Defensive Tackle = Need
January 10th, 2017
Finale in 2017?
Bucs fans know what a good run defense looks like.
They had elite ones in 2012 and 2015.
But 2016 brought a much more porous unit.
Blame could be thrown all over the place. And that’s so easy — too easy — for fans and media types to sling around.
But what’s undeniable is the following:
- Defensive end Noah Spence has a long way to go in run defense, which is why undrafted rookie DeVonte Lambert played a lot more than Spence with the season on the line in December.
- Injuries ravaged the D-line at various points in the season, including limiting Spence, who played through a messed up shoulder most of the year. Robert Ayers, Clinton McDonald, Howard Jones and Will Gholston all were sidelined for extended stretches.
- The Bucs did not get the production they were seeking at nose tackle. This was not a standout season for McDonald (12 games, 3 1/2 sacks) and Akeem Spence didn’t exactly bust out in his contract year.
Lance Zierlein, who does a great job on all things draft analysis for NFL.com, studied all 32 teams and identified draft needs for each.
For the Bucs, he pegged the following:
Top needs: DL, S, WR
Analysis: Tampa Bay will need to find a high-impact player along the defensive line who can create mayhem on a regular basis. Safety is a need and could get early round consideration. While Mike Evans is a stud, Tampa Bay has to find another threat for Jameis Winston.
Joe agrees with the “DL” assessment. McDonald is 30 and has only played 18 games the past two seasons. He’s entering the final year of his contract and he could be on the decline. Spence, 25, might already be displaying his ceiling — solid but nothing special. He’s a valuable player and maybe the Bucs re-sign him. Maybe.
Joe would applaud a defensive line pick in the first, second or third round of the draft, even another edge rusher. You simply can’t have enough raw talent on the D-line.
And if Gerald McCoy and Robert Ayers are such great mentors, and Jay Hayes is really the superior D-line coach many consider him to be, then what a great time it would be to invest in the defensive line.
January 10th, 2017 at 1:19 pm
DT as long as it’s not 1st round. Panthers took a DT in the 1st round while ignoring other needs look how that turned out.
January 10th, 2017 at 1:20 pm
Joe you literally almost made me slam my phone to the ground in disbelief and anger. Wow! Just Wow!
January 10th, 2017 at 1:27 pm
can’t go wrong with lineman on the early picks…RT is a need too 🙂
January 10th, 2017 at 1:27 pm
Tbbucsfan
I hear ya but if they get the right DL in the first I’ll trust them. I will say this. Given our needs if the Bucs go DL in the first round good luck to the poor kid they draft, especially if he’s a DT. Another first round DT pick will have a certain segment of fans here expecting an HOF career and the next Sapp.
Then again perhaps he could simply slap some women around and prove that he’s a baaaaad dude!
January 10th, 2017 at 1:27 pm
Top needs Joe??? Really??? Are we to believe Quizz can carry the load for 16 games??? And fix the wall fix the wall fix the wall. Mind you all Seattle hosted a playoff game with count’em five new starters this season. Time to lock and load soldier.
January 10th, 2017 at 1:29 pm
No Mention of Jaquies Smith? He isn’t mentioned in this article at all, especially as one of the injured? A little homework maybe. Love you Joe, but this doesn’t paint the whole picture.
Any update on Jaquies (spelling) Smith?
January 10th, 2017 at 1:29 pm
Gotta be able to put some points on the board – Warren Sapp
January 10th, 2017 at 1:42 pm
certain segment of fans here expecting an HOF career and the next Sapp.
————–
First off stop being a lil itch. If you wanna call somebody out @ them.
Second, if we won the cowboys game would we had made the playoffs? What did your hero do against the cowboys? ZERO! ZIP! ZILTCH!!!! Didn’t even show up on the stat sheet. NOTHING!!!! except get tossed around by a back-up guard. All after talking all that ish in his whack a$$ pre-game speech. Talking about no more excuses let’s go show them. Child please.
That’s not expecting Sapp that expecting a captain to DO HIS MFn JOB!!!
He’s a joke your a joke and anyone else who can’t see it is a joke too.
Gerald McCoy got out played by Sealver Siliga. Who? That’s GMC’s back-up’s back-up. His back ups back up.
So when Lance Zierlein says … need to find a high-impact player along the defensive line who can create mayhem on a REGULAR BASIS. He’s not talking about McDonald you need to Look no further than the 100mill ghost.
January 10th, 2017 at 1:46 pm
Get a DT and wr in FA. Everything else in the draft.
January 10th, 2017 at 1:49 pm
And before you go telling me it’s not his job to make tackles or get sacks or do anything other than sound like …..nvrmnd
Show me 1 other 90mil$ + DT all-world DT who doesn’t show up AT ALL in their biggest game of the year. There isn’t one, none, cuz they have pride one would imagine.
January 10th, 2017 at 1:51 pm
DB that dude has them all under a powerful spell.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:01 pm
Tbbucs3 Says:
DT as long as it’s not 1st round. Panthers took a DT in the 1st round while ignoring other needs look how that turned out.
________________
So 1 team took a DT and didn’t have a great year this year (despite playing in the Superbowl), so therefore a DT should never be taken in the 1st round?
Brilliant logic.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:03 pm
Nole
You know possie has that power over men. What can you say.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:09 pm
@DB55
Dude you know I’m old school and have manners and generally do not like to be called out but if you wish…you’re a freaking idiot!!! Not a itch just an idiot.
Does that make you feel better? Am I observing blog etiquette.
He’s a joke your a joke and anyone else who can’t see it is a joke too.
If you ran that statement past say 64 people…32 NFL GM’s and 32 NFL HC’s how many do you think would agree with you and that moronic statement?
NONE There is NOBODY in the NFL who believes GMC is a joke. The joke is the absurd posters who come here and claim their opinion not only supercedes that of other posters but also is so RIGHT…that all the NFL professionals who admire GMC are jokes!!!
Cmon DB55 that was just toooo easy get out of here with that weak shiiit.
Nobody here is going to accept the opinion of bloggers over the entire NFL.
I don’t know if some of you guys are truly that arrogant or just ignorant?
January 10th, 2017 at 2:11 pm
D-line and specifically DT is our #1 need on defense IMO for a variety of reasons:
For one, we have absolutely no quality depth beyond our top couple guys and our DTs have a history of not playing full seasons. Do you guys remember the Carolina game early in the year? We were missing McCoy/McDonald/Ayers and it was the worst pass rushing line I saw all year in any game in the NFL. We literally never TOUCHED the QB the entire game.
We need 7-8 strong bodies that are potential starters on the D-line and we only have like 5 if we re-sign Gholston (McCoy/McDonald/Gholston/Ayers/Spence). I feel better about DE if we re-sign Gholston and get a healthy Jack Smith but even then he has shown he can’t stay healthy. Ryan Russel flashed but then fizzled.
We need to add a starting caliber DE and starting caliber DT. I prioritize DT because we have no young studs there at all – they are all aging and injury prone. McDonald would be a great rotational player but not a full time starter.
Also just in general:
Elite front 7 >>>>> Elite secondary.
We can get by with our CBs & LBs next year but not the current group on the line.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:12 pm
DB55 coming out swinging. But he’s right folks. GMC is a good DT but he’s not great and he’s certainly not clutch. I’ve been defending that guy longer than I care to admit.
DT is the least of our needs. DE is a greater concern but our biggest need is at RB and WR. I’m all for making NOSBOS’s day and drafting Dalvin but I stand firm that he won’t be available for us. So, with that said I’d rather go WR if we don’t get that straight in FA or O Line. We definitely have positions of need on defense but this game is now won on offense and we need weapons and protection to take the next leap.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:15 pm
Speaking of freeing up draft picks for the DL….
Does anybody here know if there’s a snow balls chance we could sign Berry?
Or is it out of the question? Sure would shore up our defensive backfield.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:21 pm
So with our first pick in this year’s draft we need to take a DT, DE, WR, RB, and Safety. Got it.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:23 pm
Go and sign kawaan short from panthers
January 10th, 2017 at 2:23 pm
Oops, forgot the OLinemen, TE and Nickel CB. My bad.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:26 pm
32 NFL GM’s and 32 NFL HC’s how many do you think would agree with you and that moronic statement?
—————
I garuntee you if 64 gms SAT and watched every game they would say the same thing. Heck you got lance the author saying it. You guys are just so emotionally invested in GMC that you’re blind.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:30 pm
If Licht does this right, and gets he right pieces and the right prices we can be contenders in one offseason. But if he screws this up It could set us back big time. Get it right Licht.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:30 pm
I have been saying this for the past 2 seasons. The reason why we went from a Top-Ranked Run Defense to one of the worst in the NFL is simple. In 2012 we were #1 in Run Defense. We had Big Roy Miller at NT, we had 250 LB Mason Foster at ILB. But when we drafted Akeem Spence in 2013, Roy Miller wasn’t resigned. Then in 2014 Lovie wanted Mase to lose 20 pounds, because he like undersize Linebackers. The he wasn’t resigned, so we have been playing with a 295 NT and a 227 LB ILB.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:30 pm
Def rule
Lmao rotfl.
SPBF
Glaziers ain’t trying to spend money on quality players. Their trustfund isn’t going to re-fill itself on its own. Cheap owners! look at the cap space we’ve had the last two years. They spend on second tier guys but not the elite of the league.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:32 pm
Lol😁
January 10th, 2017 at 2:35 pm
“I garuntee you if 64 gms SAT and watched every game they would say the same thing.”
I guarantee you that all the GMs and coaches watch way more film than you do and have a much more informed opinion. If they aren’t then they should be fired.
There are probably multiple scouts / personnel on the Bucs alone that have already watched every NFL game from last year. That’s their full time job – and it’s not that many hours of film when you’re just looking at live action plays.
GMC sucked in the Dallas game; but was key to other victories last year and clutch in a few games. We’re better with him than without him and he’s one of the top DTs by all metrics regardless of your opinion. His attitude rubs me the wrong way; and he can disappear at times; but he’s a valuable player and far from a “joke” to anyone with an objective opinion
January 10th, 2017 at 2:37 pm
Cmurda I can’t understand how so many seem to be nonchalant about our RB situation.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:38 pm
SPBF
Truth be told you got me yesterday with your GMC post. Called us sad and pathetic. I thought about how to respond all day but didn’t as to not disrespect but this article here blaming McDonald of all people got me hot. Then you added the same post again,,,, my bad son. I only like insulting posters from small island states who sound a lot like a certain moron from a radio station.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:38 pm
If we had an edge rusher at DE who could collapse the pocket (Spence not strong enough, has to go around and come in from behind), our DT’s would do just fine!
However, if the Bucs feel the need to add a pass rushing DT, Nazair Jones/North Carolina might fill the bill in the 3rd round.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7AHF5BboL8
January 10th, 2017 at 2:41 pm
Lord that attitude is foogazey at best. When that dude got on the plane as santa clause it was over for me.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:42 pm
@NOSBOS
Joe wrote an article about how Dirk can plug and play basically any RB in his offense and be successful which is horsecrap and we both know it. Look at how mediocre our offense was without a #2 WR and #1 RB. Quiz was pretty solid for us and is a solid #2 but we would be cooking with gas with a workhorse #1 back like Dalvin.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:44 pm
LC
Well ish if he’s meeting expectations they I think maybe I can play in the NFL. No joke!!! Ha kidding of course.
So riddle me this batman. Who do you suppose lance is referring to? McDonald and Spence or the def captain that plays on the dline?!
January 10th, 2017 at 2:47 pm
The reason why our run defense was so “solid” last season was that it was so easy to pass the ball on us. If you can complete 70% of your passes then why run the ball. The fact is when teams needed to close out games on us they could run, easily. Statistics matter but game situations need to be understood.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:51 pm
” Who do you suppose lance is referring to? McDonald and Spence or the def captain that plays on the dline?!”
I think the line in general more so than anything. If he wanted to call out McCoy he could just call out McCoy.
Our best 3 lineman all missed action last year and typically don’t play full seasons and are getting older. It’d be nice to have a young disruptive DT and DE that can play 16 games
Trust me I’m not in love with McCoy and would move him for 2 2nds or a 1st; but I’d rather have him and his contract than not have him. His contract is reasonable compared to the current DT market.
I want Dontari Poe. 350 lb monster. Run on that
January 10th, 2017 at 2:51 pm
I can’t even comprehend the stupidity displayed by some of GMC’s detractors. Is he hall of fame worthy? No. Does he disappear in big games? Well we’ve played in like 2 “big games” since he was drafted but sure I’ll give you that point out of pity for your inferior intellect as a whole. The fact is that there are very few players who could be considered improvements over GMC so crying because he isn’t as good as them accomplishes what exactly? I don’t see empty tubs of ice cream lining the streets because Antonio Brown is better than Mike Evans so why is GMC such a problem? He’s not a type A personality and not every player has to be.
And so what if he gets paid a ton of money? Maybe the chorus of dissension would have an inkling of sense to back them up if we didn’t have the 3rd most cap room going into this offseason but within the realm of reality (where we live, by the way) his cap hit doesn’t matter. And how many of you crying about his paycheck were the same people thrashing at your keyboards for a 5-7 year period because the glazers weren’t spending money? There are actual holes on this defense that need to be addressed and getting rid of a 2nd team All-Pro at a position of need is not the most efficient way to go about addressing those holes. I think it’s about time buccaneers fans started choosing players on other teams to irrationally despise.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:51 pm
Macabee he looks beastly. Cmurda agreed bro.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:55 pm
Also – if he wanted to call out McCoy without calling him out he would have referred to just the DT position. not the entire D-line
January 10th, 2017 at 2:57 pm
“When that dude got on the plane as santa clause it was over for me.”
lmao i didn’t even realize he did that
January 10th, 2017 at 2:58 pm
Ryan those of you that are for him are for him because of your own particular reasons. Those of us that feel he’s pie have stated those reasons on more than occasion bro.
January 10th, 2017 at 2:59 pm
Last season we gave up 3.4 YPC, this season we are giving up 4.4 YPC. I can’t pinpoint the problem, but it gotta be fix. 4.4 is way too much yardage to give up on running plays.
January 10th, 2017 at 3:01 pm
😁If you can back Lord to the Christmas week game on Bucs.com and view the pics of the guys leaving the facility on a road trip you’ll see what I’m talking bout. I’m like how can he be taken seriously???
January 10th, 2017 at 3:05 pm
Aight listen. Call me crazy but watch any game and you’ll actually see OCs running to GMC gap. I promise you. Remember when collingsworth said “let them over pursue and run right behind the open gap”. Something along those lines. That’s what’s happening, he leaves his gap wide open that’s why Kwon has 500 tackles. Obviously I’m no expert but fck me if I’m wrong about this man. Never seen a DT just leave his gap so often. It’s like every play call is a stunt cuz homeboy be out his gap like yards away.
January 10th, 2017 at 3:13 pm
Solomon Thomas DL Stanford…nuff said
January 10th, 2017 at 3:13 pm
DB55
I always wonder why the gmc defenders and the character police always refer to things like
Every GM in league would take him?
All 32 would be proud to have him?
He’s great in the community
We should be honored he is on our team.
yadda yadda yadda
Never once do they say remember when GMC took over that game… No they spout off with hey remember when GMC grabbed Ryan’s ankle… How about all those big third down plays or sacks. How about all those momentum game changing plays stars are supposed to make… Nope all you here is how lucky we are to have such a soft loser with a bright big smile…
And stpete you pound your chest what a great guy he is however, GMC has QUIT on three coaches. That is not good character or is it offset because he hosted movie night last Tuesday. He has been the leader on the defense which has played with little or NO effort for over half the games he’s been here. Sorry your good character crap is just that crap and has NEVER once won a game on Sunday… I want winners who throat stomp on Sundays and are darn right pissed off when they lose. Ted Bundy had a nice smile and the media loved him too… GMC is the ted bundy of the bucs locker room. eradicated him.
NO MORE SOFT SERV
This team will never win with such a mentally weak player in a leadership role…
January 10th, 2017 at 3:16 pm
Okay guys I wanna ask all of you buc fans what game this season we will look back at say that’s when things change from same ole Bucs to the new Bucs
January 10th, 2017 at 3:17 pm
we got GMC help with ayers and spence…..how much more help does he need in order to be dominate?…..the bucs have plenty of good players but they aint getting $100million dollars….GO BUCS!!!!
January 10th, 2017 at 3:25 pm
Tmax
I’m crying over here.
remember when GMC grabbed Ryan’s ankle…
January 10th, 2017 at 3:28 pm
We have a lot of needs. WR, RB, and safety are at the top. DT is on the list, but we can’t afford to use a premium pick there. DE is on the list too. I’m still not sure exactly what they have with Noah Spence. We need more help there.
January 10th, 2017 at 3:31 pm
How many times have we been to the playoffs since cotton(93) became a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers……nough said
January 10th, 2017 at 3:36 pm
BOOOOOOORING! Same old, tired rhetoric! Clearly neither side of this argument is going to gain any ground.
So, to that I’ll say this: Whatever the reason and whatever the position, it ain’t good enough. It’s not ONE guy they’re talking about here. We trash GMC because he’s the most visible. Riddle me this, what games did Ayers take over? Gholston? McDonald? Smith? Spence? NONE! They all “flashed” and they all “fizzled”. Go ahead run the numbers, name the games. The list is as short as GMC’s. Oh but Ayers was “beasting”! Give me a freaking break. He gets a pass because of attitude?! C’mon! It ain’t good enough as a T-E-A-M!
I Take Lord C’s approach to this conundrum. We’re better off with than without because lets be frank, who the hell else you gonna put in there?!
January 10th, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Some really interesting comments, but there’s also a certain reality Bucs GM has to deal with: current roster has 32 players who are UFAs in 2017 (we have another 35 still under contract beyond that, including guys who were on IR this year). Of the 32 UFAs, Bucs MIGHT re-sign as many as about 20 is my guess (many of whom are depth players). So that 20 (assumption) plus the 35 under contract plus 7 more from the draft gives us 62. More than likely we’ll take close to 90 to training camp. In other words, Bucs have lots of ‘holes’ to fill for 2017 even after we re-sign our own UFAs.
Jason Licht has to be very active in free agency or we’re in trouble next year (even if we do awesome in the draft and manage to grab 3 starters … unlikely). Looking just at starters, Bucs need another WR (to pair with ME13), another TE (preferably an all-around TE this time), and a stud RB (Rodgers will be re-signed I’m sure, and he’s good, but he can’t carry the team for a season). Could also use at least one experienced OLineman (preferably 2 IMHO).
On the defensive side (starters & primary rotational players), Bucs need a Safety more than anything, a DT (yes, to complement GMC), at least 1 DE (assuming we re-sign Will Gholston … if not, we need 2 DE), a CB (we have to upgrade the Nickel position for now plus plan for the future), plus a LB (Bucs are actually thin there). All toll, I’m seeing as many as 8 new starters & key rotational players that need to be signed as FAs or drafted. And that won’t really improve our depth … that’s even more signings to do that. Bottom line: we need to upgrade the talent pool big-time … and quickly … if we’re to be competitive in 2017.
January 10th, 2017 at 4:01 pm
The roster, at this point, is open to addition and subtraction at every position. This may be why Koetter warned fans of some major changes. We’ve got a handful of untouchables on both sides of the ball, but id expect some major roster changes and a boat load of competition this off season.
January 10th, 2017 at 4:05 pm
Couldn’t agree more Joe. The D-line could use another a DT and a DE. Without another playmaker at DT, GMC will always be double teamed.
January 10th, 2017 at 4:12 pm
I will keep saying it like I have been for the last two months.
WR, DB, Defensive lineman, Offensive lineman
In what order, I don’t know, depends on value, but my guess is the O lineman would be round 3-4, the DB would be 2-3, and either the WR and DL would be the obvious choice for round 1.
I also think they get another Defensive lineman and Offensive lineman in free agency.
January 10th, 2017 at 4:22 pm
Bucsfan man
I’ll say this vs Denver McDonald had 8 tackles 1.5 sacks in a losing effort. And that’s after he took over for McCoy bc he got hurt and left the game.
During our 5 game win streak (all 5 games) McCoy had 9 tackles 1.5 sacks.
Make of that what you will.
January 10th, 2017 at 4:24 pm
Actually make that 6 games bc he didn’t do ish vs Dallas.
January 10th, 2017 at 4:38 pm
Go get Poe, they can’t franchise him and Berry. Whoever they franchise-get the other.
January 10th, 2017 at 4:40 pm
@DB55. Hate to disappoint but I am not from a small Island nor do I remotely sound like a certain radio personality. But I don’t just watch the game for entertainment, I watch the one on one match ups and in doing so I see GMC double teamed, chip shots, you name it for most of the game. The other players along the line need to step up and win their one on one match ups. A number of times this season our secondary allowed our D-line extra time to penetrate and brought success. GMC needs help on the line. Ayers was a good pick up as he brought motivation to this unit. GMC needs help. I like Farily from New Orleans. I wished we would have gotten him last year when he left Detroit. The guy was damn good this season and would have complimented GMC more so than Spence, Mcdonald and late season acquisition Silga. At least Licht is trying. GMC needs help.
January 10th, 2017 at 4:47 pm
Nick Fairly can be gotten on the cheap, we can easily out spend New Orleans, get a good DL to work alongside GMC and deal a blow to a rival team.
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/01/nick_fairley_of_course_wants_t.html
MONEY TALKS, KOBE FAKER WALKS
January 10th, 2017 at 4:54 pm
Top needs: DL, S, WR
…………………………….
Anyone notice that RB is not listed!!!!
January 10th, 2017 at 5:06 pm
Someone once said that the game is won in trenches.
Pressure a QB all game, it is likely he has a bad game. Protect a QB all game, it is likely he will have a good game. Stop the run, make a team one dimensional. Pound the rock, and wear down defenses. It all starts on the O and D lines. 2 of the first 4 picks in EVERY draft should include at least 1 olineman and 1 D lineman. Those positions are so crucial to winning games in the NFL. Injuries plague lineman on both sides of the ball, depth is very important. And a solid rotation of D lineman is a nessessity when playing in the Florida heat.
January 10th, 2017 at 5:08 pm
Ghost
The other players along the line need to step up and win their one on one match ups.
——————-
McDonald had the most tackles on the dline.
Mcd 36 3.5 sacks
McCoy 34 7 sacks
Ayers 29 6.5 sacks in 12 games
N Spence 22 5.5 sacks
A Spence 19
Lambert 14
Etc etc
Idk seems to me like everyone is doing there part except for cashing those 800k checks each week. But what do I know?
January 10th, 2017 at 5:12 pm
Ghost
Looks like fairly has better numbers than GMC yet he’s not an all-pro, pro bowler, all world? What is happening here. No way it’s just a popularity contest. Say it isn’t so,,,,,
January 10th, 2017 at 5:24 pm
Don’t fall for it …DB55 is a troll. Not a bucs fan! He just gets in here to pick fights. Don’t even listen to his nonsense and hopefully one day he will go away. Oh yah and he copies comments you have made in years past to re post them. Holy douche.
He is about as cool as the backside of his own ball sack
January 10th, 2017 at 5:30 pm
I rarely bash GMC, but here goes.
What I don’t like the most about GMC and I’m sure some would agree is that he talks the talk, but doesn’t walk the walk.
That’s it. That’s what bothers me the most.
Nice guy, perhaps babysit my kids.
January 10th, 2017 at 5:41 pm
DB55 … Will Gholston had 50 tackles (37 tackles & 13 assists). That’s the most on the DLine (McDonald was second with 36 total … 25 tackles & 11 assists). Bucs need to re-sign Will and do right by him.
January 10th, 2017 at 5:47 pm
My man Def Rules bringing the #facts. Ty sir
January 10th, 2017 at 5:49 pm
jj Says:
January 10th, 2017 at 4:38 pm
Go get Poe, they can’t franchise him and Berry. Whoever they franchise-get the other.
…………………………………..
THIS is the most sense I’ve heard all day and I am not talking about on these threads.
January 10th, 2017 at 5:58 pm
I’m not attacking any other players DB. As a unit they stink! There’s not much more that needs to be said. I actually agree with 87. I always thought he talked too much. BUT, he’s not the only one NOT producing.
When they were on that streak DB55, they played well as a unit. Of that you can surely agree.
Look, statistics or not, smile or not, pre-game speeches or not, he IS the best DT on the team. You don’t like him, I get it. Just picture that d-line without him. It would be pitiful! Again, d-line needs an upgrade.
@Defense- Do you NOT think we can do better than Gholston? I can’t see breaking the bank for him. Nice but not bank-worthy! IMO
January 10th, 2017 at 5:58 pm
Not so fun fact but Leroy Selmon, Warren Sapp, Simeon Rice, Dave Pear and GMC are the Only Bucs DL men to Ever even make a Pro Bowl. GMC has never played with another lineman who even Sniffed Hawaii much less All Pro. Put Aaron Donald next to him and lets see how teams double Both of ’em. You GMC haters are missing a few I.Q. points if you can’t see the facts. Best DL available at #19
January 10th, 2017 at 6:00 pm
I’m thinking of changing my username to “PassRushPlease!”
January 10th, 2017 at 6:02 pm
We need one of everything (lol) except the punter
January 10th, 2017 at 6:32 pm
The bottom line is GMC was drafted because he was a disruptor in college not a actual playermaker, so why did anyone think he would make plays at the next level? I wanted Eric Berry that year in the draft instead we got stuck with Mr. Average. And it has proven out Berry would have been the better pick even with missing an entire season. McCoy has not brought anything to this team that a middle round DT couldn’t have brought.
January 10th, 2017 at 6:38 pm
SB
I’m thinking of changing my screen name to “Ignant Fool”.
January 10th, 2017 at 6:40 pm
You guys that defend McCoy don’t get it do you? The best player in a certain unit is always going to get the most attention ie double teams. The ones that deserve accolades, big contracts, pro bowl births, HIGH DRAFT picks are the ones that make plays despite that. Do you not think Watt, Von Miller, Mack, Beasley, Sapp, White, Rice, Randle, Donald and many many others weren’t doubled teamed and chipped? Did they still produce? The player you are saying he is would still produce but he doesn’t and that is the problem.
January 10th, 2017 at 6:57 pm
We need a big “stout” NT, who can move players and occupy space. The Bucs are probably the only team in the NFL, with a bigger 3-Tech (GMC) than the NT( Clinton McDonald). Dontari Poe is 6’3 350 lbs and athletic and plays in a 3-4 defense. He would be even better in a 4-3 defense, he’s exactly what we need on the D-Line.
January 10th, 2017 at 7:01 pm
Latavius Murray = Need
January 10th, 2017 at 7:05 pm
Bucsfanman … Never said we should break the bank to re-sign Will Gholston. Licht, Gholston & his agent will figure out soon enough what his value is and what it’d take to re-sign him. But just for info, Will Gholston has been paid $2.5 mil for 4 full years of fighting in the trenches. Adrian Clayborn made almost twice that much this year alone in Atlanta. For kicks, go to http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/contracts/defensive-end/ and check on what the various DEs in the league make. My guess is that you’ll be surprised.
January 10th, 2017 at 7:18 pm
Precisely what ndog last said. You made it kinda hard for anyone to continue the argument after that one.
January 10th, 2017 at 7:20 pm
Go get Dontari Poe from KC. Him and McCoy would wreak havoc in that middle. That would be all you need.
January 10th, 2017 at 7:30 pm
DB55
my bad son. I only like insulting posters from small island states who sound a lot like a certain moron from a radio station.
You lost me a bit there DB55…not sure what the small island states..Hawaii is all that comes to mind…not me…perhaps someone else?
I think I get the certain moron from a radio station. But I’m far from a Big Dog fan. I shall immodestly say i worked in radio/tv and my pipes are as good as Big Dog’s. I give him credit for his voice…for his longevity…and……………..
The reason we have these GMC debates ad nauseum is because one side truly is a joke trying to convince us that the paid professionals who watch the game are wrong and they are right.
One side comes up with absurd hyperbole while the other tries for some balance as in…yes we agree he’s not HOF…yes we agree that he’s not Sapp…and yes we agree that he’s not a dynamic team leader…we have that now in #3 and Kwon on D which will fill GMC’s glaring deficiency.
Sometimes I’m tempted to all Onion here…you know the parody site.
GMC was found at the shoreline today minus his eyes and teeth. He claimed the movie Hawaii inspired him and when he saw what happens there when the Queen dies…her hubby had to poke out his own eyes and bash out his teeth.
After doing that GMC said he just couldn’t take the pain of losing. DB55 and Tmax approved heartily and now are GMC fans since he’s taken it seriously.
January 10th, 2017 at 7:35 pm
Oline got smashed most of the year. Top priority or would be if we had a GM worth a sht.
January 10th, 2017 at 7:38 pm
@DallasBuc I’m convinced you don’t know football well enough to realize how immature and ignorant you sound dude.
January 10th, 2017 at 7:47 pm
There isn’t and offensive lineman in this draft worth a 1st round Pick. And any Gm that picks one there this year is a Rube.
Cam Robinson is touted as the Best left tackle in the draft, and I saw 10-15 plays last night where he not only lost his matchup, He Failed to even get his hands on his assignment. This is a kid that makes Donny Smiths feet look like grease lightning. And he’s the top rated prospect? Yeah no thanks I think rounds 3-4 are where we maybe pick up a Big nasty.
Other than that, We could Target Lang or Leary at guard in FA if we plan on Moving Ali to center or Pamphile to starting Right tackle. And we could maybe Pick up Byron Bell from Tennesee, who I like the idea of, seeing that he went undrafted by has been a starting right tackle for the Panthers 2 years ago, and for the Titans this year where they had the #1 rushing attack and went 9-7. I would say Riley Reif from Detroit, but to be perfectly honest I’ve never watched him play.
January 10th, 2017 at 7:47 pm
808B8CS:
First post I’ve read tonight that makes sense. KC has cap problems and Poe will want big bucks. McCoy and Poe would dominate middle. Maybe pick up a mid-round project and your D-Line is set. Check out Villanova DE, Tanoh Kpassagnon. He moved up 93 points On CBS Draft scout Rankings. By the time the combine is over he will be high day 2 pick, He is a beast.
January 10th, 2017 at 7:48 pm
*an* offensive lineman.
January 10th, 2017 at 7:50 pm
Forgot to mention Kpassagnon moved up 93 points in 1 week.
January 10th, 2017 at 7:55 pm
Think of it this way, we had some great run defence NUMBERS in those years because the pass defence was HORRIBLE. Don’t you guys remember those years at all? They other team didn’t have to run the ball because they could complete a slant pass for 7 yards EVERY time.
January 10th, 2017 at 7:56 pm
@Mike The Goat you may be on to something there…
January 10th, 2017 at 8:05 pm
Spbf
I was trying to say that I don’t like insulting anyone except for Hawaii buc fan. I honestly think Hawaii is duemig. They sound exactly the same.
I get disagreeing with me but calling me pathetic and ignorant makes me livid. Either way, my apologies I may have gone a bit overboard.
Luckily we can all agree that McCoy sucks. Amen!
January 10th, 2017 at 8:06 pm
Moderation ….
January 10th, 2017 at 8:45 pm
Ive never been in Moderation DB 🙂
January 10th, 2017 at 8:46 pm
So Blake, the oline didn’t get smashed all year?
And I’m the ignorant one?…you might just think too highly of your own opinion
January 10th, 2017 at 8:52 pm
@Martini
I just checked out Tanoh Kpassagnon’s highlights. That’s alot of plays I saw in 5 minutes. I am skeptical about the level of competition but I will be watching him if he goes to the Combine.
January 10th, 2017 at 9:03 pm
Oh noes now I just found out that Walter Football is a JOKE…at least according to DB55…tmax…and some others…
I’ve been going there for their draft analysis…they have us taking Jabrill Peppers with our top pick. If he falls to 19 that pick would not disturb me. I’d have to trust that Licht/Koetter have determined that Peppers is a generational player like his predecessor in Ann Arbor Charles Woodson.
But here is where Walter Football is a total JOKE..again according to DB55 and Tmax
In the second round they have us taking Jaleel Johnson the DT from Iowa.
But it’s their incredibly absurd analysis that amazes me…they say…
Gerald McCoy is having another terrific season, but he has no help next to him at defensive tackle.
How can these fools be so blind when we have JBF posters willing to enlighten them.
January 10th, 2017 at 9:10 pm
Prob the same people who wanted to draft mariota. Lmao truly a complete joke!!!!!!!!
January 10th, 2017 at 9:10 pm
@DallasBuc No. Did they perform really poorly in a handful of games? Hell yes they did. Did they get smashed all year? Hell no they didn’t.
You could’ve said that Gosder Cherilus got smashed all year and I would vehemently agree with you.
Alas, the main issue I had with your statement was not that the Line got “smashed” all year. I had a problem with your statement that the main priority should be the O-lineman if we had a Gm worth a s(p)it. When it’s evident and clear to me that it’s an extremely weak year for O-lineman. Both in the draft and free agency.
So it’s clear to me that you’ve done no actual research to back up your claim. You just want to throw around profane language and try to wish away your perceived problem. In addition to going out of your way to denigrate the best GM the Bucs have had since Rich Mckay presided over the draft.
You’re not a well reasoned, informed fan. You’re just a salty hater dude.
January 10th, 2017 at 9:22 pm
You guys better stop messing with SPBF. With his journalism career he could go all “Postal” on you guys or the rough equivalent thereof internet wise. #Dontawakenthesleepinggiantlestyoureceiveacanofwhoopass
January 10th, 2017 at 9:43 pm
Blake we went back and forth enough yesterday about Licht. You see the same record as I do and see greatness where I see mediocrity. My understanding of all the aspects of his record are perfectly reasonable which is why I beat the the drum regularly. I don’t hate the man but I fairly resent his failings because I think he has held this team back. Remember he brought this team to its knees from 4-12 to barely 2-14. Just saying he is better than Bruce Allen (the worst of them all) and Mark Dominik is not a high bar to eclipse, neither is 4-12 or 2-14 or 6-10.
I’m going to hammer away at this man’s record just like I did incompetent Lovie Smith’s until it improves or he’s replaced with someone who can do better.
January 10th, 2017 at 9:44 pm
Why do you guys always say GMC is the one that get double teamed all the time when was McDonald wired he was saying how he was the one getting double teamed. So not sure why you say that.
I always had noticed that he left a gap and everybody was trying to run the ball but since don’t know much I thought it just me looking into things too much.
And when DB55 mentioned it totally makes sense. He leave a huge hole in there.
January 10th, 2017 at 9:51 pm
All I have to do is look at the Talented young starters that are on this team now that weren’t here before. And that the future in Tampa is the brightest its been in a long time.
And you know Damn well the Real reason why the Bucs went from 4-12 to 2-14, was because Coach “muh scheme” who was hired on to be the one in control of the 53 man roster(which has been confirmed multiple times on this very site), didn’t think that Darrelle Revis or Donald Penn or Jeremy Zuttah were worth Keeping on the roster, But that Michael Johnson and Alteraun Verner fit “muh scheme.”
January 10th, 2017 at 10:02 pm
We had something elite at one point?? Yeah having the best run defense we were like the smartest kid with down syndrome
January 10th, 2017 at 10:06 pm
DB55
Suh in this last playoff game.
jj
I’d like Poe, he could make an excellent NT
GMC run defense is atrocious. No doubt about it. But, he is a decent pass rusher. He is a good player despite his leadership skills or lack thereof. Cutting him creates a hole. Is he overpaid? Probably. No sense in offloading him yet. Short or poe in the FA will be huge. I would be upset if they pick DL in the first round… Unless they fill the huge holes in FA. Our last free agency besides the LG was decent. Anger, Grimes, Ayers all contributed in their own right and made this team bearable for the first time in many years. I would love to see WR in FA and in draft. We need a LT and RT. I cringe every time I see D. Smith line up. Poor footwork, weak work ethic and no fire. I f’n love Joe Hawley and will take a PF penality for . We need guys like that on the exterior O-line.
January 10th, 2017 at 10:29 pm
@Dallas
Dude now you’re arguing against your own point that I had already agreed with.
I admit I was suckered by the Lovie hire because of his SB appearance.
You were all ripping him and I confess it was hard to defend 2 wins after that first year and then after the Tennessee opening game debacle I conceded that you were correct and not simply hating on Lovie.
Now we get the same negativity against Licht. Except Licht is the one who turned this situation around and is the one who deep sixed Lovie not Koetter.
It was Licht who had to recover from those first year FA’s which were almost certainly Lovie’s doing as Licht was held to more of a draft role.
Now the team has posted it’s first winning record in years…it’s first five game win streak in over a decade and despite all the injuries managed to cobble together a winning record.
And yet despite obvious improvement in the organization you continue to cheap shot Licht.
I’m going to hammer away at this man’s record just like I did incompetent Lovie Smith’s until it improves
Define improvement please. The record does not count? 2 followed by 6 followed by 9 is IMPROVEMENT. Obviously you’re better at sports than math!
January 10th, 2017 at 10:36 pm
I admit I was suckered by the Lovie hire because
……
you were listening to the experts. If you listened to JBF you would have known better and not looked like a fool. Oh wait that’s my title.
– signed –
Ignant Fool
January 10th, 2017 at 11:10 pm
LOL is all I can say to tonight! 🙂
Love you guys in a not gay way!
January 10th, 2017 at 11:16 pm
It amazes me that they the two loudest GMC critics here actually think that the writer was saying McCoy was the problem. I couldn’t understand why he wanted to break his phone. Then after reading all of his other rants following that one it dawned on me. That is amazing! They don’t realize that all the experts just assume that everyone agrees that McCoy is one of the best DTs in the league. Joe even wrote about it one time that outside experts are dumb founded when they here that McCoy is bashed quite often in Tampa. Lets get rid of that all pro and ride with Akeem Spence or some rookie. I swear my friend from up north is right, we have some of the dumbest fans here in Tampa.
January 11th, 2017 at 12:18 am
I swear my friend from up north is right, we have some of the dumbest fans here in Tampa.
——////
1. True Story they are dumb.
2. Tell him I said “got too much Odell Beckham in him”. Your friend will understand.
January 11th, 2017 at 2:28 am
The Cardinals appear to be in a similar situation as the Chiefs and could wind up having to choose between starters Tony Jefferson and Calais Campbell.
January 11th, 2017 at 6:46 am
@Defense- I’m getting back to Gholston, the rest of this was truly amazing. Gholston has value for the Bucs and I would like to see us retain him. However, he is not a top tier DE by any account. I would not be upset to let him walk if he over-prices himself because there are DE that can do the same job he’s done, maybe better. That’s all. An issue to take into consideration, is the lack of depth and talent on the roster overall and especially the d-line. It would be sensible to retain him based on that fact alone, just not at an unreasonable price.
@DB55- Easily the dumbest fans in the NFL!!! Hello pot! LOL!
January 11th, 2017 at 8:10 am
#BUCSbringhomeD.Poe
January 11th, 2017 at 9:56 am
The problem we have is both Gmc and MacDonald are similar players.Macdonald is a strong DT tackle but not a runstuffer.He had a monster game when McCoy got hurt,but he also got hurt and was out for a number of games.We need a runstuffer that is next to impossible to move.
and for DB55: As long as Kwan is a middle linebacker he will lead the team in tackles.Its the mark of a good MLB.Would he be more effective in a different position where he could use his speed to make more splash plays,sure.
Penetration is a not a stat but it is an effective way to get a QB rattled and throw a bad pass and also help another player like unknown DE Russell get a sack.I credit both McCoy and Gholston for this at times during the season.