“Frustrated” GMC Breaks Silence

November 10th, 2015
"Frustrated."

“Frustrated.”

In a rare stunt Sunday night, Gerald McCoy chatted with Giants quarterback Eli Manning but refused to speak to the local pen and mic club and all but walked over two TV camera crews near his locker stall on his way out the door.

It is the first time Joe can ever remember GMC not speaking after a game.

Yesterday, Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune caught up with GMC, who broke his short-lived vow of silence.

“I was sitting in bed (Monday morning) thinking this frustration level I have with myself right now feels like what I had during my first and second year in the league,’’ McCoy said. “There’s not a fan, a coach or a media member who’s more frustrated with me than myself.’’

The source of McCoy’s great frustration, which might have reached a peak late Sunday when he left the Bucs locker room without speaking to reporters after Tampa Bay’s 32-18 loss to the Giants, is a three-game drought in which he’s mostly failed to make the impact expected of him.

Though his playing time has actually increased, from approximately 70 percent of the plays to nearly 90 percent, McCoy failed to record a sack and contributed only four tackles to a cause in which the Bucs lost twice despite an offensive output strong enough to have won all three games.

The are only two logical reasons GMC’s sudden downturn in productivity: either GMC’s shoulder is much worse than he or the team is willing to acknowledge, or teams have figured out a way to stop him and neither Bucs coaches nor GMC have come up with a working adjustment.

How else to explain how GMC, after the win over Jacksonville, led all NFL defensive tackles in sacks hasn’t had one since?

51 Responses to ““Frustrated” GMC Breaks Silence”

  1. Phil Says:

    GMC should be traded in the offseason along with getting rid of Lovie.

  2. Bucs Fan Since '76 Says:

    The young man is obviously struggling. He does not want to play poorly and he surely isn’t doing it on purpose. My guess is he’s hurt worse than anyone is letting on. One thing is for certain, we can’t get on the much needed role without him playing better.

  3. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    And we still don’t have the answer….”frustrated” is no answer. I suspect he is playing hurt.

  4. The Buc Realist Says:

    How else to explain it??? How about that Lovie’s defense feasted on very bad teams!!!!

    That is what happens when your whole defensive plan is just to line up and win your one on one’s! and when it does not work and your out coached you just say the players did not “execute” or win their “one on ones”!!!

    its like running into a wall over and over. It the wall is weak you will get thru. If not, then your in a lovie defense playing a better team!!!

    I would love to hear “Honest” answers of what GMC and LVD really think of lovie’s defense. I am starting to hear rumbles, and it does not sound good!!!

  5. RachelWatson'sthong Says:

    It was nice not hear from him for once actually.

  6. gotbbucs Says:

    Its a combination of GMC being banged up and Lovie’s defense being the most inflexible defense in the league. Rush four, maybe play a couple games along the line, but if those four don’t get there the seven guys behind them are left out to dry.
    You have to have hall of fame caliber players for this defense to work.

  7. bee Says:

    If he’s hurt or not the end result is he’s not producing anything. What’s the point of him being in the field? If he’s hurt, he should go on IR or to the bench and get healthy si he can help his team. Whatever he’s doing now isn’t working. I don’t see his is the coaches fault if he can’t win one on one battles. I’m sure he’s not doing this purpose and doesn’t want this to happen, but it’s happening and he can’t adjust and neither can his coaches. So sit him or move him around or do something cuz being frustrated isn’t a solution.

  8. Clodhopper Says:

    What a crock. That was nothing more than a pity party. This team is soft because the (former) leader is soft and the coach is soft.

  9. Tom Edrington Says:

    Here’s the sad fact, Gerald is now into his second contract, he’s been around six years, a lot of wear and tear, sad fact of life in the NFL. Very few players become “two contract” players, it is very, very rare to see a three contract player.

    Basically McCoy is supposed to be in his “prime” for the next 2-3 years. Sad fact is that he has been on really bad teams. He knows deep down inside that his playing days may come to and end before this team gets to the point where it is a good team.

  10. Tampa Tony Says:

    Now the best o line comes to town…

  11. Bucco Brice Says:

    He’s injured a lot…He smiles after losses….He’s overatted…Time to replace him and the head coach, who once again had a gameday mess up…I’m sure Martin had a first down late in the game – a bad spot that should have been challenged. What the h*ll is Lovie daydreaming about on the sideline? He misses things every week and stupid time management with wasted time outs…

  12. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    Clearly the kid is playing hurt.

    Set’em Down & Let’em Heal

    (Next Man Up)

    Rotation @ 3 tech
    • Henry Melton | William Gholston | George Johnson

    Rotation @ Nose
    • Akeem Spence | Tony McDaniel

    Promote DT Derrick Lott from the practice squad

  13. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    When he’s healthy – He’s one of the Best Interior Lineman in the game.
    You can’t consantly, defend what this kid brings to the table.
    He just needs a quality edge rusher or two – the watchout

  14. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    *He just needs a quality edge rusher or two – then watchout

  15. tmaxcon Says:

    LUVMYBUCS

    or maybe he needs a coach who can make adjustments to his scheme to ensure the best players are in the best position to succeed versus the my way or the highway rigid system that is clearly is not working.

    hope you are well sir.

  16. destro44 Says:

    Didn’t GMC say last year was his most enjoyable year of his career, you know that hot mess of 2-14 that included several embarrassing beat downs. Now this year he is frustrated, with a rising star at QB and a legitimate offense that could make the team competitive. He didn’t shy from the media when Atlanta and Baltimore ran us out the building last year. So what’s different? GMC is no longer the center of attention on tjis team, no longer veiwed ad its best player and leader and his feelings are hurt. I’ve said it for years he is talented but soft! He is all about GMC, and not enough about the team. It is time to find a sucker that tjinks they can get more from him. Remember this regime cut Revis, top 3 corner in the league because the price was to high for how they valued the position, I think GMCs price is to high for his production and lack of leadership. That kind of money is for franchise players not just good defensive tackles.

  17. Love and Warrick Dunn Says:

    He’s Pippen, not Jordan. TB needs a Jordan at DE.

  18. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    The Best Interior Lineman in League History – have had equal or great
    counterparts on the outside.

    Quick view

    Merlin Olsen
    -Deacon Jones
    -Lamar Lundy

    Alan Page
    -Carl Eller
    -Jim Marshall

    Joe Greene
    -L.C. Greenwood
    -Dwight White

    Randy White
    -Too Tall Jones
    -Harvey Martin

    Steve McMichael
    -Richard Dent
    -Dan Hampton

    Keith Millard | Henry Thomas & John Randle
    -Chris Doleman
    -Al Noga

    Bill Maas & Dan Saleaumua
    -Neil Smith
    -Derrick Thomas

    And the list goes on in on

  19. Bucs Fan Since '76 Says:

    Destro – I heard Big Dog basically say the same thing. Obviously, the theory that he is playing poorly because he is upset at Winston replacing him as team leader, or frustrated because the team is improving, is rank speculation. Projecting those emotions onto GMC is a reach. The guy played on winning teams at OK, and he has performed at a very high level, including early this year. A better theory is that he is playing hurt. At least I hope that is what is happening, otherwise he is a serious head case and needs help.

  20. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    tmaxcon

    True, and I agree

    Hope U and your family are as well Sir.

  21. softastissueMcCoy93 Says:

    He gets paid too much for his production. I cheered and screamed for McCoy and his line mates all game. Second/Third and long. The got no sacks and very little pressure. In this scheme d-linemen are valued higher than corners. When you pay McCoy that kind of money in this system, and he is not producing, then your defense will suffer. The zone coverages were not bad the last two weeks, Ryan and Eli had all day to scan the field. It’s simple we chose McCoy over Revis and its turning out to have been the wrong move. McCoy will excel in a defensive system with a proven leader.

    The problem with him here is he will likely not take well if a new defensive captain is brought in. If we can find a way to trade him that will be best for him and the organization. He has played under 3 coaches, and he has never been a dominate player in any system. Although he has show flashes he is not consistent.

  22. tmaxcon Says:

    LUVMYBUCS

    Great list… I don’t think a single end on the current roster starts anywhere else in the league. But until the DE is upgraded it’s the coaches responsibility to find ways and make adjustments so the best players are in the best position to succeed.

  23. pick6 Says:

    injury, and not an easy one to hide. he reflexively touches his shoulder\upper arm almost every time he is getting up off the ground. i’m no team doctor, but the dude seems to be working through some pretty high pain levels and it stands to reason it is limiting him in ways that opponents can see on tape

  24. ATrain Says:

    If he is hurt sit him and let him heal he is not helping us playing like this.

    I see a Good DL not a Great one. He does not play ever down he takes plays off. He is not double teamed all the time. By the 4 quarter he is tired lost his wind, HE IS OUT OF PLAYING SHAPE>

    He hasn’t gotten stronger, I think he workouts have slowed.

    Muscle Hampster did the same thing until contract year.

    McCoy needs to heal up… WORKOUT AND PLAY HARD>..

    You get paid very well and people pay a lot of money to see you play…
    STEP UP

  25. softastissueMcCoy93 Says:

    @Luvmybucs

    That may be true, but who was on the line when Sapp won DPoY in 99. Who is on the line with Watt in Houston. JJ plays all over the place. I don’t need to see my defensive captain on the Jumbo-tron chatting it up with an opponent during a TO on 3rd and goal at the end of the game. I’m sorry that image just rubbed me to wrong way.

  26. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    Cortez Kennedy & Sam Adams
    -Michael McCrary
    -Michael Sinclair

  27. Ray Rice Says:

    Pressure busts pipes. He knows he’s been sucking for a long time. Sounds like it’s finally caught up to him. He’s run out if excuses. Can’t hide it anymore Aunt Geraldine. Either step it up or bounce. You aren’t worth the money. This is the same situation as Revis’. Get rid of the dead weight.

    @JOE

    If he know someone has figured him out don’t you think he should find a way to counter? I understand he plays in a scheme. But I seriously doubt they haven’t given him the opportunity to make adjustments as needed. As Sapp says. The defense is built on stopping the run in the way to the QB. And he hasn’t done enough of either.

  28. Ray Rice Says:

    *on the way to the QB.

  29. pick6 Says:

    and the cap geniuses need to stop with the cut him\trade him nonsense for gerald and lavonte. unless you want to advance them 2 years’ pay to not play for your team, you are spending every season from this one to 2017 trying to elicit star performances out of your players who were guaranteed star money. if lovie wants to survive beyond next year (i’m assuming 2+ wins gets him to 2016), he needs a more innovative and effective coordinator than he or leslie frazier knows how to be. mccoy and david are going nowhere, and at least one of them is totally out of his comfort zone since lovie came around

  30. tmaxcon Says:

    both lvd and gmc contracts are not tradeable. No team will give up a high pick and take on that high salary for an injury prone defensive tackle or a linebacker who has regressed 2 years in a row. I don’t think Lovie is capable of letting anyone run a defense for him. Just look at the shear number of coordinators he has burned through over the years. Lovie clearly thinks is way works and is the right way or he would have adjusted it by now.

  31. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    softastissue

    I hear U,

    Sapp & Brad Culpepper accounted for 19.5 sacks from the interior that in 99’

    While Marcus Jones, Chidi Ahanotu & Steve White only accounted for 14.5 on the outside.

    It was an amazing year. And even though there’s been a few scattered similarities, like this in leagues history – its not the norm. No ones ever been able to get consistent pressure from the interior. Year In – Year Out. Without major assistance from the outside rush.

  32. Defense Rules Says:

    @The Buc Realist … “I would love to hear “Honest” answers of what GMC and LVD really think of lovie’s defense. I am starting to hear rumbles, and it does not sound good!!!”

    Really? You’re hearing ‘rumbles’ Realist? Are they like ‘unsubstantiated rumor’ rumbles or do you have a real inside track? If you’ve got inside information, please share with everyone. If not, your comments are usually better than unsubstantiated rumors.

    This defense is playing bad … period. And every player on this defense knows it I have no doubt. Pros like GMC and LVD have played at a high level before, and know what it takes to succeed. But right now it just ain’t happening for a number of reasons. Coaching is one … it’s gotta improve. Quality of players to make it work, and chemistry are 2 more. Injuries yet another. Scheme (and the Bucs actually use multiple schemes) also plays in there … ‘Bend but don’t break’ is nice, but if the other guy is patient (like the Giants were) they can eat you alive unless you force turnovers and the offense capitalizes on them. I’d be frustrated too if I was GMC.

  33. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    tmaxcon

    Yeah, these are all rotational guys at best. Will be interesting to see what happens in Buffalo. We could bring in some quality DE’s this offseason.

    -Mario Williams (If he’s released)
    -JPP
    -Hardy

    Trade a few low round picks, for some guys who are playing out of position on their current teams.

    (like)
    -Quinton Coples
    -Bjoern Werner

  34. tmaxcon Says:

    If Mario Williams is released and Lovie does not make a run at him I’d be po’ed…

    I also like Quntion Coples.

  35. tmaxcon Says:

    Realist

    we will never hear honest answers from them as long as lovie has full control… It’s clear they are getting frustrated by the rigidity of the system. Several of these players that have been benched have had good years and even pro bowl years elsewhere or in different systems they magically did not forget how to play.

  36. Mitch Says:

    “….feels like what I had during my first and second year in the league…”

    What does his first and second seasons have in common? GMC is playing injured.

  37. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    tmaxcon

    I’ll be pissed right along with u brotha

  38. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    Jerome Brown
    -Reggie White
    -Clyde Simmons

    Dave Butz
    -Charles Mann
    -Dexter Manley

  39. softastussieMcCoy93 Says:

    If the players don’t own the system, then they will never excel in it. I feel that the LB’s are player worse than the defensive line. The linebackers are all over the place. Teams don’t even run well on use, but they know that play-action and read-option looks will move them out of position. All 3 LB’s are trying to make out of their zone which leaves their area wide open. I’m not in the meeting rooms but these errors has to be pointed out. If Lovie is fired, I quite sure the new coach will clean house with all of these dumb players.

  40. mike10 Says:

    I know he’s committed, he died his hair Red.

    Maybe he’s hurt, but maybe he’s just not that good. I don’t recall him ever being dominant and terrorizing the backfield throughout a game.

  41. Couch Fan Says:

    Maybe playing 90% of the snaps as well as realizing the coach is Imcompetent is starting to wear McCoy out mentally and physically.

  42. The Buc Realist Says:

    If lovie keeps his job next year, I have a bad feeling that he will cough up 2 second round picks for jadeveon clowney!!!!!

    desperate lovie is a dangerous lovie!!!!

  43. tmaxcon Says:

    The Buc Realist

    in all seriousness do you honestly think the glazers will allow another 20 to 30 million in failed free agents and bad personnel movies by lovie continue into next year. Think about it only McDonald as really worked out. I realize the glazers could care less about product on the field that is evident by their actions. However, they do care about money coming out of their pockets. I can’t believe after another year of failed personnel moves they will allow Lovie to retain is overlord of roster title.

  44. The Buc Realist Says:

    @tmaxcon

    I like the way you are thinking, But I bet that Lovie will stand his ground and say I keep everything or you fire me with 3 years left of his contract to pay out!!!

    Also with the lovie being the only decision the Glazers made, they will try at every turn to make it look like a good decision!! Its going to take a massive collapse and Fan revolt to get a new head coach!!! IMO

  45. Mo_Downs Says:

    McCoy isn’t playing (1 on 11) football. He’s a part of a TEAM. This team, despite the “ticket sales PR-hype”, isn’t loaded with talent, or deep at any position.

    The defense, no matter who coached this group of sub-par defensive players, would yield the same results. The talent just isn’t there, PERIOD. Any losers still talking about “Too much Cover-2” are just ignorant about what defensive plays are actually being called.

    The first 2 years under Lovie have been spent building the offense through the draft. After this season we’ll be in a favorable Draft/FA position to address the defense. This team is REBUILDING and won’t be a contender for a few years. This is SOP in the NFL. Get a clue..!!

    There are plenty of teams that are rebuilding because they’re either too young or too old to be contenders. The difference is that the Bucs under L&L recognized their talent deficit in Lovie’s first year and are doing something positive about it.

    You may recall that the only “VALID” knock against Lovie in Chicago was that he ignored the offense while spending all his draft and FA currency on the defense. That plan paid off with a trip to the Super Bowl and a loss to his mentor, Tony Dungy, and a team led by Peyton Manning.
    No surprise there.

    Lovie has grown as a coach. It’s clear that his former “defense only” posture isn’t the case anymore. Although some fans are a little dense about that FACT and would prefer to hire some washed up WR’s, DE’s and CB’s. UH, we tried that and it didn’t work. OK..??

    Can anyone honestly say we haven’t had a string of bad luck with injuries that would have made the difference in several games..??

    Some fans believe in MAGIC. Those are the fans that nit-pick McCoy’s every play and are looking for him to make every tackle on every snap and rack-up at least 1-sack per passing play. Really..??

    Stats are BS..!! The only stat that counts are W/L. Again, considering the talent we have and injuries we’ve suffered, we are what the record says we are.

    Brighter days ahead..!!

    Go Bucs..!!

  46. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    tmaxcon

    We need to go back to a simple 4-3 over (base defense)
    This will allow our players to play fast and physical.
    Parlay- that with hiring best defensive backs coaches money can buy.
    So that U can Incorporate an aggressive Cover 4 scheme on the backend.

    Remember this is the same defense that Schiano was trying to install.
    Its the same defense Jimmy Johnson used in Miami & Dallas.
    Same Defense Pat Narduzzi, used with the Spartans.

  47. 813bucboi Says:

    a lot of people on here are hilarious and don’t know football…if we cant get any pressure on the qb with 4dlinemen people say blitz…but when you blitz the dbs are on their own…we don’t have the talent to play man or the talent to generate pressure with 4dlinemen…even when we blitz it doesn’t work because the dlinemen are getting blocked or the dbs are getting beat…lovies defense is based on the dlinemen and dbs working hand in hand…get pressure on the qb with 4linemen and tight coverage with the dbs and magic will happen…qb will hold the ball which will result in him getting sacked or forcing him to rush or double clutch a pass into tight coverage that will result in an int or pass defended..its nothing wrong with the defense or lovie its the talent lovie has on defense that is the problem…the defense has no batman only a couple of robins…@bucsrealist..lovie getting clowney would be huge…the Texans are clearly using this kid the wrong way…clowney needs to do 2 things to be great and that’s sack the qb and play the run which he is doing very well this year…the Texans have him dropping into coverage, covering rbs and te’s…that would be a win win in my eyes..tell him to go get the qb and don’t worry about anything else…I would love to see licht get m.bennett, bruce irving from the seahwks or clowney…we need a true batman on the defense because McCoy and david are just robins…GO BUCS!!!

  48. 813bucboi Says:

    @mo_downs…completely agree…GO BUCS!!!

  49. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    Screw Cover 2

    I see way too Much Passive A$$ Cover 3.

    U play to your talents strengths – Not weaknesses

  50. BrooklynBucsFan Says:

    I agree, the D doesn’t have the talent yet. McCoy needs another threat next to him, then we’ll start to see this D work. Obviously L&L had a plan to build the offense because they knew that they could get Winston or Mariotta in year two. Next season they’ll draft D hard and we’ll see a much improved team. Also, these guys playing now will make for excellent and experienced depth because of this year and last year. I personally like the plan they’ve executed to build this team and expect that we’ll compete for the playoffs starting next year. I also think that we’ll still finish with 6-7 wins this year and I’ll be cool with that. Go Bucs!!

  51. Johnny "America's Commenter" Dejay Says:

    If GMC was frustrated by the Giants last week, just wait until he faces the Cowboys this week. He’s going to get manhandled by single linemen and nobody is going to help him up after he gets knocked down. That offensive line is talented and nasty.