Feeling The Beast
August 12th, 2016
Gerald McCoy talked to Joe after the Bucs’ dominant showing along the defensive line
Gerald McCoy talked to Joe in the bowels of Lincoln Financial Field tonight, and the subject was the Bucs’ fierce pass rush and four first-half sacks.
McCoy was his usual disruptive self in this game, but what was different was what was happening around him.
Robert Ayers was a beast, Dirk Koetter even said so in his postgame news conference, and there were more beastly contributors.
Joe wanted to know if McCoy felt the beasting around him — for a change.
“It felt great, man,” McCoy said. “It felt like, because you know, you see times out there where I be taking on these two guys. But you take on two guys now and you’re not worried because now you start hearing, ‘Awww, yeah!’ It’s like, ‘Oh, shoot. Let’s go.’
“When that happens, you don’t even really care about the pressure you get and what you’re doing. I’m just out there trying to go out there and do my job. And everybody else do their job, and that’s the result, I love it.”
Yes, as Joe wrote earlier, the Bucs really breathed on quarterbacks Thursday night. It was undeniable, from Ayers to Jacquies Smith to Howard Jones and Akeem Spence and Clinton McDonald, who picked up a coverage sack.
August 12th, 2016 at 12:04 am
Waiting for the criticism of McCoy that he didn’t have any 4th quarter sacks tonight.
August 12th, 2016 at 12:17 am
LOL Hawaiian
August 12th, 2016 at 12:28 am
We looked good tonight without Gholston… I want Gholston around, but if he wants anything near the contract Mailk Jackson got this offseason you can say bye bye next year.
August 12th, 2016 at 12:36 am
So glad Spawn fell to us,that young man is going to be a star. I’ll add this about GMC when he wants to be unstoppable he is unstoppable.
August 12th, 2016 at 2:00 am
The only bad thing about the dlines performance today is that if they keep going like that coach hayes is going to quickly enter the conversation for head coaching gigs at the end of the season.
August 12th, 2016 at 3:12 am
D looked good
Special teams not special
I am hopeful
August 12th, 2016 at 3:19 am
If you watched from the position of the fan you can find a number of things that we need to work on. Which should help some realize the importance of pre season. I watched mainly from the position of looking at what our most glaring weakness was last season. “Pass Rush”… In my opinion two things travel #1 a run blocking O line #2 a pass rushing D line. I posed the question yesterday”how many elite QBs are on our scedule”. From the sample I watched tonight we will be well equipped at rushing the QB and covering ends down field. My opinion is if you are not a top notch QB you are going struggle with this defense.
August 12th, 2016 at 3:22 am
Birdman I want Gholston around big time. Not only does he play the run better than any of our DEs, but we’ll desperately need him inside at times as part of our DT rotation. Will’s a beast, and he’ll only continue to get better.
August 12th, 2016 at 3:27 am
Also wanna add many on this site are too caught up on sacks. Its about that constant pressure that effects a QB. That dude could fell Spawn everytime he dropped back man.
August 12th, 2016 at 3:30 am
@NoS-BoS … “My opinion is if you are not a top notch QB you are going struggle with this defense.” Right with you on that one. Secondary looks much improved and LB play looked solid for the most part. Starting DLine showed it can get after the QB now, but wasn’t impressed by its run-stopping ability, early-on especially. Overall though I think our defense looks definitely improved over last year.
August 12th, 2016 at 6:01 am
All I know is, Ayers looks like a great UFA pick up. love his nasty side, and his versatility is terrific as well. I also notice how the secondary is also much improved. This could be a big leap for the D under coach M Smith.
August 12th, 2016 at 6:56 am
Is Ayers the new “Hardy?” Nickerson came in and totally changed the attitude of the defense. Seems like Ayers may be having a similar impact. I’ll reserve judgment until the real games, but this looks like a great signing.
August 12th, 2016 at 7:03 am
It does law. He looked naturally pissed off like g e stated. I was pleased with what I seen from that unit all night long. Looking like Hayes was the next best addition. The reserves were quite effective as well.
August 12th, 2016 at 7:32 am
another player on defense that flashed was Howard Jones.With all our DE’s,
it will be tough to decide who to keep.
August 12th, 2016 at 9:10 am
That line looked terrifying last night!! Absolutely love it!! I think this defense is gonna suprise alot of ppl around the league this year, and if that happens along with Jaboo leading the way on the other side, this team has the potential to make sum serious noise. I’m VERY excited for the regular season.
#the best has yet to come. #hope your ready Carolina Panzies. We coming back for our crown.
August 12th, 2016 at 9:23 am
Howard Jones is a keeper yo.
August 12th, 2016 at 10:23 am
The goalline def MUST improve! I guess I’m the only one that saw Philly run right through gmc’s gap, twice, then Matthews ran over Conte for the score.
If you’re not going to hold the point of attack them what’s the point?
August 12th, 2016 at 10:26 am
I guess I wasn’t the only one.
“Too easy up the gut, Bucs.” – @joebucsfan
August 12th, 2016 at 1:38 pm
@DB55- It was duly noted. I did not like those big gashing runs. That Conte was in on the tackle means the RB got by 2 levels of the D, and right up the gut.
We’re probably nit-picking a bit. It wasn’t all bad. Seeing them get that pressure was refreshing.
August 12th, 2016 at 4:16 pm
Let’s give some(a lot) credit to new defensive line coach Jay Hayes. Everywhere he’s been his D line ranks atop of the league. He is just a tremendous teacher and motivator. I was ecstatic when I heard the team signed him. Kudos to the players for buying into his system. I’m really liking a lot what I’m seeing so far
August 12th, 2016 at 5:13 pm
D line looked great.
Special teams looked special needs
Dbacks looked sharp…
Nice to see pressure from the front four…frees up Mike Smith to really get creative!
August 14th, 2016 at 9:00 am
A lot of work to do still ,that’s why there is pre season.. But love what I seen from the DLine. They look fast. GMac may finally has some help. Also like how Dirk uses the screenplay. His play caller is great. As so in Mike Smith D. I’m excited for the season go Bucs