Buccaneers DT Gerald McCoy: Tampa Bay defense has been soft
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy called out the team's defense Thursday, saying it has been "soft" and that players are making too many excuses, according to ESPN.
The Buccaneers are ranked last in the NFL for overall defense and have a defensive score 10 below the league average. They've also given up more points than any other team through Week 7.
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"I think we're making too many excuses,'' McCoy said. "There's always a reason why this is happening or why that's happening. It has to stop. We just have to say, 'OK, I did wrong, I didn't win that one, I have to win the next one and the one after that.'"
McCoy said he and several other players have made locker room speeches, which has not translated to better play on-the-field. He said there's been enough talking; he wants to see action.
"I mean, guys get so sensitive around the league, but we have to be men. This is a man's league," he said. "This is a man's league and we're professionals. Guys have issues with criticism. I've been getting criticized since I've been in the NFL, and I don't even feel it anymore. It is what it is.''
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, McCoy has 17 tackles and two sacks this season. He broke his hand during Week 2 and missed one game.
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Tampa Bay (1-5) hosts the Minnesota Vikings (2-5) on Sunday.
- Molly Geary
