Investing In Interceptions
July 27th, 2024
Husband-and-wife drive.
This reminds Joe of when Scotty Miller’s wife developed her quarterbacking skills to help her wide receiver husband.
Bucs cornerback Zyon McCollum also has an involved wife. It seems she doesn’t fire spirals like Miller’s wife, but she does know how to break down, set up and operate a Jugs machine.
Per a Sara Walsh report for NFL Network, the McCollums have their Jugs machine (which runs about $4,000, unless they have a super fancy one). For those unaware, a “Jugs” somewhat simulates the throwing of a football and can launch real balls from various distances and angles.
McCollum bought his own and he and his wife break it down, pack it into their ride — and then take it out local parks with a bunch of balls. But what about a power source? Per Walsh, they bought a portable generator to get the job done.
Joe had never heard of a player doing that, and Joe thinks it’s extraordinarily cool. Especially a defensive back.
McCollum has zero career interceptions but was very clear to media this week at training camp; he’s counting on no less six interceptions this season.
Joe is pretty sure the last Bucs defensive back to haul in six interceptions was Aqib Talib in 2010.
July 27th, 2024 at 2:16 pm
I predict a giant season for McCollum replete with some hiccups.
Lot’s of giant hits where he blows guys up followed by the occasional missed tackle trying to hard to blow a guy up.
Same thing for the picks. He’s going to be all over them but I suspect he’ll still drop one or two. Down the road though I think this kid is the real deal and with Winfield playing safety behind him, next to him, in front of him, the DB group has a chance to be really special.
July 27th, 2024 at 2:34 pm
Love this!!!! Every DB needs to be on the juggs in between series at camp. Zyon should invite Stone Hands Dean.
July 27th, 2024 at 2:52 pm
JFC if he got 6 INT this year means we got elite defense LFG!!!!
July 27th, 2024 at 2:55 pm
He needs to call Jamel Dean to practice with him. Dean cost us the game by dropping what could have been a pick 6
July 27th, 2024 at 3:26 pm
What more could you want? In his own time and on his own dime dedicating himself to his craft and, AND even has his wife is in on it. The $4K is nothing in comparison to what he’ll get down the road if he can find a higher level of play, especially considering he’s got a guy like Winfield who’s a clear example of how being good at your job pays off.
Even if he doesn’t get the 6 picks, even if it’s 3-4 Zyon is a good one in my book.
July 27th, 2024 at 3:38 pm
I friggin love the attitude of our team in general… Players across the board really working at becoming their best selves. Great to see!
I think Jason and Todd are doing/have done a fantastic job of creating a culture and an atmosphere that has all these guys showing up in shape and improving.
July 27th, 2024 at 4:29 pm
Good for Mr. McCollum! That’s a kid who loves the game and loves his job.
July 27th, 2024 at 4:34 pm
that is dedication!
July 27th, 2024 at 5:17 pm
Kudos to McCollum for taking the initiative during non practice days to elevate n
improve his game.
ATLBuc, I disagree, he should never call JDean to practice with him cause that guy does the bear minimum during regular mandatory pratice. JDean never puts in the extra work n definitely didn’t after signing that big contract. He’s always injured n always dropping what should have been multiple ints. That’s what happens (dropped ints n injury) when u don’t put in extra work n don’t condition ur body. Zyon, please stay away from him. If you want to do extra practice with someone then reach out to Antoine Winfield or Jordan Whitehead.
July 27th, 2024 at 5:31 pm
It will be exciting to watch this guy this season. His predecessor was happy to “rest on his laurels”. Not bad play but not great play either.
July 27th, 2024 at 5:32 pm
Ditto what GoneGator says. Winning in the NFL is such a fine line. Besides the year long preparation (the process) there has to be belief. And attitude. Now we may have to lose a game or two to get the young guys attention. The Bucs are showing they understand the process. Attitudes are great. And that belief will set in with the right leadership. Which we have in droves.A defense LVD and Winfield? Who’s got better veteran leadership than that?An offense led by vets ME and Wirfs and Mayfield?Who beats that?Solid front office. Respected Head Coach. With what looks like a nucleus of talented young players Wow! I’d be shocked if this team doesn’t win a dozen games. Because they think they can beat them all. KC, SanFran, they aren’t one bit intimidated. This 5 year culture of winning is fixing to accelerate.
July 27th, 2024 at 7:10 pm
Just another reason I have him as my breakout player this year.
July 27th, 2024 at 10:15 pm
Love the fuzzy feelings we are all getting. Couldn’t agree more with Gonegator and Kenton. This seems to be a cohesive and well oiled unit, all bought in, pulling same direction from the top of the brass down to the waterboys. Couple more days of good reports next week and I will have no choice but to bet that +300 NFCS win.
Good vibes are through the roof. Go Bucs!
July 28th, 2024 at 4:24 am
Zyon and his wife have a jugs machine. They even bought a portable generator! Loving it, and that is commitment. He will have a break-out year.
July 28th, 2024 at 11:59 am
Undefeated so far. LFG