Gerald McCoy: “I’ve Been Limited Since Week 2”
October 29th, 2015
Updated 12:09 p.m.: Now it’s official, since it comes from the mouth of Gerald McCoy.
No. 93 is hurt, and it appears to be a season-long issue.
During McCoy’s passionate defense of himself broadly smiling with Kirk Cousins immediately following Sunday’s historic Bucs groin-stomp loss, McCoy explained yesterday to fans just how much he gives his all to the Buccaneers.
And in that rant, McCoy said he’s been ailing for a long time.
“One thing you’ll never be ever be able to say about me is that I didn’t sell out. I’ve been limited since Week 2,” McCoy told the Buccaneers Radio Network. “Every day I go out on the practice field; I give 100 of whatever percentage I am. I give 100 of whatever percentage I am on game day. To have an outcome like that, it hurt really bad. But me being a man of God, I am not going to not talk to my friend [Kirk Cousins] after the game.”
Yes, McCoy hurt his shoulder in New Orleans in Week 2. It was very evident on TV. But now it seems he didn’t come back healthy after Tampa Bay’s bye week, which was just prior to the Washington game.
Just how badly McCoy is messed up is unclear. And he’s not one to talk about injuries, which is what made his comments especially noteworthy.
Joe can’t see how/when McCoy is going to heal up this season. That doesn’t bode well for Tampa Bay’s dreadful defense.
Updated 12:09 p.m. – Leslie Frazier, at his Thursday news conference, responds to a question about McCoy’s health and acknowledges McCoy is not 100 percent but has had a good season, despite him having a game below his high standards in Washington.
October 29th, 2015 at 11:51 am
good player but always hurt…
October 29th, 2015 at 11:59 am
He is not always hurt. (rolls eyes)
October 29th, 2015 at 12:03 pm
Kind of figured GMC was not 100%. Lovie’s team is approaching the hump with dwindling horsepower to get over it. I still see the Atlanta game as a somewhat close finish. It won’t be a blowout like the last trip up there.
October 29th, 2015 at 12:03 pm
When you only have played 2 full seasons out of 6, then yes you are always hurt
October 29th, 2015 at 12:06 pm
Glass McCoy
October 29th, 2015 at 12:06 pm
Was a bad signing at the time of the extension and has been bad since. Chronic injuries, great man but we need more nasty for the money
October 29th, 2015 at 12:16 pm
If you think things have been rough with the defense before…just wait. The injuries will start piling up because all the holes were plugged with injury prone players.
October 29th, 2015 at 12:18 pm
KW, the man is on pace for double digit sacks. It was NOT a bad signing.
October 29th, 2015 at 12:20 pm
Yap Yap Yap McCoy
October 29th, 2015 at 12:20 pm
He’s definitely looked different since that game. It’s a Bucs life.
Is an injured McCoy better than his backup?
October 29th, 2015 at 12:24 pm
@KW Buc
I don’t agree that he was a bad signing. McCoy injured or not, is STILL the best player on defense! That’s further evidence of just how bad this roster is.
“It’s as simple as that” – Lovie Smith
“Changing coaches about halfway through a rebuilding effort is a recipe for perpetual failure.” – Johnny “America’s Commenter” Dejay
“If Lovie don’t no how to coach so be it… Hard to believe he would get a job offer and you wouldn’t…. Wonder why??? Your idiots that’s why…” – JAB83
“So my advice would be, yes, it’s okay to throw things at your TV when your team has a monumental collapse like the Bucs did on Sunday in Washington. But take a deep breath and understand that it is only going to get worse if you continue to jump from one coach to the next.” – Peter King
October 29th, 2015 at 12:25 pm
Cry me a river. It’s football so no one is ever 100% healthy. I’m so tired of his mouth, lack of production when it matters most, and subpar leadership. Enough already.
October 29th, 2015 at 12:25 pm
Geraldine is simply a wannabe
October 29th, 2015 at 12:27 pm
We should trade him for whatever an get. Ship him & Lovie both out of here. All they ever have is excuses.
October 29th, 2015 at 12:38 pm
Like I said yesterday here come the excuses.
October 29th, 2015 at 12:51 pm
So Hurt McCoy is back. AGAIN. Should we be surprised by this? Hardly. This article is just laying the groundwork for the excuses to come
October 29th, 2015 at 12:51 pm
All players are hurt. Almost ever single player has an injury and continue to play through it. I applause you Gmac for being a man of God, but as far as football goes…you know what I don’t even care, just put on the helmet and pads and do your job.
October 29th, 2015 at 12:58 pm
You people are so ignorant. He wasn’t making excuses. Obviously you didn’t listen to the full interview or you would know that. To put it in context, he was talking about how much these losses hurt him. He was saying that just because he shakes the other player’s hand at the end of the game doesn’t mean he doesn’t care or the pain of the loss isn’t bad for him. He puts everything on the line for the team. He wasn’t making any excuses for his play, he was saying how much he cares about winning and losing and that he is putting forth as much effort as he possibly can.
And for all you morons telling him to shut up, I guess you are all so stupid that you can’t understand that he has to do these radio interviews. It’s part of his job. What do you want him to say? But as always, you couch athletes think you know the guy and what he’s all about. Funny thing is, if you ever met him in person, you would smile like a little school girl and tell him how great of a player he is. You talk real big on the internet, but you would do the exact opposite in person.
To be fair here, McCoy does not have to do his weekly radio show. Those are voluntary commitments, and they’re often paid gigs. –Joe
October 29th, 2015 at 12:59 pm
Break out the pacifiers, the bucs defense needs some tit-tit
October 29th, 2015 at 1:00 pm
Sam Bradford thinks GMC is fragile.
October 29th, 2015 at 1:01 pm
Yungry
I don’t like it! It’s Ray Rice and my job to pick on GMC. It’s no fun when everyone else is doing it.
RR is supposed to call him Aunt Geraldine and I’m supposed to call him Mr. Ice Cream Man and everyone else is supposed to call us dumb and stupid.
Now that the truth has come to light it’s just no fun.
October 29th, 2015 at 1:01 pm
“All players are hurt. Almost ever single player has an injury and continue to play through it. I applause you Gmac for being a man of God, but as far as football goes…you know what I don’t even care, just put on the helmet and pads and do your job.”
——-
Isn’t that exactly what he’s doing? He’s being asked questions and he’s simply answering them. Should he lie? Truth of the matter is, no matter what he does he’s going to get criticized. This is why I don’t blame players for not signing autographs or taking pictures with fans, because so many are arse holes. You haven’t a clue what you are talking about, yet you continue to criticize.
October 29th, 2015 at 1:05 pm
@Hawaiian bucs fan,
I get what you are saying but how do explain the contrast in interview styles of mccoy and Greg Hardy? He of the “No comment, next question”. It appears Hardy took the Cowboys recent loss a lot harder than Mccoy took the Redskins loss. The way Hardy went off the deep end…..i would like to see a fraction of that from many of the Bucs players.
October 29th, 2015 at 1:12 pm
Hawaiian Buc
You know can’t be throwing the truth grenades around here!
October 29th, 2015 at 1:13 pm
You know you…
October 29th, 2015 at 1:15 pm
I have no problem with McCoy talking to Cousins after the game. It’s the fact that he looks so darn happy for him.
October 29th, 2015 at 1:21 pm
@GhostofSchiano,
Because McCoy is not Greg Hardy, and that’s a great thing. That was pretty much his point in the interview. To paraphrase what he said, there are kids that look up to him that are watching how he deals with a loss. I’m not sure if you have kids, but would you prefer your children to act like McCoy or Hardy after they lose? I’m pretty sure you would prefer them to be like McCoy, so why would you want the players to act differently? McCoy is a child of someone and he is acting how he was raised. Just because you show good sportsmanship doesn’t mean the loss doesn’t hurt just as much as the guy who acts like an idiot and throws a temper tantrum. I totally get what you are saying and there are definitely times I feel the same way, but you have to understand the fact that people are different.
October 29th, 2015 at 1:24 pm
Some of our Bucs fans are unbelievable. A number of you should relook at your definitions of ‘fragile’ and ‘always hurt’.
We all saw that GMC got banged up pretty good in the Saints game. Since that game, here’s what his ‘snaps per game’ percentages have been against (1) Texans: 60%; (2) Panthers: 78%; (3) Jaguars: 81%; (4) Redskins: 91%. Gone up every game, even though he’s obviously hurt and not even close to 100%.
GMC is a leader, and I for one applaud him for standing up for his beliefs and values. GMC, even at less than 100%, isn’t the REAL problem here folks. Stop looking for scapegoats.
Our Bucs are in rebuild mode, and it’ll take at least 2 more quality drafts and at least 1-2 years after that before we even have a chance to see an SB contender (if we’re lucky). In the meantime, I for one want to see them play some good old-fashioned, hard-nosed football and show progress in all 3 phases of the game. We’ve got a long way to go.
October 29th, 2015 at 1:24 pm
BuccaneEric75,
You are looking at a picture. I’m a photographer, so I can tell you that a picture doesn’t always tell the story. I just did a photo shoot for a family where the baby cried the entire time, except for one shot when he was grinning ear to ear. Trust me, that wasn’t a happy baby, but I just caught him at the perfect moment.
McCoy and Cousins are friends. They both have strong faiths. I promise you McCoy takes every loss harder than all of us.
October 29th, 2015 at 1:27 pm
For all the GMC jock sniffers when was the last time GMC made a play to help his team win the game in a crucial situations. Ill wait for that one. I don’t like the wasted effort of pulling opposing teammates off the turf. I have a problem with him disappearing in pivotal situations. Hell when was the last time he pancaked an opposing QB.
October 29th, 2015 at 1:27 pm
How is Greg Hardy shoving and getting physical with special teams coach Biassca and other players good for a team?
October 29th, 2015 at 1:29 pm
FIRE LOVIE…trade McCoy, an injury prone, soft, face of the defense …and draft some gritty “footall is important” players…sick of being doormats and the most least tough team in the league!!!
October 29th, 2015 at 1:34 pm
MTM,
How about when he made 2 sacks in the final drive against Jacksonville? That soon enough for you? He can’t help the fact that Tim Jennings can’t cover you or me.
When was the last time JJ Watt made a critical play to win his team the game? Are you saying he’s not any good? Fact of the matter is, very seldom do pass rushers make plays to win games. Even more seldom to DT’s. Typically defensive plays are made by the secondary. If you haven’t noticed, we don’t have a secondary. Why don’t you give the same hate to Lavonte? He could have broken up that play to stop Washington, yet he doesn’t receive criticism. He drops a pick against Carolina that would have made a huge difference. My point is not to blame David, but to say that I do not understand how people expect a DT to make critical plays, yet the others are excused.
October 29th, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Cousins said, “Gerald you like that!” as GMC smiled. It’s as simple as that.
October 29th, 2015 at 1:52 pm
“You like that” T-shirts now on sale.
October 29th, 2015 at 1:52 pm
I am not saying that GMC isn’t a producer when he is healthy he is — when he is healthy.
Chronic injuries, a passive leadership style, coupled with a huge cap number make his extension a mistake.
October 29th, 2015 at 2:24 pm
KW he is not a leader as you stated, I cannot believ that hardy is not throwing one of these guys through a wall, that guy had passion for some very sorry bucs teams but he played like a maniac and didnt like losing but he left it on the field every play and never made excuses like this paper leader
FIRE LOVIE NOW
October 29th, 2015 at 2:30 pm
I find it interesting that McCoy is hurt and VJAX is hurt but no one knows what the injuries are.
Heck how did VJAX even get hurt?
Or is this the line up of excuses as to why Lovie’s team is not doing well.
Rookie QB, two WR hurt, DT hurt, 2 Rookies on Oline… Too much to over come in first year..Lovie needs another rebuilding year.
The Bucs are the only team who Rebuild every year.
October 29th, 2015 at 2:48 pm
No GMC, you’ve been limited since game 1 of year 1. I wish these current frauds called Bucs would just shut up and play or sit on the bench. What makes their performance so pitiful is their zeal to find excuses. Just once, I would respect them if they say they suck and can’t or won’t improve.
October 29th, 2015 at 2:49 pm
ATrian,
Jackson got hurt when Dashon Goldson went low on his knee early in the third quarter. As to what exact injury he has, we all know how secretive Lovie is with details on injuries.
McCoy got hurt on the last series against New Orleans. I have a feeling his shoulder got dislocated, but again, Lovie will never say.
October 29th, 2015 at 2:51 pm
“No GMC, you’ve been limited since game 1 of year 1. I wish these current frauds called Bucs would just shut up and play or sit on the bench. What makes their performance so pitiful is their zeal to find excuses. Just once, I would respect them if they say they suck and can’t or won’t improve.”
——
First of all, if you saw the interview, it was far from an excuse. Of course you and most others won’t listen to the entire interview, so you like to pretend you know the context of the conversation. As for them saying they suck, really? You really want and/or expect a professional athlete to say that? You’re an idiot. I don’t know what else to tell you.
October 29th, 2015 at 3:03 pm
There’s a good chance we’ll be out of it by half time.This team has more personalities than Cybil so you can never predict them,but our defense against their offense coupled with our inferior coaching and or learning disabled defensive personnel ( please see slant coverage) against their competent coaching staff scares me.Hope we don’t get waxed “Simple as that”
October 29th, 2015 at 4:11 pm
It’s amazing to me that people think McCoy is “elite”. If you REALLY watch the tape, he over-runs plays more than 50% of time. Yes, he gets sacks occasionally, and more than average def tackle, but he loses his 1:1 battles way more than he wins. Different schemes I realize, but look at Donald for Rams, or Heyward for Steelers and you’ll see real, consistent effort, hustle and key plays. Where is McCoy when all of these games are on the line in the 4th qtr. Can’t recall him making a game changing/game saving play — ever. I would expect that from one of the highest paid tackles in league. I say trade him while there are still gullible people out there who thinks he can play. He might actually be better somewhere else
October 29th, 2015 at 4:22 pm
I don’t get the gmc hate. Waste of time. Nothing is good enough for some of you. “He’s all pro DT but I want him to single handily win games and never get hurt and never be happy if we lose”
Like seriously some of the most childish desperate thinking I’ve ever seen here.
GMC is one of our best players. Pick on the actual bad players. Lavonte has missed WAY more plays this year. The DEs are getting 1 on 1 looks and never doing enough with it while this guy is double or triple teamed.
And the signing of GMC was awesome and saved like $5 mill per year vs Suh contract
And he actually made key plays to win jville game. This is just stupid
October 29th, 2015 at 5:50 pm
Hawaiian buc when you gonna learn dude. TWO WEEKS AGO IT WAS JAMARCUS LEAFWICH NOW HES THE ONLY BRIGHT SPOT. like 4 people have a clue dude
October 29th, 2015 at 8:08 pm
To be blunt–
You EFFING McCoy haters are pathetic
He is a top 3 DT. In the NFL.
You are morons. Absolute morons. If he had DEs around him worth a damn he and they would be league leaders in sacks and the LBs would be racking up 10 tackles a piece every game.
Without him and David (and now Kwon to a degree) the defense would be giving up 40 a game.
October 29th, 2015 at 10:05 pm
A lot of idiot know it alls on this site
October 29th, 2015 at 10:10 pm
I for one don’t ‘hate’ GMC, i just don’t think he’s as good as people think he is. If you think he’s good, then that’s your opinion. If you’re waiting on conditions to be right (great DEs, great LBs, etc) so that he can REALLY shine, good luck with that. Playing tackle is much more than getting sacks, but those ‘flash’ sacks every now and then seem to win people over. That’s why i look at the tape. BTW, Jaguars have given up 19 sacks this year, 5th most in the league. I’ll continue to be my moron self, trust my eyes, and conclude that the dude is an average tackle in the league — pro bowls and other recognition be damned.
October 30th, 2015 at 12:18 am
@DB55
Man… I don’t know what to say anymore. This $hit is getting out of hand. Aunt Geraldine is……. man forget it. I’m done with that dude.
October 30th, 2015 at 1:33 am
He is always hurt and know he is whining. I would rather have a man of the devil.
October 30th, 2015 at 10:18 am
@ Merald McCoy I agree with assessment of GMC. I don’t see it with all defenders. McCoy is average after watching his play overall. He over pursues and gets burned by RB’s alot. The rest of the defense plays like hot garbage as well but they are not making top 4 pay.
If the Bucs traded GMC for some defensive line depth it wouldn’t hurt my feelings. Let him flourish somewhere else if he’s so great.
October 30th, 2015 at 2:25 pm
I rather have a healthy gmc with 6sacks and a winning season than a often injured gmc on pace for double digit sacks with another losing season..GO BUCS!!!