While Gerald McCoy has personally improved in each of the past three seasons, his team has regressed.
Frustrating as that is for an organization – failing to capitalize on having a dominant defensive tackle – it’s also starting to affect McCoy. Now entering his sixth season, the Pro Bowler and leader of the defense feels the urgency to win.
“
When I was young I was allowed to be young… well, not really, but I was young,” McCoy said. “I’m not there anymore now that I’m going into my sixth year, and I truly believe this team will only go as far as I go. When you have a dominant guy in the middle, it helps everything around him, which is the defense.”
McCoy has a unique ability as the three-technique to control the front four’s success. And for a defense that’s predicated on the pass rush, his dominance can go a long way in making the Buccaneers a top unit.
“Most of these teams that are winning, they usually have a great defense,” McCoy said. “That’s another reason why I had to come in in great shape. There’s really no more talking that needs to be done.”
After three consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl and back-to-back years of eight-plus sacks, the 27-year old would like to add playoffs to his rèsumè.
“I’m going into my sixth year and haven’t been to the playoffs,” McCoy said. “Enough is enough. I definitely feel the urgency and it’s time to get it done.”
