Preparing For The GMC Onslaught
July 3rd, 2014
When Lovie Smith was hired by Team Glazer to take over the Bucs, it meant one thing: Gerald McCoy was about to become a superstar.
If there was ever a coach to enable a defensive tackle to thrive, it was Lovie. Since getting hired, Lovie has made no bones about how the Bucs defensive line must put the quarterback on the ground.
And that means it is time for GMC to really shine. Arguably one of the better tackles in the game, GMC could push his way to the top of the NFL under Lovie’s defense, notes Robert Mays of Grantland.com.
The reason penetrating defensive tackles have found success with Smith isn’t complicated: He allows them to. The Bears rarely did much blitzing under Smith, but when they did, it was often a double-A-gap look that, if anything, took blockers further away from players like Harris and Melton. Most of the time, Smith’s 3-techniques were free to operate with the space they covet, and their job with that space was to get up the field.
“I love it,” McCoy said earlier this offseason. “It’s just an up-the-field penetrating front, Cover 2 coverage, and it really just depends on the defensive line to take care of the pass game. They always tell us if you’re not rushing, you’re stealing. We’ve got to get to the quarterback and it makes it easier on everybody else.”
McCoy went on to say he thinks Tampa Bay’s defense has a chance to be “scary” with Smith in charge, a possibility that seems very real. Defensive end Michael Johnson, the Bucs’ no. 1 priority in free agency, is the type of pass-rusher the Bucs have been missing outside of Michael Bennett’s 2012 season, and newly added Clinton McDonald is a good penetrator in his own right. Add that to the perfect pairing of Smith and McCoy, and scary might just be the start.
Joe wrote yesterday how he is geeked to see what the revamped defensive line will do in making opposing quarterbacks eat grass. Damnit, it’s been far too long since we have seen opponents wet themselves worrying about protecting the quarterback.
If that defensive line improves like Joe believes it will, then a good reason for that will be the play of GMC, who Joe believes could bring back vivid memories of Warren Sapp. So expect to see GMC ending more plays on top of quarterbacks this fall.
July 3rd, 2014 at 8:47 am
Joe
When you are right, you are right, and if they double and/or triple team him like last year, the other members of the Task Force will shine.
22 days
July 3rd, 2014 at 9:01 am
Well this is exactly what we need, and have been let down before. This years DL looks real good on paper from front to back. Expectations are high. Even thou Cam doesn’t have a lot of good receivers, except a few that have been drafted. He ran all over us. Drew Brees and Matty Ice have rocket arms. Its about time for us to grab the NFC South.
July 3rd, 2014 at 9:06 am
Yeah, maybe if GMC and the defense can manhandle opposing offenses then we should be fine with an over the hill, one foot in the grave, perennial all time backup, and 24th ranked 3 tier QB.
July 3rd, 2014 at 9:12 am
“Arguably one of the better tackles in the game”
There’s no argument to be had. Screw what kirwan says he is the best in the game. The only one who is legitimately close is Adkins.
July 3rd, 2014 at 9:41 am
Oh, the possibilities!!! I really don’t think the sack record would be that unattainable if this unit flourishes. Picture that Joe!
July 3rd, 2014 at 9:55 am
Hopefully when the pads go on, this unit will help the o-line come together sooner than later. Lets make each other better.
Go Bucs!
July 3rd, 2014 at 2:34 pm
I really think that this will be a great year for us! We will finally have guys that can take advantage of the single blocker in front of them while GMC takes on everyone they put in his way.
I want to see the much vaunted Qbs in our division on their backs on a regular basis!
July 3rd, 2014 at 6:26 pm
For me personally, This is a dream team from the Front office to the field…I expect GMC & our revamped “Tampa 2” defense to torment QBs relentlessly every Sunday for a long time under Lovie….
As for the offense, I personally love the Telford hire…I feel like the sky is the limit for our new Dunkaneer offense…we got fresh legs on the OL and the cupboard is full at all the skill positions…I can’t wait to see this offense play Basketball on Grass…
July 3rd, 2014 at 11:37 pm
I used to love watching Sapp wreak havoc on opposing QBs. This front may be even better if they give eGholston the starting position at Strong DE. He wracked up three sacks at the end of the year. If he gets a whole season he will be a double digit sacker!