Buccaneers’ Jersey Countdown: Number 93
We continue the countdown of the best Buccaneers ever to wear the jersey. Who was the best to wear number 93?
Over the last several days, we have been going back through the rich history of our beloved Buccaneers. No, it’s not rich in titles as the team has only one. What the history IS rich with is talented football players. Especially on the defensive side of the ball, the talent has been, for the most part, exceptional.
That is where we continue today.
Last time, we covered number 94, and the choice was a bit tough. Today, we move along to number 93, and the choice was a simple one. I’ll give you a hint, he’s a current member of the team.
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His name is Gerald McCoy.
McCoy came to Tampa in 2010 as the third overall pick in the NFL draft. He came with great expectations from the University of Oklahoma, with 14.5 sacks over his three years as a member of the Sooners.
His first two years were cut short by arm injuries, but in year one, he registered three sacks and 27 total tackles. The following year he registered a mere one sack.
But in 2012, his career took off.
In 2012, McCoy was healthy enough to start all 16 games, and earned his first of four straight Pro Bowl invitations. He registered five sacks and 30 tackles to go along with one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. His high watermark for his career came in 2013 when he registered 9.5 sacks and 50 total tackles. He earned First Team All-Pro honors in addition to his Pro Bowl selection.
2014-2015 added 8.5 sacks per year, cementing McCoy‘s position as a top-flight pass rusher in this league, and the leader of the Bucs’ defensive line.
Next: Daryl Smith Flying Under the Radar
For his career that has spanned six years so far, he has posted 35.5 sacks and 187 total tackles. Much of this work has been done without much help around him. If Noah Spence is all he is supposed to be, and Robert Ayers makes in impact, imagine how good McCoy might be.
He is certainly the best to ever wear number 93 in Tampa Bay.