Post by DiamondThief on Sept 24, 2015 22:22:45 GMT -8
Sept. 24 -- Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is a bright spot and stalwart on an otherwise challenged Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. Given that, it may be a bit of a surprise that he actually wants to spend some time playing offense.
The days of iron man football, with a couple exceptions, seems to be all but gone, but there are a few defensive players who have shown up when their team has the ball. Keep in mind, that does not include special teams, which tends to include both offensive and defensive players.
In an article reported by JoeBucsFan.com, McCoy said he has wanted to try his hand on offense for quite a while. Specifically he is looking for the opportunity to be a playmaker.
To that end, he has now made an arrangement with his head coach, Lovie Smith, to earn some plays on offense. The catch? The sixth-year player who was drafted in the first round by the Buccaneers in 2010, must record 15 sacks over the course of the season. Should he do so, Smith is quoted as saying that McCoy "can do whatever he wants."
“I’ve been lobbying to play offense since I got in the NFL, before, you know, (Houston Texans defensive tackle) J.J. Watt even showed up,” McCoy told WDAE-AM 620. “Lovie told me I have to get 15 sacks before I can play offense. So I said, ‘Done deal.’
Smith is known as a defensive minded coach, Clearly he knows what he has on the defensive side of the ball with McCoy. Perhaps Smith will soon know what he can do with McCoy on the offensive side as well; at least for a few plays.
McCoy, 6'4" and 300 pounds, has made the NFL Pro Bowl in each of the past three years. He attended the University of Oklahoma. For his career, McCoy has recorded 27.5 sacks, along with 154 combined tackles, 12 defensed passes, 4 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries.
“I don’t care if I’m a fullback, a tight end, an extra O-lineman, it doesn’t matter, McCoy said.."I’ll block. I’ll do whatever. I just want to win.
“Being in the offense is just always a D-lineman’s dream.”
McCoy has 2 sacks through the Buccaneers first two games this season, so he needs just 13 more. If he stays on his current pace, he will earn his 15th after the team's 15th game and could see some action on offense in the team's season finale.
- ANM
(Photo courtesy Cliff Welch/Icon SMI)
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