The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Five Buccaneers Who Must Step Up in 2016

By Alan Schechter

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter speaks to the media during the NFL scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter speaks to the media during the NFL scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Dec 17, 2015 St. Louis, MO, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2015 St. Louis, MO, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Gerald McCoy

Here is another guy that has put up good numbers, but still needs to improve.  Over the last three years, McCoy has never posted less than 8.5 sacks.  He has made appearances in the last four Pro Bowls.  Hitting the prime of his career, McCoy is widely viewed as a top defensive lineman.

So why is he on this list?

He doesn’t come up big in important games.  In 28 career games against NFC South opponents, McCoy has lodged 8.5 sacks.  That’s far less than .5 sacks per game, which is an impact that is barely visible.  That’s a silent player.  To make a move in the NFC South, the Bucs have to beat their divisional opponents.  They have gone 9-19 in NFC South games during McCoy’s career.

That must get better, and McCoy can help.

Next: The Tight End Must Play

Home/Bucs News