A Student Of Gerald McCoy
March 16th, 2016
New veteran Bucs defensive end Robert Ayers talks about Gerald McCoy
Class was in session and Gerald McCoy didn’t even know it.
The McCoy bashers won’t like this.
The Bucs’ new free agent defensive end, the guy hoping to obliterate the Scroll of Shame, is a nearly 31-year-old savvy NFL veteran. Robert Ayers had 9.5 sacks last season and has played seven seasons.
And he invests considerable time studying the technique of Gerald McCoy.
Without being asked, Ayers referenced McCoy twice in the first five minutes of his introductory conference call this afternoon with Tampa Bay media. One reference included Ayers saying that he watches film of McCoy. Of course, Joe had to follow up for more. Was Ayers studying McCoy deeply and looking for secrets to success, or was he just a fan from afar?
Ayers ripped off a very long, detailed answer about how he studies every last aspect of McCoy’s game, from hand placement to moves and more. And Ayers is a big fan, and he can’t wait to play alongside McCoy and talk shop with him in meetings.
Keep in mind Ayers is known for his versatility, and a chunk of his sacks last year came while rushing inside.
Funny. Joe never recalls Michael “Ghost” Johnson talking about such precision dedication to his craft.
Joe will bring more detail from Ayers later today.
March 16th, 2016 at 12:40 pm
Like what I hear about RA
March 16th, 2016 at 12:43 pm
I’ve never been a McCoy basher.
I think McCoy showed true grit playing thru injury last year.
This is a pretty cool tidbit and gives some insight into how Licht gets guys who will help the team chemistry.
March 16th, 2016 at 12:49 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised when it’s all said and done that McCoy’s “body of work” is comparable to that of Suh’s….rooting for 93 to keep improving.
March 16th, 2016 at 1:07 pm
McCoy’s “body of work” is already comparable (e.g., both went to four Pro Bowls). Or are you comparing Suh’s head-stomping vs. McCoy’s helping opposing players up? Not to mention his injuries the first two years and playing hurt this year. Really? Not comparable?
March 16th, 2016 at 1:35 pm
This is very insightful.
Good stuff Joe – you are becoming more and more like a legit media outlet every day. But with a “bad boys” kind of rep. LOL Gotta Love it. Keep up the good work!
March 16th, 2016 at 1:38 pm
What does Miko think?
March 16th, 2016 at 1:45 pm
Miko thinks McCoy better get some grit or split….winners aren’t happy after losses, and helping people up off the turf after every play…
March 16th, 2016 at 1:55 pm
Of course he studied tape on McCoy he wants to learn what NOT to do.
March 16th, 2016 at 1:59 pm
I hope Ayers plays every down and is part of this team.
McCoy needs to be a part of the team and accept his role..
Sack A Bit%$ every once and awhile
March 16th, 2016 at 2:36 pm
He must only watch highlites and not the entire game
March 16th, 2016 at 2:51 pm
Not getting caught up in this crap did you hire him to play DE or DT. The Bucs have enough of those guys who can play inside and out, but can you put pressure on the QB on first and second and not only on 3rd down passing plays.
March 16th, 2016 at 3:08 pm
Ravens released Will Hill, could be good to take a look. He’d probably be cheap as the Ravens are still paying him guaranteed money.
March 16th, 2016 at 3:28 pm
Mebbe this guy will take some pressure off GMC so he can play a full 16 games free of pain. I’m sure M Smith knows what he’s doing. Go Bucs!!
March 16th, 2016 at 3:42 pm
why would a de be studying a dt?….licht is some gm…..GO BUCS!!!
March 16th, 2016 at 4:03 pm
A DE would study a DT for a variety of reasons. Please tell me that the vast majority of Bucs fans aren’t this ignorant. How about studying moves, knowing what the DT will do so as a DE you can complement that. I could go on and on.
March 16th, 2016 at 4:21 pm
Cmurda they are that ignorant. They think McCoy “needs to get a sack once and a while” he’s top 3 in sacks among dt’s every year. If someone isn’t Lawrence Taylor on this site it’s not good enough. But don’t worry my brother told me every fanbase is like this
March 16th, 2016 at 4:23 pm
McCoy played through a LOT of pain and discomfort last season. The guy should benefit greatly form having some help off the edge.
Hopefully Bosa falls to the bucs….Hopefully there is someone WORTH taking at 9 that is an edge rusher
March 16th, 2016 at 4:31 pm
Playing with a torn rotator cuff is no easy task……and YES, #93 did make tackles and get sacks, pressure etc. while he endured the pain and PLAYED.
March 16th, 2016 at 4:56 pm
Let’s hope for the best.
March 16th, 2016 at 5:13 pm
I am a big McCoy fan!! He has dominated games for the Bucs (see Matt Ryan) better than anybody since the glory days. The Bucs have never given him another member on the line that could dominate which he needs. Find a way to add a legit player in the draft anywhere on the line that can generate pass rush (who wouldn’t love Aaron Donald right now)! Add Robert Ayers to McDonald and Gholston and Smith and let’s go to war!!
March 16th, 2016 at 5:40 pm
@ghost of S.
absolutely right.Lovie did McCoy no favor by playing him. It won’t heal on the field.My friend had that surgery and after 7 months he was still in a lot of pain and said he would never do it again.
March 16th, 2016 at 6:44 pm
They are amazing fans. McCoy plays through injuries and they want to get rid of him. ASJ gets hurt twice in his young career and they want him gone and call him a punk a$$ bi#%€! Mike Evans drops a few passes and we need a new receiver. They watch all those ESPN highlights and think every player must play mistake free.
March 16th, 2016 at 7:04 pm
Much, much love to my boy DB, but outside of him all I can say is that Every person that gets paid to analyze football, along with Every person that gets paid to Play the Game has nothing but mad respect for him. They all put him as Top 3 minimum at his position. To not respect the guy because he is a Christian, helps opposing players up after the play is dead, or because he likes Ice Cream is just………………………..well…………silly.
March 16th, 2016 at 7:33 pm
So how about that other article joe?
March 16th, 2016 at 7:44 pm
i was always very happy to sign Ayers. But i am even more excited the more i hear stuff like this. He is a true craftsman of his trade. No he isnt the best guy out there. But he is dedicated to his position and has passion for the game. This is exactly the type of guy we need on this team.
March 16th, 2016 at 8:04 pm
I’m not the biggest McCoy fan, but I’m not going to bash him. He’s led the Bucs in Sacks the last 3-4 years. Sure he gets paid a lot, but he is a top 3 DT. It’s not his fault nobody else takes advantage of his dbl teams. Bowers. A. Slowborne, A. Spence, and even C. McDonald rarely take advantage of the presence of McCoy. Only J. Smith takes advantage of the opportunity when he is healthy. Now McCoy only has a few years left. Time to bring in some talent that will actually sack the QB.
March 16th, 2016 at 9:38 pm
We have to get 93 his 97
March 16th, 2016 at 10:03 pm
Ayers is no spring chicken and has one 9 sack year. I’ll jump on his bandwagon after we see results on the field. Until then he is like the red shirted crew members (disposable) on Star Trek. Just like the last two years of DE free agents.
March 16th, 2016 at 10:33 pm
Hey Robert Ayers! I can help you speed up the film study. First, take any meaningful play and toss it. Watching that will only result in regression of your game. Also, do not .. I repeat do not watch anything pre or post game. Technique is one thing but leadership look elsewhere. I would recommend anything Jameis. Also, if you and your line mates get your arses kicked in the last game of the season by a division rival, it would also be helpful if you pretend to not see see the grand ole time your leader or whatever is having with fellow line mates. Good Luck!
March 16th, 2016 at 11:54 pm
I like this signing a lot, just as long as he’s not forced to play the outside every game!
That’s just political jargon, talking about McCoy. 93 literally vanishes from games, and gets single teamed.
I’m going to laugh when they both are playing DT, and Ayers is eating up the double teams.
March 17th, 2016 at 12:38 am
Hey Ayers,
I guess the bigger question is what kind of ice cream do you like? Aunt Geraldine has you covered. #softserve
March 17th, 2016 at 4:23 am
Stop all the talk about Robert Ayers not being able to produce at the DE position. Seven of his nine and a half sacks were from the outside DE position. I can’t wait to see him lined up at both the inside and outside positions next to Gerold McCoy. McCoy was limited most of the time last year and it effected his entire game. He is going to play like he did at the beginning of last year. He was dominating in both run defense and creating havoc in the pocket. If we end up drafting DT Sheldon Rankins in the first round we are going to give McCoy the support he needs to be the player we all know he is. Rankins is considered to have elite potential who has a deadly arsenal of rushing moves along with his quick get off the line should be something to watch. This is why I like the Robert Ayers signing. Sheldon Rankins on the inside of McCoy and Robert Ayers on the outside. Who are you not going to double team? Get my point.
March 17th, 2016 at 6:37 am
Sorry but your smoking something if u think G-MAC isn’t a top 3 DT. He single Handley gets 9 sacks a yr all by himself and being dbl teamed at the same time. You ppl don’t appreciate or recognize a good DT if one bit u in the @$$!!! See what G-MAC does one he has a DE that can actually rush th Passer and take sum pressure of him. Maybe u ppl will realize how valuable and talented he was once he’s gone and we have a no name @ DT. Some of you ppl need to hear the sonic boom and pull your head outta your @$$.
March 17th, 2016 at 2:26 pm
@cmurda…your statement is only valid if they were teammates….he just became gmc’s teammate…now if he was a full time dt then that would make sense…I doubt watt studies suh or vice versa…GO BUCS!!!!