Gerald McCoy Suggests Pass Rush Coaching Could Be An Issue
December 8th, 2025
Retired Bucs Pro Bowl DT Gerald McCoy.
The Buccaneers’ biggest cheerleader, and a six-time Pro Bowler for Tampa Bay, is like a lot of Bucs fans.
Gerald McCoy is having flashbacks to the Bucs of The Lost Decade, a team that collectively didn’t know how to win.
He told the Buccaneers Radio Network this evening that he’s seeing a team that’s slowly slipping out of the culture that Tom Brady delivered to the team.
One big issue, per McCoy, is the pass rush. As Bucs fans know too well, offenses usually smile when Tampa Bay lines up four men to get after their quarterback.
Interestingly, McCoy was confident the Bucs have talent up front to be better rushing with four.
“Our Achilles heel all year to me has been being able to put pressure on the quarterback with just four,” McCoy said. “And it’s not that we don’t have the guys.
“I don’t know if it’s not being coached properly; these guys are not taking the information in and applying it. I don’t know what it is. But we have the guys up front to win with four. But when you can’t get pressure with four and you have to blitz all the time, it’s tough on the back end and it puts a lot of pressure on the back end.”
Very intriguing comments from McCoy. He thinks the Bucs’ pass rush talent is underperforming while many fans feel the problem is more a lack of talent.
On Thursday, pass rushing gets easier, in theory, against completely immobile Kirk Cousins.
December 8th, 2025 at 7:48 pm
Looking at the picture I was worried they resigned Gerald McCoy as well.
December 8th, 2025 at 7:51 pm
Agreed!!! It would be doing your job to try new coaches until one works. JPP might step in as the best pass rusher currently on the team!
December 8th, 2025 at 7:55 pm
It was interesting to hear the details he was explaining about Cullens coaching of the D Line and what he said about Schiano
December 8th, 2025 at 7:57 pm
😂😂😂😂😂
Thanks for the photo
I needed a belly laugh….
December 8th, 2025 at 7:57 pm
Here’s an idea… if you can’t get pressure with 4 – then send 5. Then again the Bucs literally play a base 5-2 defense, so they should be sending at least 5 on every play. The times the defense has had success is when they’re creative with the blitzes, which doesn’t mean dropping Vita into coverage, or blitzing a safety who is 15 yards deep at the snap – it means doing things like having both inside LB’s twist on blitz, overloading a side, etc. Also it helps when your not playing that God awful zone where people just stand around 15 yards down the field – when you do that, it lets the opposing QB off the hook every time, since regardless of pressure, the QBs always have someone open to throw to because of the huge passing windows built into Bowles awful version of zone defense.
Here’s the plan – play aggressive man defense. The few times this year that they’ve done that, that’s when they’ve got sacks and turnovers and limited points. And I don’t care at all about giving up a couple of big plays in a game if it comes with turnovers and stops and limiting the points scored.
At the same time, yesterday the defense gave up 260 yards, got 3 sacks and a turnover – gave the ball to Baker with 2 minutes left and a chance to win the game. Additionally the three TDs the Saints got, they scored from the Saints 47, the Bucs 48, and the Bucs 46 – the Saints on the day only scored 3 points on what would be considered a normal drive, and even that one they started from the Saints 39. The idea that the Bucs defense was the problem yesterday is fake news.
December 8th, 2025 at 8:02 pm
I actually agree with McCoy, a little. I think our coaching is holding back our pass rushers from evolving. From what I’ve seen, Yaya has tremendous upside, just needs to fine tune some things. How many times has this guy gotten close to sack the quarterback, but misses by a hair. That’s something that can be fixed with coaching, but evidently, it’s not being addressed. This guy was so dominant his rookie year in what little playtime he got, so to not see him evolve is shocking.
December 8th, 2025 at 8:03 pm
A little off topic, but if the Steelers were to part ways with Tomlin, and the Bucs let Bowles go, would the fans want Tomlin as their new head coach?
December 8th, 2025 at 8:10 pm
The pass rush coaching could be an issue…….
You don’t say???!!
These are pearls of wisdom from an absolute genius.
I would never have come up with this on my own, that’s for sure.
LMFAO!!!! Fire Bowles now!!!
December 8th, 2025 at 8:11 pm
@ Show Me the TDs
No.
December 8th, 2025 at 8:16 pm
Wow, I’m shocked to hear that Bowles just shuffling around his defensive assistants in the offseason didn’t have the desired results. Who woulda thunk?!
This team lives in a soft, insulated, nerf bubble. Have the guts to try something new.
December 8th, 2025 at 8:21 pm
@Joes:
With JPP and #97 do you think the Bucs from Past are gonna be our Christmas Miracles? I do. I do believe that our champions can come in and kick some attitudes into gear. Hell bring them all in to coach up, let JPP play. The team needs something. Reddick is a wasted game day spot.
December 8th, 2025 at 8:22 pm
Ol Whoopie McGoldberg just can’t keep his big azz gummed mouth shut can she?
December 8th, 2025 at 8:22 pm
Pass rush coaching?? Yea ok. I got a question, what pass rusher that struggled with the bucs, has went on to another team and played well with different coaching? I’ll wait….. exactly.. picking kyle trask instead of a pass rusher, picking kicking and punters instead of pass rushers, picking a freakinv wr, instead of a pass rusher… picking a tight end in round 1 instead of a pass rusher… logan hall good run stuffer, but a round 1 run stuffer at defensive end.. really? Hey lets pick a DB out of notre dame with injury history, instead of picking a pass rusher… how long are we gonna let jason licht hang on to the side of the tom brady boat?’
December 8th, 2025 at 8:25 pm
Suit up WARREN SAPP/ We need you.
December 8th, 2025 at 8:29 pm
Gerald a pressure is as good as a sack ? Gerald you had HOF talent and you never finished hard !! Team Film 🎥 poison !! ice cream trucks don’t build defensive lineman, but it sure softens your coaches toward you 🤡
December 8th, 2025 at 8:29 pm
Man walks on moon
December 8th, 2025 at 8:34 pm
It’s scheme as well and starts with our DC
December 8th, 2025 at 8:34 pm
Maybe they sign Simeon rice next lol at least hire him as a coach
December 8th, 2025 at 8:35 pm
Hopefully Todd can turn this ship around
December 8th, 2025 at 8:39 pm
If only Simeon was younger lol.
After losing Walker for the season, as well as not seeing Braswell shock the world until, thought and hoped this would come to fruition.
Bcuz #5 just here for that 12 milli
December 8th, 2025 at 8:42 pm
Hilarious😂
December 8th, 2025 at 8:43 pm
Everything is an issue, its over already….until todd is gone its the same old bs every week! Lucky at the first of the season because of Baket…..cant do last minute comebacks ever game.
Just give it up and fire that inept soulless pos already!
December 8th, 2025 at 8:47 pm
Besides Vea, tell me who from the front 7 could go out in free agency and get mid to upper tier money?
December 8th, 2025 at 9:03 pm
FloridahoBuc21:
Joe has significantly more faith in Reddick than JPP.
December 8th, 2025 at 9:03 pm
It’s actually 14 mil Simeon. Fun fact we have only lost 2 games with him in the lineup the other 4 he was hurt and did not play.Pretty sure &e is not the problem.
December 8th, 2025 at 9:11 pm
Waterboy Says:
December 8th, 2025 at 8:47 pm
Besides Vea, tell me who from the front 7 could go out in free agency and get mid to upper tier money?
———
Yaya would get a huge payday.
December 8th, 2025 at 9:30 pm
JPP has been honing his coverage skills.
Hope they rip that #90 off that worthless sack of s*^t Logan Hall.
This is embarrassing.
December 8th, 2025 at 9:32 pm
No one on the current Bucs team scared anyone. Offense, defense, special teams, no one. The rot is deep. Jason drafts players as per Todd’s needs. Todd likes them lethargic, nice and not willing to hurt anyone. Other teams will bite your off your ear given a chance. Not Todd’s players. Todd wants opposing players to enjoy their visit to Tampa. Five a two win team a burst of pride. That’s Todd in a nut shell. Win without hurting anyone’s feelings or lose, he still gets paid.
December 8th, 2025 at 9:35 pm
@Rod Munch
That would surprise me but should have a chance to see this offseason. I think we as Bucs fans have overhyped some of these draft picks. I see Yaya as average at best.
December 8th, 2025 at 9:35 pm
If anyone knows about soft defense it would be McCoy.
December 8th, 2025 at 9:36 pm
Who on this team would start for any other team with a winning record? No one. Todd’s personality and coaching has destroyed or will destroy any one with competitive zeal. Todd is who he is.
December 8th, 2025 at 9:39 pm
Tampa – Bay
Logan Hall – sucks
Bucs Season – Garbage
December 8th, 2025 at 9:53 pm
Waterboy Says:
December 8th, 2025 at 9:35 pm
@Rod Munch
That would surprise me but should have a chance to see this offseason. I think we as Bucs fans have overhyped some of these draft picks. I see Yaya as average at best.
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Yaya is in his 3rd year, not 4th, so he’s back here next year.
Also, go listen to podcasts from other teams with players and scouts, the one pass rusher they always rave about is Yaya, they always say his tape looks fantastic – the issue, as pointed out a million times, is Bowles playing his trash super soft coverage, which always leaves guys wide open, so even if Yaya gets there, the QB always has someone to throw it to.
December 8th, 2025 at 9:55 pm
Rod Munch Says:
December 8th, 2025 at 7:57 pm
Here’s the plan – play aggressive man defense. The few times this year that they’ve done that, that’s when they’ve got sacks and turnovers and limited points. And I don’t care at all about giving up a couple of big plays in a game if it comes with turnovers and stops and limiting the points scored.
At the same time, yesterday the defense gave up 260 yards, got 3 sacks and a turnover – gave the ball to Baker with 2 minutes left and a chance to win the game. Additionally the three TDs the Saints got, they scored from the Saints 47, the Bucs 48, and the Bucs 46 – the Saints on the day only scored 3 points on what would be considered a normal drive, and even that one they started from the Saints 39. The idea that the Bucs defense was the problem yesterday is fake news.
You are spot on with the man defense instead of the worthless zone.
As to your point on the defense who’s fault was it they started drives at the 50 yard line?
Maybe Todd going for it at 4th and one when the offensive line were second or third team offensive linemen?
December 8th, 2025 at 10:03 pm
It all boils down to Todd being the ‘Colin Robinson’ of the Bucs. The reference is clearly to the energy sapper on ‘what we do in the shadows’.
December 8th, 2025 at 10:06 pm
I’ll take Tomlin,in a heartbeat, at lest he will make these so called six captains, that we have accountable. What a joke, six captains on one football team…..and we still don’t have any leadership! Let’s Go Bucs!!!
December 8th, 2025 at 10:10 pm
How can you rush the passer when you have to be thinking where you are supposed to drop back in coverage?
Bowles defense stinks because he doesn’t let players focus on one thing and do it to their utmost.
Also, the line is missing Kancey, Reddick (although probably a bust), and David “That’s How You Win a Super Bowl” Walker. In a unit without much depth to start with, and taking a chance on an overaged pass rusher that failed miserably in New York in Reddick, Kancey getting injured was one of the worst things that could have happened to the defense.
On top of a bad coordinator with a bad scheme. And an inside linebacker in Dennis who has no idea where he should be, and a money-struck what seems to be a loafer in McCollum now.
December 8th, 2025 at 10:20 pm
GMac was softest of the soft while he was a Buc yet even he has more heart and pride than a majority of the defensive starters who apparently are gassed and mailing it in.
December 8th, 2025 at 10:22 pm
Todd’s not comfortable with top position coaches. He’s worried they will make him look bad or steal his job. Pathetic.
December 8th, 2025 at 10:23 pm
Pass rush coach, the special teams coach, linebackers coach, defensive coordinator, offensive coordinator, head coach…
December 8th, 2025 at 10:35 pm
Water is wet McCoy.
December 8th, 2025 at 10:36 pm
This team is so f****d when Gerald is the smartest man in the room.
December 8th, 2025 at 10:37 pm
Todd is the Energy Vampire!
Well said
December 8th, 2025 at 10:55 pm
seriously what QB are you going to meet deep in the playoffs who won’t beat the rush with the way we cover?
yes we need pass rush but I sure would like to see the numbers on coverage sacks.
December 8th, 2025 at 11:13 pm
DION SANDERS FOR HC!!! He will bring tbe fire , the swag and hold the team accountable. Paid him Brian Daboll for OC. Other options are steve spagnuolo or Jim Swartz !
December 8th, 2025 at 11:49 pm
If MVP Baker doesn’t choke yesterday with the game on the line, then the Bucs and Eagles would have the same record right now, and people would be feeling a whole lot better about things.
December 8th, 2025 at 11:54 pm
Your defense on Sunday gave up 260 yards, got a turnover and 3 sacks. Your rushing game had 179 yards on the ground.
The passing game meanwhile was 14/30, 122 yards passing with an INT.
There’s a reason the Bucs lost on Sunday, and if there’s a bit of honesty inside of you, you know why.
December 9th, 2025 at 12:05 am
JPP! Enough said, welcome back!! Go Bucs!!
December 9th, 2025 at 1:51 am
DO NOT RESPOND TO THE TROLL ROD MUNCH
He’ll go away eventually. Do not engage. Troll bait
December 9th, 2025 at 1:54 am
buccintimeforchanges Says:
December 9th, 2025 at 1:51 am
DO NOT RESPOND TO THE TROLL ROD MUNCH
He’ll go away eventually. Do not engage. Troll bait
———–
Let me guess, you were the first person to chant MVP in week 6 – am I right? As if being MVP in week 6 means anything.
Anywho, if Baker is the MVP, then why wouldn’t you want him to have the ball in his hands with the game on the line?
If you think 122 yards passing with an INT is good enough to win in the NFL in 2025, then you’re dumber than you look (I assume you look very dumb, to be clear).
The fate of the team is in Baker’s hands, if he heats up these last four games, and he catches fire in the playoffs, then he’ll be here for a long time. If he puts up a couple more games like yesterday, then we’ll just be in a holding pattern for next year as we do it all again, and maybe we get ‘healthy’ Baker for a few weeks, before ‘injured’ Baker takes over.
December 9th, 2025 at 2:18 am
munch=troll
do not engage
ignore and he’ll go away
December 9th, 2025 at 8:05 am
Pass rush coaching? Ya think??
December 9th, 2025 at 9:26 am
Pass rush coaching may be a problem. Special Teams coaching may be a problem. Offensive line coaching may be a problem. Defensive scheme may be a problem. Defensive play calling may be a problem. Offensive play calling may be a problem. HEAD COACHING IS A PROBLEM!
December 9th, 2025 at 10:12 am
Wow. really. You don’t say. Huh I wonder what blind death and dead person did not see that coming. Pass rushers come to Tampa to die. The longer we go with the Bowles regime the worse it gets. There is a reason why our offensive coordinators have received head coaching jobs. They were successful despite a Todd Bowles-engineered defence. I have not seen any other NFL team try to emulate Todd Bowles’ style of defense. It does not work. Todd Bowles’ rationale is to be irrational with his approach to catching the offense off guard. Todd Bowles needs to go. Todd might be a good position coach but he is not a coordinator, let alone a head coach.
December 9th, 2025 at 11:46 am
Radio taking all that fire and accountability Brady brought over and flushing it!!!
I know nothing is going happen in season but he cannot be back next year