McCoy..... "people are saying we’re only beating teams that are struggling"

michael89156 · 2013-12-15T08:03:39Z

For Bucs, beating 49ers would make statementMason Foster (59) and the Bucs are looking to validate their recent strong play with a win against San Francisco. CLIFF MCBRIDE/STAFF By Roy Cummings | Tribune Staff Published: December 15, 2013 at 12:32 AMTAMPA — The NFL does not grade on a curve. A victory against a team near the top of the standings doesn’t count for more than a victory against a team near the bottom.But just try telling that to some of the game’s most ardent fans and analysts.Shoot, try telling it to some of the game’s most seasoned veterans — such as linebacker Adam Hayward.In his seventh season, Hayward is one of the senior statesmen in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ locker room. He’s a special teams captain. And he knows what a victory today against the playoff-seeking 49ers would do for his team.“It would be great for us, because it would show people that the other victories we’ve had this year weren’t flukes,’’ Hayward said. “It’s a chance to prove to people we’re a legitimate team.’’The Bucs’ legitimacy has been in question since at least the beginning of the year, when a last-minute loss to the Jets sparked an eight-game losing streak that dragged Tampa Bay out of the playoff race before it was half over.The Bucs have been trying to regain relevance and respect ever since, but their recent rally has done little to help them, because it was largely the result of beating teams wallowing at the bottom of the standings.Tampa Bay has won four of its past five games, which is the second-best record in the league over that span, but only one of the victories — at Detroit on Nov. 24 — came against a team that had a winning record at the time.The others came against a Miami team that was 4-4 and in turmoil over a bullying controversy, an Atlanta team that was 2-7, and a Buffalo team that was 4-8.Toss in their convincing 27-6 loss to the playoff-contending Panthers two weeks ago and you can see why so many are hesitant to say the Bucs have turned a corner and are back on the road to prosperity.“Yeah, I’ve seen a few things where people have said we’re only beating teams that are struggling, but Detroit was ahead in their division when we beat them, and that didn’t change anything,’’ Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said. “That’s why I said a few weeks ago that even when we get our first win, it still won’t change (the perception) people have of us, because people will still just say that we’re whatever.“That’s why, if we can beat San Francisco, that would be huge. They’re really starting to get back to regular form now, and ever since coach (Jim) Harbaugh has come into the league, they’ve been not just a good team, but a great team.’’The 49ers, who won five Super Bowls in the 1980s and ’90s, returned to greatness two years ago when they made their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade and advanced to the NFC title game against the Giants. Last year, they played in the Super Bowl, losing to Baltimore. Today they are on the cusp of reaching the playoffs again.The 49ers roll into Raymond James Stadium today with a 9-4 record and in a position to clinch their third straight playoff berth with a victory, fueled by their ability to run the ball and play defense.Led by running back Frank Gore and elusive quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers boast the league’s sixth-ranked rushing attack at 133.2 yards per game.The Bucs will counter with a rush defense allowing 103.7 yards per game, ninth in the league, but it’s not just their ability to stop the run that has them believing they can pull off an upset.The Bucs have developed penchants in recent weeks for taking the ball away and getting to the passer. There also is a confidence level on that side of the ball that wasn’t there a few weeks ago.“As a unit, we’re starting to come together,’’ McCoy said. “We’ve been playing really well, and we bounced back well last week after that loss (two weeks) ago to Carolina. The thing now is to keep that going.’’It’s not just McCoy who thinks the Bucs have played well defensively. Harbaugh said the likes of McCoy, linebacker Lavonte David and cornerback Darrelle Revis have been playing well for a while now.“They’ve put together some great games all year,’’ Harbaugh said of the Bucs defense, which ranks 13th overall and leads the league with 21 interceptions.“What stands out is they’re very talented, well coached, fast and opportunistic. And David has just been outstanding. As you can imagine, he’s got our attention here. He’s developing into a fabulous linebacker.’’David is not the only young Buccaneer who caught Harbaugh’s eye. The coach also was impressed with the play of rookie quarterback Mike Glennon.“I think everybody sees that he’s fast developing into a very good quarterback,’’ Harbaugh said. “It’s exciting to see a young player like that make those kind of strides, unless of course you’re playing against him like we are this week.’’Glennon was developing some legitimacy of his own until two weeks ago, wh...

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Morris got a 3rd year, why not Schiano?

Morris went 10-6 in his second year. He was a media darling, almost won coach of the year, and should have been in the play offs. It appeared we had finally found a franchise Qb in Freeman. Argue a weak schedule all you want, but everything was trending upward after Raheem's 2nd year. That is why he got a 3rd year.Schiano's 2nd year is worse that his first. We are 4-10 and will likely finish 4-12. Most of the media and fanbase hate him. We haven't gotten better or looked more prepared as the year went on. He and his staff are most definitely trending downwards. Apples and Oranges.

Posted : Dec. 18, 2013 11:20 am

Anonymous (@Anonymous) Posts: 0 Cabin Boy Guest Morris got a 3rd year, why not Schiano? Morris won 10 games to EARN a 3rd year. He wasn't given anything. Posted : Dec. 18, 2013 11:23 am Anonymous (@Anonymous) Posts: 0 Cabin Boy Guest He was GIVEN a head coaching job ........ party like a rock star ....... Posted : Dec. 18, 2013 11:24 am Anonymous (@Anonymous) Posts: 0 Cabin Boy Guest Morris got a 3rd year, why not Schiano? Most of the media and fanbase hate him. like this should matter. Posted : Dec. 18, 2013 11:27 am Anonymous (@Anonymous) Posts: 0 Cabin Boy Guest Every head coach has that position GIVEN to him. Posted : Dec. 18, 2013 11:27 am Anonymous (@Anonymous) Posts: 0 Cabin Boy Guest Morris got a 3rd year, why not Schiano? 11-19Overall, he has a LOSING record as a head coach. Is that really the best we can do? Posted : Dec. 18, 2013 11:33 am Anonymous (@Anonymous) Posts: 0 Cabin Boy Guest Morris got a 3rd year, why not Schiano? 11-19Overall, he has a LOSING record as a head coach. Is that really the best we can do? Guaranteed to lose more games his second season than his first. Possibly a lot more. Posted : Dec. 18, 2013 11:34 am Anonymous (@Anonymous) Posts: 0 Cabin Boy Guest Using Morris to rationalize anything for Schiano is beyond stupid. They are both horrible. Glazers need to pony up some dough and get us some football minds(preferably ones from the 21st century). Posted : Dec. 18, 2013 11:35 am Anonymous (@Anonymous) Posts: 0 Cabin Boy Guest Morris got a 3rd year, why not Schiano? Morris won 10 games to EARN a 3rd year. He wasn't given anything. Exactly. Posted : Dec. 18, 2013 11:43 am Anonymous (@Anonymous) Posts: 0 Cabin Boy Guest Every head coach has that position GIVEN to him. Usually an actual coaching search including some interviews and such precedes a team GIVING that position to someone, but hey who's counting Posted : Dec. 18, 2013 12:11 pm

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McCoy..... "people are saying we’re only beating teams that are struggling"

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