“Don’t Think Anybody Is More Excited Than Me”
August 4th, 2016
“Excited”
Joe has described a new vibe about the Bucs over the past few months that he can’t quite put a finger on.
But the act of Kwon Alexander demanding daily, private chalktalks with defensive coordinator Mike Smith seems to show the players are fully energized for the new Dirk Koetter regime.
Well, it isn’t just Alexander who is geeked. So is Gerald McCoy. Speaking on NFL Network yesterday, GMC said he believes the current roster of the Bucs has more talent than at any time since he was drafted in 2010.
“I think everybody understands we have all the pieces in place, but it is going to take a lot of work to get those pieces to lock,” McCoy said. “You know sometimes you have those puzzle pieces that kind of bend a little bit? You have to straighten it out to make it fit in. I think that’s kind of where we are at.
“For me, for all the years I have been here, having a franchise quarterback and knowing we have the guy, I mean, I don’t think anybody is more excited than me.”
Joe agrees that certainly the defense has more talent. There are stud talents on each level, including GMC and Robert Ayers and perhaps Noah Spence up front. Maybe the most since GMC was a rookie on a 10-6 team. In the second level, Lavonte David and budding star Kwon Alexander hold down the fort. In the secondary, it’s Brent Grimes, possibly a rejuvenated Alterraun Verner, and rookie corner Vernon Hargreaves.
The offensive line should be the best since, say, 2008 when Chucky had what looked to be a line full of young studs. And Joe hasn’t even gotten to the skill positions.
So yeah, GMC has a point. But can this team turn those puzzle pieces into a winning unit?
August 4th, 2016 at 6:18 am
@Joe … “But can this team turn those puzzle pieces into a winning unit?” That’s the question every Bucs fan is asking Joe. Almost every team in the NFL looks good ‘on paper’ at this time of year. Bucs coaches, the players, the fans all have much to be excited about because we’ve got the potential, but as GMC so rightly said, it’s “going to take a lot of work to get those pieces to lock.” Fun ride ahead I’m convinced.
August 4th, 2016 at 6:54 am
We might come up short in some games this year. I am very optimistic about the direction of the team.Agressive play calling on offense at critical times in
game should help us win a game or two. No Doubt we have better players on defense this year, that should also help our attacking defense surprise some
teams. It okay to lose if the team and coaches and players have done their
best. Every hard fought loss will make us better.Believe the Glazers have got
it right from the front office, coaches, and players.
August 4th, 2016 at 7:23 am
I hope for great play from the defense, out of the NFC South cellar, continued growth from Jameis and the O line! 8 – 8 minimum but I’d love to see 10 – 6!
We have the talent and the coaching now.
August 4th, 2016 at 7:25 am
I like the competition aspect of the team this year. DL, CB, RB, TE, C, RT and I believe Safety will come into play soon as well
August 4th, 2016 at 7:53 am
Not so sure we have ALL the pieces in place. Safety for instance needs a talent infusion. One more very good draft sets us up for a great run of competitiveness moving forward. Then its just a matter of good cap management and continuing to add young talent to replace that which becomes un-affordable.
Grabbing the right WR, Safety and another good DLineman in the 1st 3 rounds next draft would go a long ways towards putting this team where it needs to be.
August 4th, 2016 at 8:01 am
I’m just a little worried about KR and PR duties.
August 4th, 2016 at 8:16 am
Its all perspective!!! GMC93 is just really geeked with the new defense. After coming from the incompetent one’s scheme, to NFL Defensive Coordinator Coach Smitty scheme. It sure feels like it is flawless!!! But it will need time to play it fast during game time and there are a couple of position that will be upgraded!!!!
But enjoy yourself GMC93, you paid your dues during that 2 year tour of he!! when you were with coach my scheme!!!! You endured 2 years of Bufoonery while that no class “self proclaimed college”coach wasted 2 years of your career!!!!!
August 4th, 2016 at 8:22 am
@ Realist
7 more days of the endless Lovie bashing
August 4th, 2016 at 8:30 am
Tampabaybucfan … Realist can’t help himself. He just had too much fun riding that Lovie train. We all just have to be patient with him … he’s coming around slowly.
August 4th, 2016 at 8:40 am
I can’t help but be excited but I also realize I have to stay grounded. I’m excited each and every year and I always feel we have a shot at the playoffs or at least playing sound football. With that said, the last several years have been abysmal. The men need to produce on the field before there is a full-scale buy-in. With all that said, it’s fair to say that our draft selections the last 2 to 3 years appear to have been very solid ones and there is reason for cautious optimism in the TB area.
August 4th, 2016 at 8:48 am
Sorry Tampabaybucfan, Guess I just have problems with people that do not take responsibility, Blame others, tell lies, and act with arrogance!!! Is there any wonder why Jfro-6pak, pop-star, and the incompetent one are all on my list!!! I guess I have a problem with the TRUTH!!! and have issues on not being able to sweep it all under the rug and think that everything was just peachy and it just did not work out!!!!
I ask you Tampabaybucfan, How do you, after watching all these atrocities, are just able to turn your head and walk away!!! how do you say it just did not work out, and wish them well and say that we will just get’em next time!!!!
When will you hold someone accountable!!!!!
In book Tyranny will not be tolerated!!!!!!!
All we wanted was “truth” and players treated fairly!!! a decent football scheme is not to much to ask as well!!! Can you feel the excitement in Football camp!!!! That is because coach my scheme is gone!!! and good riddance!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!
August 4th, 2016 at 8:57 am
Remember your line of the day boys and girls…
“Tyranny will not be tolerated.”
Knuckle…………head!
August 4th, 2016 at 10:11 am
Tyranny, more like fan mutiny.
August 4th, 2016 at 11:30 am
He’s never played wit a talent the likes of Spawn to his rightside before. GMC has no choice but to be giddy with anticipation.
August 4th, 2016 at 11:43 am
“But enjoy yourself GMC93, you paid your dues during that 2 year tour of he!! when you were with coach my scheme!!!! You endured 2 years of Bufoonery while that no class “self proclaimed college”coach wasted 2 years of your career!!!!!”
Yes GMC paid his dues in those two years, but we’re paying him $90 million. That makes us even, right?
August 4th, 2016 at 12:13 pm
I agree with article and think are roster has improved. I’m still just hoping for 8-8. I like the fact we may have a decent o-line and franchise type qb plus a good backup qb most. Gm seems to be decent though that kicker draft blew my mind. So it’s decent but like one guy said a lot of teams have talent. I look at teams with similar records to ours last year: jags, Chargers, Saints. Is our roster clearly better.. Not so sure but I think we’re getting better..
August 5th, 2016 at 3:34 am
Better learn to win at home. I will believe it when i see it. I have faith that this is going to be an enjoyable season. May we all have less to bitch about.