For this series, I will be going over what my 12 best moments in franchise history are. Keep in mind that these are just opinions. We would love to hear some moments from you guys as well for our honorable mentions piece. This will be released the day AFTER Christmas.
Without further adieu, here is the 12th best moment in Buccaneer history.
12. Drafting Gerald McCoy (April 22, 2010)
While much maligned for the size of his contract by many Bucs fans today, “G-Mac” is a pro-bowl caliber player. He has been a pro-bowler every year since 2012 and is seeking his seventh straight appearance. He was a First-Team All-Pro in 2013. He does not get the credit he quite deserves, but he has been dominant in all of his years here.
While his numbers are down this year, so have the entire defense’s outside of Jason Pierre-Paul. However, if you watch game film, McCoy has showed no signs of slowing down with his initial push and creation of pressure. This initial push has created sacks for edge rushers as the pocket collapses every year after 2010, when he was drafted.
He has never had more than 10 sacks in a season, but does much of the dirty work of an interior lineman. His best season statistically came in 2013. He recorded 9.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. This year, he is on pace for eight tackles for loss and 22 QB hits, along with eight sacks. These numbers still put him in the upper echelon of defensive tackles, and this year he has help.
All in all, Gerald McCoy will go down as one of the most dominant Buccaneers in recent team history, especially at defensive tackle. The only other interior lineman in team history with his resumé is Warren Sapp.
That isn’t bad company to be in.
