“Surprise, Surprise!” Says Gerald McCoy.

September 2nd, 2015
McCoy

Gerald McCoy responds

Three-time Pro Bowler or not, Gerald McCoy can’t find love from former Bucs guard Ian Beckles (1990-1996).

Beckles got on his WDAE-AM 620 pulpit Monday and hammered McCoy with an Xs and Os argument.

The contention was McCoy isn’t making anywhere near the amount of plays he could be.

“If you can’t get off a block, you’re just getting off the ball well. That’s it. At least a half dozen times, the ball [carrier] cut right off of Gerald McCoy. Great players don’t allow that to happen,” Beckles bellowed about McCoy’s play against Cleveland.

Great defensive linemen, Beckles said, don’t have gaping holes next to them and have the ball run past them repeatedly. McCoy is “far from the ball often,” Beckles said.

This time, the beating from Beckles found its way to McCoy, and No. 93 took to Twitter for a sarcastic celebration.

The cold reality here is that the critics of McCoy won’t die down until the Bucs have a good defensive line or at least a good defense, or the team starts winning.

It’s hard to argue that McCoy has made the players around him better, and for most, that argument is essential to considering a player great.

49 Responses to ““Surprise, Surprise!” Says Gerald McCoy.”

  1. chris Says:

    Ian beckles is a loudmouth fool!!

  2. JJ Says:

    The problem with playing for Bucs is that if you look good it is hard for observers to tell if you are great or merely the tallest midget!

  3. Tampa Tony Says:

    Ian is right and sounds passionate about wanting this team to be a winner. GMC has a lot to prove as a leader.

  4. Joe Cool Says:

    Ian Beckles played on the BEST of Buccaneer’s teams in franchise history!! Boy I sure do remember those years LOL.

  5. OAR Says:

    You have to hand it to those midgets…..because they can’t reach anything!

  6. Buccfan37 Says:

    Nothing critical to say about McCoy’s play despite reading the pros and cons. I saw those thick rope sized gold chains around his neck, those are huge. They kind of turn me off to a player flaunting their wealth, like he with the biggest chains is the top dog.

  7. David Says:

    Idk…it seems as if McCoy is being paid as a difference maker but I don’t see a DIFFERENCE when he is in the game vs any other DT. He has good get off but I don’t see him consistently beating his man in one on one situations. So until that happens I’m not sure how good this d-line can be.

  8. Destinjohnny Says:

    reminds me of Longoria heaps of talent but can you say they have matched their play with the talent they have??? I don’t think u can

  9. Tom Edrington Says:

    So Gerald, was Ian right or wrong?

    Ian is paid to give us his observations…..has great experience, has watched more film than any commentors on this site…

  10. Simpleasthat Says:

    its called accountability

  11. Horice Says:

    ONLY IN AMERICA… Can a player who was average at best and NEVER sniffed a Pro Bowl, and played losing football with Bucs. Be a harsh critic of a player that is man to man better than he ever was. When did a guy who sucked become the best evaluator of talent? I would like to know his critique of his play here in Tampa. Why don’t we just get the water boy from Ian’s era and let him tell us what real football players should look like. How about add the grounds keeper in there too, I need his take on Buc Ball… SMDH!

  12. Chris@Apple Roof Cleaning Says:

    Ian Beckles may not always be right, but at least he is not a kiss ass, like so much of the media in this town.
    The Tampa Media in general seems to accept our failure as a football team.

  13. R.O. Says:

    1. Doesn’t matter it’s preseason.
    2. It’s preseason
    3. If he stuck his arm out to try and grab or tackle and tore a bicep or tricep everyone would be whining.
    4. It’s preseason
    5. Defense is a 1 gap scheme. Buckles doesn’t know if GMC was in his right gap or not.
    6. It’s preseason.

  14. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    Agree with most of the posters here. GMC has talent but he’s not been consistent. Early on injuries contributed to that but recently I’m just not sure.

    While I sometimes feel as if Ian spouts the negatives to “prove” his “objectivity” and show to the world he’s not just a “company man”, in all honesty I’d rather him err on the side of brutal honesty than just be a cheerleader.

    As to this debate it’s really clear to me whose side I take. Just as with posters here. Some Lovie haters just spew the hate, while others like Dallas and Tmax at least take the time to back their opinions with SPECIFIC FACTS.

    Ian did that yesterday according to this transcript.

    Ian said after looking at video…At least a half dozen times, the ball [carrier] cut right off of Gerald McCoy. A half dozen times? That’s a pretty SPECIFIC point!

    GMC’s response however was not to contest Ian’s assertion…or even give a reason…he could have said hey it was PS and I didn’t give it my best..IF that’s the reason…but GMC didn’t. He tweeted in the same fashion as some of our weaker posters here with simple sarcasm and NOTHING of substance.

    Go ahead and make fun of IAN GMC but you still haven’t addressed his POINT!!

  15. TheBucsAnthem Says:

    Ian is 100% right……Warren Sapp never let that -ish happen

  16. LargoBuc Says:

    In our one gap defense, every defender has a gap. You are in charge of your gap. No matter what the ball carrier does, do not leave your gap. The point being that if everyone is in their gap, the back has no where to go. So he can either try to run way outside and risk losing yards. Or he can try to take on the massive defenders one on one

  17. Brett Says:

    Warren Sapp wasn’t so great in the run game either as I recall. I am happy that Beckles isn’t following the herd and spewing material on “The next Bucs player we never heard of who hopes to be great,” but GMC is great. Currently about all offenses game plan around is stopping him.

    Beckles should be focusing on why we can’t find a DE or any other people around him that can do anything. If others were pulling their weight, teams couldn’t triple team GMC and things would be a lot different.

    There is only so much one man can do.

    BTW, if the line doesn’t block, Jameis isn’t going to have a good season either.

  18. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    Talk to me in the regular season if McCoy isn’t making plays. Great players have a tendency to turn it on when the games count. I have a ton of players I’m worried about, but a 3 time pro-bowlers play in the preseason isn’t one of them.

  19. Tom Edrington Says:

    @StPeteBucFan:

    great post, spot on, just the facts, nice.

  20. "The kevin" Says:

    Ian beckles? Is that the dude that talks mostly about food and women’s feet? And thinks he knows everything about everything? Whatever you’ve done he’s done too? Doesn’t matter what anyone says he’s done it too? Thinks everyone is wrong except him? Yeaaaaahhhhh. That’s who I would listen too as well lol. Oh and the guy that sucked playing football? Yea that guy sure knows what winning football looks like lol.

  21. Fsuking Says:

    It’s 3 games into the preseason and Bucs fans are complaining about our best player. Sounds about right?

  22. DB55 Says:

    SPBF

    He tweeted in the same fashion as some of our weaker posters here with simple sarcasm and NOTHING of substance.
    ***************
    He did that to me last year. Tweeting something along the lines of “I aint moving no where for a rookie.” Oddly enough that rookie who plays the same position outplayed him last season and made the PB. But hey he’s the best DT in the league outside of Suh, Atkins, the dude from buffalo, Aaron Donald but yea outside of those guys and some others we have the best of the best.

  23. mac Says:

    Ian Beckles is 100% correct!!!

    Before you call him names perhaps some of you homers need to re watch the games… I have NFL rewind… It comes in handy if you want to watch the same film the coaches use to evaluate a players performance…

    If McCoy can’t show a better effort during the regular season we are in big trouble… He is having difficulty shedding blockers and it is creating large running lanes…

    God forbid anyone criticise Gerold McCoy… Sorry but he deserves it…

  24. Pickgrin Says:

    There were plenty of things to be critical about regarding the Cleveland pre-season game. GMC’s play hardly qualifies as the most obvious. Ian is just stirring the pot again. If I hear Steve White say at any point that GMC is more the problem than the solution – then I will take notice. Ian Beckles? Not so much.

  25. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    @Tom

    THANKS! I’m a big believer in considering the source when receiving a compliment and coming from you that is a very valued observation.

  26. DB55 Says:

    Mac

    He is having difficulty shedding blockers and it is creating large running lanes…
    **********
    This is correct! Specifically the mclown scrabble. If he stayed in his gap George would have had the sack. But what do we know?

  27. OneLove Says:

    @StPeteBucsFan

    So let me get this straight(and I mean my WANG).

    I thought I saw you mention in one of your earlier posts that you thought all the hate and negativity against our team was unwarranted because it was ONLY THE PRESEASON(I could be wrong and could have confused you with one of the other idiots. If so, pardon me)

    Now it looks like you have an issue with Gerald McCoy not addressing an idiot(ON TWITTER for StPetesSakes!!!)for criticizing his play during a MEANINGLESS PRESEASON GAME!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

    You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that you find the strength and courage to provide SUBSTANCE(jizz) and FACTS(how climate change isn’t real) for yourself and for everyone else you come in contact with. May God have mercy on your soul.

  28. Ray Rice Says:

    Hallelujah!!!! Bout dam time someone in the media tells it how it is. He is the best of the 3rd tier DT in the league. Not top tier. Not a difference maker. Not one to take over a game. But he’s getting paid like it. Dam shame! And please spare me the “he gets double/triple teamed all game” BS. The other truly great DL in the league get the same kind of attention. I don’t hear anyone making excuses for them. Their play still rises to the occasion, they execute and produce. That’s what makes them 1st Tier.

  29. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    @OneLove

    I can understand how I may have presented a confusing or contradictory position.

    I’m not down on GMC for ONE PS game. I’m down on him for inconsistent play his entire career.

    My response on this thead was more to his reaction to Ian’s criticism. You’ll note that I gave GMC the out you just described. I posted..

    he could have said hey it was PS and I didn’t give it my best.

    In fact GMC did say that after he was blown off the line for that TD in Minn. He admitted it was PS and so he didn’t sacrifice his body. I was cool with that.
    If he had said…well Ian has a point but it was PS judge me when we tee it up against the Titans..I could accept that…but there needs to be some accountability. GMC is inconsistent there as well. Sometimes as after the Minny game he’s brutally honest in his self evaluation…other times he’s not.

    Bottom line for me with GMC is he’s not great YET based on at least two criteria. Other posters have pointed out great players make those around them great. GMC has NEVER done that. But for me my major issue with GMC is simple Consistency!!!! You can’t be truly great and inconsistent. You MUST show up each and every game.

    As for the rest of your “schtick” I’m not really sure where your coming, or in your case should I say cumming from. You mix religion with jizz and praying for people’s souls. Some act…doesn’t bother me just haven’t grasp it yet. Perhaps you’re simply posting above my comprehension skills.

    I’ve been sucked into a couple of political comments…wrong on a sports blog and I always regret when I grow weak and respond. I’m not about to wade into religion! Appreciate anybody’s prayers but I believe MY relationship with MY Creator is in pretty good shape. And I live now in two paradises…the remote rural UP of Michigan in the summer and beautiful Tampa Bay the other nine months. I am truly blessed but I’ll always accept anybody’s prayers.

    I am so overwhelmed with joy at my present life circumstance I won’t go religous I revert to my old DJ days and offer up this oldie from 3 Dog Night that I TRULY wish for EVERY poster here. Joy brothers and sisters.

    Singin’ joy to the world, now
    All the boys and girls, now
    Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
    Joy to you and me.

  30. Buc1987 Says:

    Sapp was “great”.

  31. mjc Says:

    Lets be honest, How good would GMC be if he had booger, simeon, spires playing next to him.

    He has made pro-bowls with no one around him. Let’s say it again NO ONE.

    Also the other NFL players must think he is a good player since they have voted him top 100 the last 2 seasons.

    Ian can have his opinion. But it’s Ian.

  32. mac Says:

    @1987

    Agreed… Sapp is the measuring stick… Gerold isn’t measuring up…

    Before you homers open your mouths I am talking about between the lines not off the field…

    Let’s not forget – Sapp still dominated while he was playing next to Jones, Culpepper and White… Who were very average players… It wasn’t until later the Bucs traded for Rice and drafted Booger…

    So please stop with that lame ass argument…

  33. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    Tampa Tony Says
    “Ian is right and sounds passionate about wanting this team to be a winner.”

    Ian is trying to drum up controversy to get people to call in. He’s not right. Because he doesn’t know what McCoy is told to do during games. I’m betting it’s to rush the passer first.

  34. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    This is simple enough to settle.

    If McCoy is injured for the season, how do you think the defense would do?

    ’nuff said.

  35. SoFloBuc Says:

    Though not a Pro Bowler Ian IS a ten year vet, that means he was still among an elite class. Just ask all the players who were recently cut. Beckles also held the position that by design would have to study DT’s, so I would say that gives him a lot of qualifications to say and blast a defensive linemen.
    With that said I am also a McCoy fan and do believe any real scrutiny should be reserved for at least a couple or real games. Then fire those cannons if the defence still looks like it did last Saturday

    Love the Ron And Ian Show…it’s a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. Thank god for Iheart Radio!

  36. Ray Rice Says:

    @MAC

    “Agreed… Sapp is the measuring stick… Gerold isn’t measuring up
    Let’s not forget – Sapp still dominated while he was playing next to Jones, Culpepper and White… Who were very average players… It wasn’t until later the Bucs traded for Rice and drafted Booger. So please stop with that lame ass argument.”

    👏👏👏👏👏👏 …… The truth hurts. Some don’t like hearing the truth.

  37. mac Says:

    @ bonsai

    I’m not a fan of the Ron and Ian show either… I don’t listen and I don’t really know anything about their show… However who are you to say that Ian Becomes NFL career was a failure? Because he didn’t make the Hall of Fame? The man played in the trenches and STARTED for ten seasons… He knows more about football and line play then you and any other homer on this site including Joe himself…

    Come on man get a grip…

  38. Picaroon45 Says:

    Beckles should know what lousy play looks like since was never on a .500+ team in 8 years (1990-1998). Funny the Bucs when .500+ six straight years & a SB Trophy once he left the Bucs for Philly.

  39. 813bucboi Says:

    I hate when people say,” its just preseason it doesn’t count”..sure it doesn’t reflect on the w/l column but preseason does count for something..if nobody thought it was important than coaches would only play rookies and players on the roster bubble all 4 preseason games…during preseason I look for execution and consistency….the score at the end doesn’t matter but if a team can execute consistently then im fine…in this case with gmc, he has only performed up to a pro bowl level in 1 preseason game and that was vs the bengals..in the vikes and browns game I saw him getting blown up and pushed back way to often…I think it was a horrible idea to lose all the weight when hes going up against 320 310lb linemen..at 285lb he has a great get off but isn’t strong enough to shed the block…with him at that weight lovie should play gmc and g.johnson at the ends and clog up the middle with McDaniel and McDonald..that way you shut down the run with our best run stuffers and create pressure with our two best pass rushers…but maybe some of you are right and he was just going thru the motions because it preseason…I jus hope he gets it together because he hasn’t looked like a pro bowler vs the vikes or browns…but its preseason so who knows..cant wait til 9/13…GO BUCS!!!

  40. D-Rome Says:

    Ian Beckles has forgotten more football than I know but it sure seems the Buccaneers organization, coaches, fellow players around the NFL, Warren Sapp, GMs, scouts, ect…all think McCoy is an excellent player.

  41. mac Says:

    Gerold McCoy is a good defensive tackle… I’m glad he is on our team… I am holding him to a very high standard… Hopefully Gerold will have a great year and elevate my opinion…

    I hope his play during two of the three preseason games is not a true indication of what he will accomplish during the regular season…

    Did any of you listen when John Gruden called McCoy out on a national televised Monday night? That was John Gruden saying the same things that I am saying…

    I haven’t seen a single one of you guys write a single post about that… Take off the blinders… McCoy better step it up!

  42. John McKillop Says:

    Get off his a$$, last year he graded out as the second best defensive lineman on a weekly basis behind only JJ Watt. This is pre season,everybody says these games don’t count for anything, I guess they only count to bash Gerald McCoy. You people crack me up! Go Bucs!

  43. TSlugger Says:

    First let’s clear something up. No one plays 10 years in the NFL and sucks. Beckles may not have been a Pro Bowler but I am sure his recognition of D Lineman and their play is above anyone on these posts.

    I love GMC and thankful to have him in Tampa but its time to prove he is the same kind of beast that Ndamukong Suh is. Sapp was constantly double teamed and would still consistently dictate what happen on each play.

    GMC has that kind of physical talent but maybe lacks horsepower in his motor. I am willing wait of course.

  44. Nick2 Says:

    I like McCoy but its hard to remember a great D lineman that never was on at least a good defense which he has never been on. Maybe Ian has a point. He’s often in the backfield but then again you sees runs right up the gut against us all the time. Warren Sapp didnt allow that.

  45. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    I have been one of Warren Sapp’s biggest critics. He has made plenty of mistakes off the field…dissing fans..his bankruptcy…his legal issue with the hoes.

    But I was not for Fameis because of his off field activities. I allowed however he deserved a second chance. He’s gotten and so far Fameis has been the model citizen and teammate. It’s America we believe in redemption!

    And so what say ye to this guys. Lovie hires Sapp this year as an advisor with a look to next year and making him the DL coach. Sapp has to do his part.

    First press conference Sapp says mea culpa. Sapp acknowleges his mistakes and thanks Lovie profusely for a chance to redeem himself and tells everybody how thrilled he is to be back in football.

    IF Warren has any interest this could be a true win win! Sapp gets to redeem himself and hopefully have some fun doing it. We get a HOFer who was the best at his position and nobody how much I disliked him I gotta say Warren has a huge heart! As much as I disliked his arrogant arse I’d be happy to see him turn his life around ala Fameis.

  46. Lakeland Buc Says:

    Gerald McCoy wasn’t going to dominate Alex Mack,Joey Bitonio and John Greco. He gave his best effort, but he was overmatched. If the Bucs were sending linebackers, it may have been different.

  47. DB55 Says:

    Mac

    I haven’t seen a single one of you guys write a single post about that… Take off the blinders… McCoy better step it up!
    ***********
    You should read my posts more often. #pfudr

  48. gotbbucs Says:

    He’s not Warren Sapp, never will be, but thats what fans are expecting. McCoy is a good DT that can have great games and then go mia for two or three games in a row.
    They need to play him less snaps per game and get more out of him on those plays that he is in there. They realize this and its the reason they brought in more DT help this year.

  49. DONUTS Says:

    Ian is right.

    GMC has work to do; hope to see improvement this year as the supporting cast is better than last year. I think that alone will help GMC in staying disciplined. He needs to have some games where he takes over the game and the line of scrimmage like 99 did so many times.