall pedigree?
As for this year, outside of his 3rd down throwing percentage, which is bound to come back to earth somewhat, he’s not doing anything special (as for the 3rd downs, the team has done a great job of not having a ton of 3rds and long, which has helped). Which is a positive thing – it means he’s not just getting some lucky plays, or throwing 1 yard passes that guys take to the house and inflate his numbers.
He’s playing really good, solid football. If he was living and dying by big plays, you’d know, like with Fitz in 2018, that it obviously wasn’t going to last. But Mayfield isn’t flashy, but is a quite good. He reminds me a lot of Jeff Garcia when he came here, he wasn’t making tons of highlight plays, but got the team into the playoffs. If Mayfield can do that, he’s going to make himself a ton of money.
October 3rd, 2023 at 10:48 pm
Saskbucs Says:
October 3rd, 2023 at 10:05 pm
I’m giving the guys a good chance vs the Lions and Bills.
——-
Historically, the Bucs have DOMINATED the Bills. The team the Bucs have their all-time highest winning percentage against is Buffalo (then the Dolphins, Bengals, Falcons).
However, one issue with that fun fact. The Bucs have only played in Buffalo TWICE in their entire history. Sort of an amazing stat. In those two games in Buffalo, they’re 0-2 (and 8-2 in Tampa).
The Lions, meanwhile, are 5-3 at RayJay vs the Bucs, having won 3 in a row. Hopefully that means they’re due for a L.
October 4th, 2023 at 12:36 am
Just remember: Last year, with Brady, we lost ALL of our pre-season games.
October 4th, 2023 at 3:06 am
Jere goes Rod with his 4th team in 2 years Blah Blah Blah.
How many times does that need to be explained.
Don’t forget your homework comes to mind.
Bless your mom!!!!
October 4th, 2023 at 6:19 am
“where he found himself face-to-face with Joe”
You are 6-4 Joe? I’m gonna have to be nicer to you from now on. LOL
Just kidding Joe.
Shady talked to who? That Mount Rushmore image of class and hyper effort Diva White? Astonishing!
Go Bucs!
October 4th, 2023 at 6:56 am
Rodney King and Bobby McFerrin time here, people.
Just enjoy this moment. Baker Mayfield is doing well. The team is 3-1. This team is young. The OC is in his first year. The Defense is swarming. The Punter is killing it. The K has a 60+ yard leg.
How many years have started like this since 1976????? Stop sniping.
October 4th, 2023 at 2:50 pm
Not sure why the fixation on his past –Baker is one of the 10 best qb’s in football right NOW