No More “Stepchild” Says Clinton McDonald
July 21st, 2016
Optimism reigns this time of year for all NFL teams, but it’s a very different kind of vibe in Tampa.
The Bucs officially have finished in last place for the past five seasons, a feat unique since the NFL-AFL merger many generations ago.
Defensive tackle Clinton McDonald is acutely aware of this phenomenon. He’s been with the Bucs for two seasons after being a key piece to Seattle’s Super Bowl victory in February 2014.
McDonald joined host Wess Moore of Fox Sports Radio Arkansas yesterday and was asked whether he sees similarities between the 2016 Bucs and those 2013 Seahawks.
“I mean, you can always notice talent on all 32 teams. It’s always talent out there. Talent in the NFL is kind of evenly distributed,” McDonald said. “But one thing I’ve noticed is the attitude of getting tired of losing, getting tired of being last and being kind of like a stepchild in the South Division in the NFC. So we’re getting together collectively as a unit and saying, ‘You know, we’re tired of being in last place. We’re tired of being the pushover. It’s time for us to make our mark and to take our step in order for us to be a competitor and eventually [earn] a championship in this division.'”
Yes, the Bucs needed an attitude overhaul.
America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, said it best during his press conference after last season’s finale. If you forgot his telling and emotional outburst, here’s the link. Grab a cold one and enjoy.
July 21st, 2016 at 10:02 am
You might also want to find a way to stay on the field, or it will be your last chance as a Buc!!!! The 2017 season for CM98 will be his 8th with no guaranteed money!!! Trying to turn the Backup DT for Seattle into a starter in Tampa has largely failed, and this is his last chance!!!!!!
July 21st, 2016 at 10:08 am
What are you talking about realist? Yes he’s been injured too often but when he’s on the field our line does much better.
July 21st, 2016 at 10:59 am
Clinton mcD is a beast
July 21st, 2016 at 11:26 am
Last place for five seasons in a row… damn, miserable time flies.
July 21st, 2016 at 11:30 am
@buccfan37
It could have been worse, it would have been Seven seasons in a row, if Carolina did not tank the 2010 season for the #1 overall draft pick!!!!!
July 21st, 2016 at 11:33 am
Don’t agree ,when macdonald was in d line was less effective stopping run and McCoy could be freed up to disrupt .given that that both d tackles are in 7th year I believe it would be smart to plan for future.
July 21st, 2016 at 11:36 am
Typo d line was more effective.
July 21st, 2016 at 11:50 am
I really have an issue with you using the word “more effective” to describe the Bucs D-line!!! Maybe something like ” less atrocious ” would be more appropriate!!!! I know that the game plans were as equivalent of a week 1 preseason game and the D-line was largely isolated by the incompetent one!!!
July 21st, 2016 at 11:59 am
YYYYYYYAAAAAAWWWWWNNNNN!😴
July 21st, 2016 at 12:03 pm
The obsessed Lovie troll Buc Realist speaks!
July 21st, 2016 at 2:11 pm
Having better talent all around the D is going to help this d-line. Anyone who does not think that adding D. Smith, Ayers, and Grimes automatically makes our line better is not watching a lot of football. There has to be trust that if someone pushes past the play that someone else will be there to pick it up. This team has more talent than last year’s squad.
I like McD. I think he’ll benefit from having the extra talent and likely, more rotation.
July 21st, 2016 at 2:53 pm
Cellar dwellers thanks to Lovie and Toes on the line.
July 21st, 2016 at 3:45 pm
Yes, sir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s already started since Jameis vowed for a new attitude post-panthers game debacle. The new mindset officially starts on 9-11!!!!!!!!!!
July 21st, 2016 at 6:11 pm
Our DT’s weren’t the issue when healthy. Our DE’s inconsistent play and our corners atrocious performance was the problem. If they can stay healthy with our new additions in both the secondary and DE position we should at the very least be 8-8/9-7 next year. No doubt about it! Go Bucs
July 22nd, 2016 at 4:33 pm
Just rewatched that press conference and had a thought… at what point does Jameis go to Coach Koetter or Jason Licht and say hey coach with all due respect but this guy(insert name) just does not get it and does not have what it takes to win?