Gerald McCoy has caught on fast in the Bucs defense
Gerald McCoy hasn’t looked much like a rookie in the preseason.
Although his statistics might not be showing it, his presence has already provided a big lift to the defensive line and enabled it to get much more pressure on the quarterback.
McCoy, the third overall pick out of Oklahoma in the 2010 draft, is showing the team he was worth their investment.
“I’m having a lot of fun and learning a lot playing in the preseason games,” McCoy said after Saturday’s loss to Jacksonville in which he recorded one tackle, one hit on the quarterback, and plenty of hurries. “There was a lot to learn that I didn’t know I needed to learn, but I picked up on it quick. I’m starting to adjust, and every game I’m building off the last game. The last game I got to the quarterback a few times and this game I stayed in his face so if I keep building on that, I’ll get better.”
McCoy is relishing his role with the team and is already establishing an identity for his linemates.
“The d-line’s motto is the quarterback has to feel us,” McCoy added. “That’s what we want to do and I feel like we did that. We kind of give the fans a glimpse of what to expect.”