“I Can Say, ‘This Is My Defense.'”
April 16th, 2013
Gerald McCoy is clear on his personal challenges for 2013. Near the top of that list, he said this afternoon at One Buc Palace, is taking a giant step forward in his leadership.
McCoy said his veteran status now allows him to take charge fully.
“I can say, ‘This is my defense,'” McCoy said.
That quote really took Joe back, primarily because it underlined in red that Ronde Barber is out of the picture — unless he decides to step back in.
McCoy was known for his leadership last season. Roy Miller pegged McCoy recently as the top leader he’s been around.
McCoy has proven he has what it takes; he just has to do it again.
Interestingly, McCoy was quick to correct a reporter who referred to him as a Pro Bowler today. McCoy said his Pro Bowl status is ancient history because he hasn’t accomplished anything in 2013.
April 16th, 2013 at 12:43 pm
Hmm. Leadership coming from 3 technique defensive tackle and weakside linebacker. Where have I seen that before???
April 16th, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Dini is the man… They have a lot of Offensive team leaders, so it only makes sense that Gerald should lead the defense. Gerald is the defenses mirror personality to the offenses Carl Nicks.
April 16th, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Barber may be the G.O.A.T. of the Bucs but he has never been the verbal leader or the face of the defense. That is a role that the Bucs hoped McCoy would fill when they drafted him in the 1st round just like Freeman on offence. Glad to see him step up and embrace the roll he was meant for.
April 16th, 2013 at 12:49 pm
Exactly, Die Hard: Barber has never been the leader of the Bucs D.
April 16th, 2013 at 1:01 pm
@DieHard_Bob ….@ Fatmosh
How can either of you say that? Your’e rehashing things said years ago of him earlier in his career. I guess you guys never heard him mic’ed up last year. He stayed animated every game, working with the new guys. He may have been a low key player earlier in his career but he has embraced his role of team leader in his latter years.
April 16th, 2013 at 1:07 pm
It IS McCoy’s defense, even if Barber returns.
April 16th, 2013 at 1:15 pm
I love the attitude these guys are bringing this year. Lets hope it translates on the field.
April 16th, 2013 at 1:54 pm
I just saw McCoy’s presser and I was impressed. Two things! McCoy seems ready to lead and it sounds like Schiano has been successful in instilling a culture. McCoy gets my vote for leader of the defense and Davin Joseph for leader of the offense. In my opinion, this is progress!
April 16th, 2013 at 2:15 pm
@ 4everBucsFan
Barber said himself last year when asked about coaching up the young players that he only offered advice when asked because he usually just leads by example and is not vocal. He said that some of the kids started calling him “Unc” because they saw him as more of an uncle figure than say a father or leader figure. Barber does play with attitude and passion but that doesn’t make him a leader. And just for the record I am a huge Barber fan and hope he comes back for at least one more shot at another ring.
April 16th, 2013 at 2:18 pm
I am a McCoy fan and like hearing him
say that. However, if you are gonna talk the talk, you gotta walk the walk.
April 16th, 2013 at 2:18 pm
I believe McCoy is the real deal. A couple of years ago, he walked by my sales table at a hotel they were all staying at and grabbed a lifesaver off my table. I thought to myself, “Gerald McCoy just stole my candy. How awesome is that!”. He might’ve thought I was upset and so he came back, smiled, shook my hand and said, “Thank you” to this tiny 5’9 man that he could break with a cough.
Its not a big story but I’ve always thought you can judge a guy’s character by how he handles the little things.
April 16th, 2013 at 2:25 pm
Love to see the new vets taking ownership of the locker room…just win!
April 16th, 2013 at 3:03 pm
Both Gerald and Joseph interviews were very insperational. Two quality Buccaneer men and absolute studs!! Last year this board was all over McCoy, calling him a bust. What a difference a year makes. Hopefully this time next year we are talking a out what a stud Freeman is.
April 16th, 2013 at 5:38 pm
Rod Jones … Broderick Thomas…Keith McCants…all said the same thing….
April 16th, 2013 at 5:54 pm
Rastaman. I was here back then- and I never those losers do anything except make excuses. Although I thought McCants was talented, but misused.
McCoys talent is as big as his personality!! And talk around the league has definitely been that McCoy is a better pro than ” cheap shot Suh!”.
Glad we have him!! Dying to see Clayborn and Bowers lining up with him! If we can find one more fast/talented nose tackle- that line will dominate!
If only we had some Cbs. . .
April 16th, 2013 at 11:01 pm
@Miracle,
Nice story. His mama would have whooped his butt. GMC is a good man, kid at heart and a lot of heart. I hope we draft a DT at 13 to play next to him. That should fill out HIS DLine.
April 17th, 2013 at 5:20 am
McCoy was impressive
April 8th, 2014 at 4:18 pm
[…] Ronde Barber had no problem verbally passing the torch to Gerald McCoy when he faded into the sunset. And last year at this time McCoy stood tall and said, ‘This is my defense.’” […]