Gerald McCoy is puzzled

Gerald McCoy is puzzled when he hears people question the ability of fellow NFL players Chris Conte Jersey , particularly backup quarterbacks such as Nick Foles and Ryan Fitzpatrick."It's the NFL," Tampa Bay's six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle said. "Everybody's good."Foles' success filling in for the injured Carson Wentz is one of the biggest reasons why the Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) were able to win the Super Bowl after losing their starting quarterback late last season.Fitzpatrick has McCoy's Buccaneers (1-0) off to a promising start without suspended starter Jameis Winston after playing arguably the best game of a 14-year career that includes stints with seven teams."I don't get when a person, an analyst or fan or anybody says: 'Oh, he's not good.' ... "That's a horrible thing to say about an NFL player because there are people who would give anything to be in the NFL," McCoy said. "They just didn't have what it takes to be 'not good.'"McCoy calls Foles "MVP" because the Eagles quarterback has been the most valuable player in a Pro Bowl, as well as last season's Super Bowl."He always laughs when I call him that," the ninth-year pro said, looking ahead to facing the defending NFL champions Sunday at Raymond James Stadium."He's a great player. He doesn't do more than he's asked to do," McCoy added. "He's a great leader, and just a great guy overall."Those are some of the same attributes McCoy sees in Fitzpatrick, who threw for a career-best 417 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions to help the Bucs surprise New Orleans 48-40 on the road last week.The 35-year-old Fitzpatrick, who has 120 career starts and is one of just four players in NFL history to toss TD passes for seven different franchises, also rushed for a TD."Confidence is a huge thing, whether you're out there or not," Fitzpatrick said, addressing what it takes to be a successful backup.After going 2-1 filling in for an injured Winston last season, Fitzpatrick is slated for a minimum three starts this year while the No. 1 overall pick from the 2015 draft serves a suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy."But also, more so than my confidence in myself ... is when you're in the huddle, whether you're the starter or you're the backup, you can feel from the playcaller, you can feel by the guys looking at you whether they have confidence in you," Fitzpatrick said."I think with all the different experiences I've had, I just continue to become a better player," Fitzpatrick added. "Whether people think that or see that, I'm better right now than at any point in my career. A lot of that is mentally Shaquil Barrett Jersey , and whatever else."Foles, who threw for 117 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in Philadelphia's 18-12 season-opening victory over Atlanta, is 2-0 in career starts against the Bucs. He completed 66 percent of his passes for 677yards, five TDs and zero picks in leading the Eagles to road victories in 2012 and 2013.Eagles coach Doug Pederson started 17 games during a playing career that spanned 10 seasons with four teams.So, he has plenty of insight into what it takes to be an effective backup."I think in the case of both Nick and Ryan, they've studied the game for so long, they're veteran players, they've started and played in this league. ... You can't discount that," Pederson said. "When we lost our starter for the season (last year) ... the guys rallied around Nick, supported Nick and never once doubted what Nick was able to do. I think that's the same thing in Tampa Bay (with Winston's suspension)."Some things to know when the Eagles visit the Bucs:THE FIRST ONEFoles earned his first career win his rookie season at Tampa Bay on Dec. 9, 2012. He threw for 381 yards and two touchdowns, including the winning score to Jeremy Maclin from the 1 with no time left on the clock. Foles also had a 15-yard TD run in the game. The Eagles finished 4-12 that year, Andy Reid's final one in Philadelphia. Foles was 1-6."I just remember sitting at my locker after the game thinking that wasn't easy to get that win. It was really special," Foles said. "At that point, I didn't know how it was going to be because IGerald McCoy is puzzled when he hears people question the ability of fellow NFL players Chris Conte Jersey , particularly backup quarterbacks such as Nick Foles and Ryan Fitzpatrick."It's the NFL," Tampa Bay's six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle said. "Everybody's good."Foles' success filling in for the injured Carson Wentz is one of the biggest reasons why the Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) were able to win the Super Bowl after losing their starting quarterback late last season.Fitzpatrick has McCoy's Buccaneers (1-0) off to a promising start without suspended starter Jameis Winston after playing arguably the best game of a 14-year career that includes stints with seven teams."I don't get when a person, an analyst or fan or anybody says: 'Oh, he's not good.' ... "That's a horrible thing to say about an NFL player because there are people who would give anything to be in the NFL," McCoy said. "They just didn't have what it takes to be 'not good.'"McCoy calls Foles "MVP" because the Eagles quarterback has been the most valuable player in a Pro Bowl, as well as last season's Super Bowl."He always laughs when I call him that," the ninth-year pro said, looking ahead to facing the defending NFL champions Sunday at Raymond James Stadium."He's a great player. He doesn't do more than he's asked to do," McCoy added. "He's a great leader, and just a great guy overall."Those are some of the same attributes McCoy sees in Fitzpatrick, who threw for a career-best 417 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions to help the Bucs surprise New Orleans 48-40 on the road last week.The 35-year-old Fitzpatrick, who has 120 career starts and is one of just four players in NFL history to toss TD passes for seven different franchises, also rushed for a TD."Confidence is a huge thing, whether you're out there or not," Fitzpatrick said, addressing what it takes to be a successful backup.After going 2-1 filling in for an injured Winston last season, Fitzpatrick is slated for a minimum three starts this year while the No. 1 overall pick from the 2015 draft serves a suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy."But also, more so than my confidence in myself ... is when you're in the huddle, whether you're the starter or you're the backup, you can feel from the playcaller, you can feel by the guys looking at you whether they have confidence in you," Fitzpatrick said."I think with all the different experiences I've had, I just continue to become a better player," Fitzpatrick added. "Whether people think that or see that, I'm better right now than at any point in my career. A lot of that is mentally Shaquil Barrett Jersey , and whatever else."Foles, who threw for 117 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in Philadelphia's 18-12 season-opening victory over Atlanta, is 2-0 in career starts against the Bucs. He completed 66 percent of his passes for 677yards, five TDs and zero picks in leading the Eagles to road victories in 2012 and 2013.Eagles coach Doug Pederson started 17 games during a playing career that spanned 10 seasons with four teams.So, he has plenty of insight into what it takes to be an effective backup."I think in the case of both Nick and Ryan, they've studied the game for so long, they're veteran players, they've started and played in this league. ... You can't discount that," Pederson said. "When we lost our starter for the season (last year) ... the guys rallied around Nick, supported Nick and never once doubted what Nick was able to do. I think that's the same thing in Tampa Bay (with Winston's suspension)."Some things to know when the Eagles visit the Bucs:THE FIRST ONEFoles earned his first career win his rookie season at Tampa Bay on Dec. 9, 2012. He threw for 381 yards and two touchdowns, including the winning score to Jeremy Maclin from the 1 with no time left on the clock. Foles also had a 15-yard TD run in the game. The Eagles finished 4-12 that year, Andy Reid's final one in Philadelphia. Foles was 1-6."I just remember sitting at my locker after the game thinking that wasn't easy to get that win. It was really special," Foles said. "At that point, I didn't know how it was going to be because I hadn't won and it was a tough year for us."ON THE MENDThe status of Bucs receiver DeSean Jackson (shoulder/concussion) for Sunday is uncertain after the speedy 11th-year pro had five receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns in Tampa Bay's win over the Saints last week. It was the best game the former Eagles star has had since joining the Bucs in 2017. Jackson didn't practice Wednesday, but participated on a limited basis Thursday.With Brent Grimes still not practicing because of a sore groin and Vernon Hargreaves III on injured reserve after hurting his shoulder in the opener, the Bucs could be without their top two cornerbacks against the Eagles. That figures to mean bigger roles for rookies Carlton Davis III and M.J. Stewart.BRADHAM'S BACKEagles linebacker Nigel Bradham returns to the lineup after serving a one-game suspension in Week 1. Bradham was the team's leading tackler last year and took over playcalling in the huddle after Jordan Hicks was injured."He's an important part of our defense," defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. "We were able to cover up some things in his absence. We've had to do that for a lot of different situations with different players. It'll be good to get him back for sure."Hicks returned to the lineup last week after rupturing an Achilles tendon last October. He had 1 1/2 sacks. How far have the Bucs come, and where do they still need to go?"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections 2016 NFL DraftInjuriesFree AgencyGame FilmState of the Bucs: Post Draft EditionNew,11commentsHow far have the Bucs come, and where do they still need to go?EDTShareTweetShareShareState of the Bucs: Post Draft EditionChristopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsThe 2019 NFL Draft is complete, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came away with eight newly drafted players and have been busy adding undrafted prospects.A lot has changed since the team last stepped off a NFL playing field. Let’s put it all together and see how the Bucs stand as of today compared to when the off-season began back in January.BEST ADDITION: LB, DEVIN WHITE (1ST-ROUND OF 2019 NFL DRAFT)Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsWithout a real star addition in free-agency, it almost had to be the team’s first-round selection who earns the title as being the best addition to the team up to now.Free-agency is over for the most part and even while there will likely be some veteran’s released in the near future to make room for some rookie replacements, it’s highly unlikely White will be unseated as the best new addition to the Buccaneers roster in 2019.BIGGEST LOSS: LB Mike Alstott Jersey White , KWON ALEXANDER (UN-RESTRICTED FREE-AGENT TO THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS)Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY SportsThis one was fairly simple as well. The ‘heart and soul’ of the team as described by several coaches and former teammates, losing Alexander was predictable, but still unfortunate and even downright painful.It’s hard not to root for a man who meant so much to the franchise in such a relatively short period of time, but seeing him flying around Raymond James Stadium in 49ers gear is not going to be a fun way to kick off the season.Here’s hoping a win for the Bucs makes it all go down a little smoother.BIGGEST ANSWER: QB, JAMEIS WINSTONKim Klement-USA TODAY SportsIf we lived in a world where Dirk Koetter wasn’t fired following the 2018 NFL season, then I strongly believe we would have lived in a world where questions were risen during the months of January and February about the future of Jameis Winston.Not as the franchise quarterback. But as a quarterback with the franchise at all. Had Koetter stayed, it’s likely we would all have speculated as to the future and status of Winston’s fifth-year option which was only guaranteed against injury (which he had none) up until the start of the new league year.With Kyler Murray committing to football, Dwayne Haskins being a high projection as a consolation, and even Daniel Jones with his subsurface love as a NFL caliber quarterback; would Tampa have tried to trade Winston to replace him? Perhaps Flacco would have landed with the Bucs instead of the Broncos. Keenum in Tampa?Safe to say, with the arrival of Bruce Arians and his 100% support of Winston as the future of this franchise, it saved us all a whole lot of quarterback speculation this off-season.BIGGEST QUESTION REMAINING: DT, GERALD MCCOYKirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsEarly reports were McCoy was definitely coming back. Then nobody would commit to this fact at the combine. Then GMC was asked not to report. Then he was openly welcomed to voluntary workouts, which he still didn’t go to.Commercials with no jerseys, suspiciously low activity on his social media accounts and national rumors the team was aggressively shopping him as late as this past weekend.Now, there doesn’t seem to be a logical replacement drafted for him, yet the team needs to clear a substantial amount of cap space just to sign their draft picks.Will McCoy stay, or will he go? The answer is almost as easy to figure out as is the one pertaining to who will end up sitting on the Iron Throne.I don’t have solid answers for either, but I do have some theories.BIGGEST GAIN IN THE 2019 NFL DRAFT: KICKERRuss Isabella-USA TODAY SportsOne might figure the secondary had the biggest gain as it had the most additions. But in fact, it’s the kicker position.Matt Gay out of Utah has all of the accolades and stats to support his potential as a successful NFL kicker.Playing the position which scores the most points from a single player makes it important. Round five might have been a bit higher than most (read: anyone) expected the Bucs to draft a kicker, but it gives the team two reasonably good chances to find a leg who can put up those much needed points come 2019.BIGGEST SHORTFALL IN NFL DRAFT: OFFENSIVE LINEMark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsI understand coach Arians and others said prior to the draft they thought they had an offensive line good enough to get the job done.But I didn’t think it meant they’d completely ignore the group in the NFL Draft.Zero offensive linemen drafted means Earl Watford will enter training camp as my favorite to take over for Caleb Benenoch at right guard. Meanwhile, Benenoch becomes my early favorite to be tagged as Demar Dotson’s understudy at right tackle.Now, I’m not going to get all doomsday about it, but I would feel more comfortable if Watford had more than just Alex Cappa pushing him for the right guard job.BIGGEST POTENTIAL MOVE STILL TO COME: DT, GERALD MCCOY No picture. No long paragraph. We’re all watching for Gerald McCoy news until it breaks or late July comes around.BIGGEST POTENTIAL ADDITION STILL TO COME: EDGE, EZEKIEL ANSAHRaj Mehta-USA TODAY SportsAnsah was a name gaining steam as a guy Bucs fans wanted added to the roster in 2018. He was ultimately franchise tagged by the Detroit Lions, and went on to suffer a season ending injury about midway through the year.Now Lavonte David Jersey , he’s an unrestricted free-agent who will be 30-years old by the time the season rolls around.The Buccaneers did add Iowa defensive end Anthony Nelson to the mix, and the team is confident he can play as a down lineman as well as standing up as a 3-4 edge defender.Adding Nelson to Jason Pierre-Paul, Shaquil Barrett, Carl Nassib and Noah Spence makes the group feel fuller. But, if he’s healthy enough to get on the field and considering the discount Jason Licht could probably work for him on a one-year deal, he might be too good to pass up.BIGGEST POTENTIAL SURPRISE REMANING: SIGNING CORNERBACK, MORRIS CLAIBORNEVincent Carchietta-USA TODAY SportsBucs fans, almost in unison would likely exclaim, “ANOTHER ONE!?”Adding yet another cornerback to a now overflowing room of cover specialists, would not be the most obvious move Tampa Bay could make.But, we know the team talked to Claiborne before the NFL Draft, and if I had to bet whether Claiborne wanted to return to the Jets or play again for Todd Bowles, I fell confident the second option would win the day.Reports were Claiborne left the table with Tampa earlier because of money. If he’s not getting any more offers higher than what Licht is willing to pay, then he may just take it.This coaching staff has already proven they like adding veterans who know the scheme already to help their young guys learn faster. This could be a big one in the secondary if it falls into place.Yes, even though they have eight cornerbacks on roster already.CURRENT STATUS: UNPREDICTABLE IS GOODBrian Spurlock-USA TODAY SportsFor the past three years Bucs fans have toiled under a staff whose draft strategies, coaching theories and play-calling were all too predictable.In fact, there were moments this weekend where I felt bad for not predicting draft players or at least positions correctly. In past years, our collective predictions panned out more often than they honestly should have being people outside of the war room.This predictability then bled into camps, where position battles were predictably resolved, and into the season where play calls and game strategies were painstakingly obvious, and into even more foreseeable ends during games and the season in general.So right now, we have no real clue as to the state of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. Offense, we have a better idea.Which is new. And new is scary sometimes. But it’s a good thing. I promise.
hadn't won and it was a tough year for us."ON THE MENDThe status of Bucs receiver DeSean Jackson (shoulder/concussion) for Sunday is uncertain after the speedy 11th-year pro had five receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns in Tampa Bay's win over the Saints last week. It was the best game the former Eagles star has had since joining the Bucs in 2017. Jackson didn't practice Wednesday, but participated on a limited basis Thursday.With Brent Grimes still not practicing because of a sore groin and Vernon Hargreaves III on injured reserve after hurting his shoulder in the opener, the Bucs could be without their top two cornerbacks against the Eagles. That figures to mean bigger roles for rookies Carlton Davis III and M.J. Stewart.BRADHAM'S BACKEagles linebacker Nigel Bradham returns to the lineup after serving a one-game suspension in Week 1. Bradham was the team's leading tackler last year and took over playcalling in the huddle after Jordan Hicks was injured."He's an important part of our defense," defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. "We were able to cover up some things in his absence. We've had to do that for a lot of different situations with different players. It'll be good to get him back for sure."Hicks returned to the lineup last week after rupturing an Achilles tendon last October. He had 1 1/2 sacks. How far have the Bucs come, and where do they still need to go?"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections 2016 NFL DraftInjuriesFree AgencyGame FilmState of the Bucs: Post Draft EditionNew,11commentsHow far have the Bucs come, and where do they still need to go?EDTShareTweetShareShareState of the Bucs: Post Draft EditionChristopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsThe 2019 NFL Draft is complete, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came away with eight newly drafted players and have been busy adding undrafted prospects.A lot has changed since the team last stepped off a NFL playing field. Let’s put it all together and see how the Bucs stand as of today compared to when the off-season began back in January.BEST ADDITION: LB, DEVIN WHITE (1ST-ROUND OF 2019 NFL DRAFT)Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsWithout a real star addition in free-agency, it almost had to be the team’s first-round selection who earns the title as being the best addition to the team up to now.Free-agency is over for the most part and even while there will likely be some veteran’s released in the near future to make room for some rookie replacements, it’s highly unlikely White will be unseated as the best new addition to the Buccaneers roster in 2019.BIGGEST LOSS: LB Mike Alstott Jersey White , KWON ALEXANDER (UN-RESTRICTED FREE-AGENT TO THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS)Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY SportsThis one was fairly simple as well. The ‘heart and soul’ of the team as described by several coaches and former teammates, losing Alexander was predictable, but still unfortunate and even downright painful.It’s hard not to root for a man who meant so much to the franchise in such a relatively short period of time, but seeing him flying around Raymond James Stadium in 49ers gear is not going to be a fun way to kick off the season.Here’s hoping a win for the Bucs makes it all go down a little smoother.BIGGEST ANSWER: QB, JAMEIS WINSTONKim Klement-USA TODAY SportsIf we lived in a world where Dirk Koetter wasn’t fired following the 2018 NFL season, then I strongly believe we would have lived in a world where questions were risen during the months of January and February about the future of Jameis Winston.Not as the franchise quarterback. But as a quarterback with the franchise at all. Had Koetter stayed, it’s likely we would all have speculated as to the future and status of Winston’s fifth-year option which was only guaranteed against injury (which he had none) up until the start of the new league year.With Kyler Murray committing to football, Dwayne Haskins being a high projection as a consolation, and even Daniel Jones with his subsurface love as a NFL caliber quarterback; would Tampa have tried to trade Winston to replace him? Perhaps Flacco would have landed with the Bucs instead of the Broncos. Keenum in Tampa?Safe to say, with the arrival of Bruce Arians and his 100% support of Winston as the future of this franchise, it saved us all a whole lot of quarterback speculation this off-season.BIGGEST QUESTION REMAINING: DT, GERALD MCCOYKirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsEarly reports were McCoy was definitely coming back. Then nobody would commit to this fact at the combine. Then GMC was asked not to report. Then he was openly welcomed to voluntary workouts, which he still didn’t go to.Commercials with no jerseys, suspiciously low activity on his social media accounts and national rumors the team was aggressively shopping him as late as this past weekend.Now, there doesn’t seem to be a logical replacement drafted for him, yet the team needs to clear a substantial amount of cap space just to sign their draft picks.Will McCoy stay, or will he go? The answer is almost as easy to figure out as is the one pertaining to who will end up sitting on the Iron Throne.I don’t have solid answers for either, but I do have some theories.BIGGEST GAIN IN THE 2019 NFL DRAFT: KICKERRuss Isabella-USA TODAY SportsOne might figure the secondary had the biggest gain as it had the most additions. But in fact, it’s the kicker position.Matt Gay out of Utah has all of the accolades and stats to support his potential as a successful NFL kicker.Playing the position which scores the most points from a single player makes it important. Round five might have been a bit higher than most (read: anyone) expected the Bucs to draft a kicker, but it gives the team two reasonably good chances to find a leg who can put up those much needed points come 2019.BIGGEST SHORTFALL IN NFL DRAFT: OFFENSIVE LINEMark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsI understand coach Arians and others said prior to the draft they thought they had an offensive line good enough to get the job done.But I didn’t think it meant they’d completely ignore the group in the NFL Draft.Zero offensive linemen drafted means Earl Watford will enter training camp as my favorite to take over for Caleb Benenoch at right guard. Meanwhile, Benenoch becomes my early favorite to be tagged as Demar Dotson’s understudy at right tackle.Now, I’m not going to get all doomsday about it, but I would feel more comfortable if Watford had more than just Alex Cappa pushing him for the right guard job.BIGGEST POTENTIAL MOVE STILL TO COME: DT, GERALD MCCOY No picture. No long paragraph. We’re all watching for Gerald McCoy news until it breaks or late July comes around.BIGGEST POTENTIAL ADDITION STILL TO COME: EDGE, EZEKIEL ANSAHRaj Mehta-USA TODAY SportsAnsah was a name gaining steam as a guy Bucs fans wanted added to the roster in 2018. He was ultimately franchise tagged by the Detroit Lions, and went on to suffer a season ending injury about midway through the year.Now Lavonte David Jersey , he’s an unrestricted free-agent who will be 30-years old by the time the season rolls around.The Buccaneers did add Iowa defensive end Anthony Nelson to the mix, and the team is confident he can play as a down lineman as well as standing up as a 3-4 edge defender.Adding Nelson to Jason Pierre-Paul, Shaquil Barrett, Carl Nassib and Noah Spence makes the group feel fuller. But, if he’s healthy enough to get on the field and considering the discount Jason Licht could probably work for him on a one-year deal, he might be too good to pass up.BIGGEST POTENTIAL SURPRISE REMANING: SIGNING CORNERBACK, MORRIS CLAIBORNEVincent Carchietta-USA TODAY SportsBucs fans, almost in unison would likely exclaim, “ANOTHER ONE!?”Adding yet another cornerback to a now overflowing room of cover specialists, would not be the most obvious move Tampa Bay could make.But, we know the team talked to Claiborne before the NFL Draft, and if I had to bet whether Claiborne wanted to return to the Jets or play again for Todd Bowles, I fell confident the second option would win the day.Reports were Claiborne left the table with Tampa earlier because of money. If he’s not getting any more offers higher than what Licht is willing to pay, then he may just take it.This coaching staff has already proven they like adding veterans who know the scheme already to help their young guys learn faster. This could be a big one in the secondary if it falls into place.Yes, even though they have eight cornerbacks on roster already.CURRENT STATUS: UNPREDICTABLE IS GOODBrian Spurlock-USA TODAY SportsFor the past three years Bucs fans have toiled under a staff whose draft strategies, coaching theories and play-calling were all too predictable.In fact, there were moments this weekend where I felt bad for not predicting draft players or at least positions correctly. In past years, our collective predictions panned out more often than they honestly should have being people outside of the war room.This predictability then bled into camps, where position battles were predictably resolved, and into the season where play calls and game strategies were painstakingly obvious, and into even more foreseeable ends during games and the season in general.So right now, we have no real clue as to the state of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. Offense, we have a better idea.Which is new. And new is scary sometimes. But it’s a good thing. I promise.