Gerald McCoy Shows Flashes Of Greatness
August 1st, 2010
So today was the first day Joe laid eyes on coveted first round draft pick Gerald McCoy.
Joe’s observation: Hey, he’s a rookie.
At times, GMC flashed why he was one of the highest rated defensive tackles in the draft. Most of the time though, GMC looked like a rookie.
He always went against the Bucs first team offense, often butting heads with seasoned veterans Jeff Faine and Davin Joseph. Often, the veterans got the best of the rookie.
In the times GMC got a step or two on his offensive linemen teammates, GMC quickly learned he wasn’t playing against Colorado any longer.
In one play where GMC got a step on his foe to his right, in this case Xavier Fulton, Fulton quickly pushed GMC to the ground. So even though he got past Fulton the play was hardly over.
Another time GMC used a nice swim move to get a step behind Faine. But Faine quickly regrouped and blew up GMC, taking him out of the play.
That’s the not-so-good. Now the good.
On a bubble screen to Mike Williams, GMC read the play like a book, slid through the would-be blockers and then GMC and Williams danced as the rookie receiver tried to juke and duck his way past GMC. It didn’t work.
In fact, the way GMC shifted his feet, countering Williams’ every move, it looked like a leopard who had cornered his prey.
Then GMC made a play that was every bit the kind of a play one might expect from a third overall pick. It appeared GMC pulled a Warren Sapp ghost move on Joseph as he got around the All Pro guard to GMC’s left. Once he got a step on Joseph, GMC kicked in the afterburners and rocketed past Joseph to make a play.
While GMC wasn’t lighting things up like his fellow rookie defensive tackle Brian Price was, GMC showed flashes of why he was rated so highly.
August 1st, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Joe has talked much about how not to expect much of the new toys, aka DT’s, because, after all, they’re rookies. Even though it’s only been two days, it would appear safe to say they are diamonds in the rough. Oh, and Williams and Benn look the part too. Not bad to nail the 1st 4 picks in the draft.
August 1st, 2010 at 8:26 pm
“While GMC wasn’t lighting things up like his fellow rookie defensive tackle Brian Price was, GMC showed flashes of why he was rated so high.”
Price has a day or so of development over McCoy, right? GMC was on his first day, so the jitters were a factor as well, I bet.
From what it sounds like though, GMC is already adjusting to playing against starters…on his first day. While it’s too soon to assume too much, it’s a good sign at least.
@Bucfanjeff
We could also argue that Mark and Raheem did okay on last year’s picks as well, hitting on just as many in all likelihood.
As to this year’s crops, let’s hope it’s at least 5 good picks, because if our new punter doesn’t do well, this team will be hurting. 😉
August 1st, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Bucfanjeff:
To be honest, GMC got schooled far more often than he did the schooling today.
Brian Price on the other hand has been a terror. Way, way early though.
August 1st, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Pete Dutcher.
No. Price didn’t participate in offseason workouts due to academic requirements and a bum hamstring. GMC participated on all offseason workouts.
GMC missed one practice and that was Saturday morning. If anything, Price has catching up to do.
August 1st, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Interesting stuff. I wonder how it will play out playing time wise if it did develop that Price outperforms McCoy?
Never too early for rank speculations.
August 1st, 2010 at 8:49 pm
I think they both will be monsters! I guess Price is adapting ok to nose tackle! His strength, McCoys speed, long day for offenses!!
August 1st, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Joe here,
FYI, Steve White will be checking in later in the week with some detailed breakdowns on all things training camp, and especially the D-line play.
August 1st, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Bucfanjeff…. don’t forget, you’re talking first four rounds, not first four picks. Myron Lewis is in there as well, and I haven’t heard anything about him yet. I’m just hoping he can be a solid nickel this year, learn the NFL, and come on strong next year.
Still too early to get overly hyped, but things do sound good so far. Wish I could make it to see the guys, but this will have to do (A bit far to travel from Colorado for training camp practices….)
August 1st, 2010 at 9:21 pm
McCoy will get better. Today he’s suffering from what players call”contract shock”- ” oh God! I’m a millionaire!” lol. It’ll pass
August 1st, 2010 at 9:35 pm
To be fair Joe, GMC was doubled teamed on every play.
August 1st, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Dew:
So too was Price.
August 1st, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Does anyone miss seeing Hovan and Sims starting? Yeah, I didn’t think so. GMC will be fine.
August 2nd, 2010 at 7:35 am
I am always a little nervous with the “shows flashes” thing.
August 2nd, 2010 at 8:20 am
Can not wait until the first pre-season game! I want to see if they put Price and McCoy on the line together.
August 2nd, 2010 at 12:32 pm
eric, I can agree with you there… Even Gaines Adams (RIP) showed flashes. Fortunately, it’s still early.. he’s got time to turn that flash into shine….
August 2nd, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Eric is a Lil nervous! What a shocker! I expected a full blown endorsement, and then a prediction of greatness for both McCoy and the team for this upcoming season! Never expected any concerns from” Eric Optimistic!”
August 2nd, 2010 at 6:40 pm
If Brice turns out to be better than McCoy , we have MAJOR problems, because McCoy is making 40 million garanteed, so he is going to be undertackle regardless.
…and that sort of politics is the quickest way to lose a locker room.