Clinton McDonald Is “The Glue”
April 26th, 2014
The Bucs have a young, experienced defensive line. That’s by design. Newcomer and Super Bowl champ defensive tackle Clinton McDonald, 27, is the elder statesman by a few weeks.
Joe talked to Lovie Smith about McDonald yesterday, and Lovie already has a feel for what McDonald is delivering to his linemates.
“He’s the glue,” Lovie said, referring to how McDonald’s quiet intensity and approach fits in.
Joe can say McDonald certainly appears to be a sharp contrast in personality to outspoken and lighthearted Gerald McCoy, though both are very much rooted in their religion.
McDonald and his former Bengals teammate Michael Johnson — together prior to McDonald’s three seasons under Pete Carroll in Seattle — also bring a great deal of playoff experience to the Bucs. Joe thinks that’s extremely valuable and impacts their entire approach.
For all of McCoy’s strengths and growth as a leader, he’s never “been there,” and now he’s surrounded by guys who have been.
Obviously, there’s a ton of confidence in McDonald on the field. That’s why the Bucs pounced on him in free agency. McDonald is a very late bloomer by NFL standards, breaking out in his fifth season last year. McDonald was cut by Seattle after training camp and re-signed before Week 3.
Pete Carroll painted a picture of a man who was ignited by getting cut and lost 15 pounds in two weeks before returning to Seattle on a mission that led to 5 1/2 sacks and a major role on the Super Bowl champs.
Joe can’t wait to study what kind of pass rusher McDonald really is. Lovie has even hinted that McDonald can come off the left edge.
Just three months till training camp.
April 26th, 2014 at 3:22 pm
This was my favorite F/A signing.
April 26th, 2014 at 3:24 pm
Oh man I’m excited about this guy and this DLINE!
April 26th, 2014 at 3:27 pm
This dude is a underestimated players. For his size he is quick and powerful. I think he is a Great addition. If the Dline isn’t good I’ll be amazed.
April 26th, 2014 at 3:31 pm
We won’t be taking a DT at 7. That’s my guess, he,spence,McCoy = 3way rotation out of 4 roster spots. Who’s #4? I can’t remember,we’ll probably play gholston on pass plays too. So no need and would only clog the depth chart to draft another. Maybe next year if spence and ghouls ton don’t produce.
April 26th, 2014 at 3:48 pm
It’ll be interesting to see if Seattle’s defense slips this season
and ours improves greatly.
#The McDonald Factor
_________
“No QB’s in the 1st round!”
April 26th, 2014 at 4:01 pm
As much as everyone is harping on Clayborn, I think under these coaches he will come close if not exceed expectations for him. BBFFC…. spot on, with those three at DT rotating it will be nothing but good news. On obvious passing downs you’re looking at from left to right, Clayborn, Gholston, McCoy and Johnson with an occasional blitz from a linebacker and or corner/safety….. There will be nowhere to go. This was by far one of my favorite signings.
April 26th, 2014 at 4:05 pm
As much of a douche he was, Schiano could evaluate talent and said Spence had a little burst and pass rush in him. If that is the case I’m sure these coaches will coach him into the best position to get a couple sacks this year. MAN I’M PUMPED for this season to start against think Stinkin Panthers!!!
April 26th, 2014 at 5:01 pm
Considering the Bucs are undefeated in 2014…I could not be happier with his play……
April 26th, 2014 at 5:07 pm
I can’t wait to see this guy on the field in a Bucs uniform. He was the most intriguing FA for me because until this past year I hadn’t seen him but the few times that I did he was a beast.
April 26th, 2014 at 5:30 pm
This time of the year really sucks. Can’t wait for the draft and training camp.
April 26th, 2014 at 6:03 pm
Side Note:
According to Pewter Report:
“Stocker was extremely impressive in the blocking drills, especially against the sled. He was head and shoulders above everyone when it came to explosion, power and strength. It is obvious, that while on the mend from the numerous injuries that have plagued his career, he certainly hasn’t neglected the weight room. Can that transition to production on the field? That is a question only Stocker can answer, but it was a very good start for the fourth-year tight end from Tennessee. Another good sign for Bucs fans and the organization was Stocker stepping up and being first for the tight end drills.”
This would be a nice unforeseen benefit if true.
Sorry, but Joe can’t celebrate anyone’s work on the “sled.” Sabby The Goat routinely was a monster on the sled, too. Stocker is healthy and happy, but he’s got a mountain to climb to make the team. Joe will write more about Stocker next week. –Joe
April 26th, 2014 at 6:44 pm
@Manziel
Don’t be so positive, that kind of mindset is strictly forbidden in these parts. Optimism is frowned upon.
April 26th, 2014 at 7:25 pm
Stocker has a much chance of making this team as a chicken walking the street in Ethiopia!
April 26th, 2014 at 7:31 pm
@Tony
There’s a difference between being pessimistic and being realistic. Having low expectations for Stocker is just realistic.
Same for Nicks at this point too.
April 26th, 2014 at 8:18 pm
@Forgot
I agree with you, but it just seems that lately if there is any positive news reported Joe immediately retorts with someone smart a$$ comment to shoot it down. it’s a shock jock mentality and I don’t think it used to be this way. Again, great website that brings all of the Bucs info to one place, but the tone as just turned South which they have a right to voice.
By the way…I think Stocker absolutely sucks.
April 26th, 2014 at 9:11 pm
Why does it take so long for my comments to appear… FIX IT JOE or I’m out of here. I getting tired of my comments being posted later when the conversation has already moved on… You publish everything I say anyway so there is no need to monitor or moderate my comments. I want to be able to participate in real time PLEASE.
It’s not going to happen. Some of your comments misrepresent and/or attack Joe, therefore you’ve landed on the comments-to-babysit list. –Joe
April 26th, 2014 at 10:15 pm
How much does anyone wanna bet that Gerald McCoy will have some rushes/sacks come oof the edge this year under Lovie. I foresee a full rotation coming in play. Damn I haven’t been this excited in YEARS!!!!!!!!
April 26th, 2014 at 10:25 pm
Apparently, you are using an IP address that has been blocked for naughty activity in the past.
Either that, or the Ellipsis you are using (the: “… “) is triggering something in Joe’s spam detector.
April 26th, 2014 at 11:19 pm
Why are people writing comments about Stocker for an article about McDonald? Do other NFL cities have fans this stupid? Why dont you wait to talk about Stocker after Joe writes an article on him? Or is that when you are going to talk about McDonald? All these transplants from other cities really drag down the average Tampa Bay fan IQ numbers.
April 27th, 2014 at 12:06 am
@Mr Magoo
Somebody found something interesting on Stocker and a conversation ensued. Apparently people talking about more than one topic really upsets you. I’m not sure if I’ve seen somebody get their panties in a bunch over something so minor.
April 27th, 2014 at 3:09 am
Good to see McDonald taking a leadership role. His SB experience is valuable.
April 27th, 2014 at 3:31 am
Exciting times for the franchise!
April 27th, 2014 at 9:03 am
We’ve come a long way since Haynesworth(less).
Hearing Luke Stock can beat the sh!t out of the sleds is like saying David Price threw a “perfect” game in the bull pen.
Stocker has a hands to do something. I, like most, doubt his ability bc of his Buc past: injuries. “Show me” year for that guy.
April 27th, 2014 at 9:06 am
As soon as Domick said this guy has a “second round grade”, I thought “future bust”. Mainly because Freeman was a “franchise QB” in his eyes. Holy a good dude, Dominick is, but talent evaluator he is not.
Schiano couldn’t coach, but h knows the game and most importantly talent. Say what you will about his short comings as coach, but the guy knows talent. We never get Lavonte David without him.