Turning Point?
Throughout all the hoopla surrounding the BUCS' "miracle" win against a solid Steelers team in Pittsburgh, there was lots of celebrating and quotable quotes.
Many chose to make the quarterback play a headline as 2nd year QB, Mike Glennon, helped lead the BUCS to their first win of the season after starting the year as a spectator in favor of 35 year old journeyman and career backup, Josh McCown. Many of the local media and followers of Tampa Bay Buccaneer Football focused on the difference between McCown and Glennon's play as the difference in winning that game. Some of those that had vehemently claimed the 2nd year QB would be relegated to backup duties for the longevity of his career seemingly changed their tune with the result of one game. Lots of that came with the frustration of the play of McCown who was named starting QB after his signing in free agency.
Others looked at the strong start and finish of the defense that had been weakened by injuries and had failed to get pressure on opposing QBs through 3 games. That same defense notched 5 sacks in Sunday's victory against the Steelers. The defense played admirably throughout the game and stood their ground to the liking of many who had claimed the high price acquisitions and draft/trade choices weren't panning out. . At least, for 60mins they played in a hostile environment, the defense, particularly the defensive line, looked like they had finally come together.
Unquestioned Team Leader and Franchise Player, Gerald McCoy, says that before that game, he had the same talk with his defensive unit as his mentor had with his teammates back in 1996. McCoy channeled his inner Warren Sapp and told his Team that this was their turning point. That was a big statement. No doubt about it. But what was said after the game is the biggest and most welcomed approach to winning this BUCCANEER fan has heard in some time....
Demar Dotson, Right Tackle for the BUCS, came away as one of my favourite players on the roster and unquestionable Leaders on the Team with one quote:
““We can’t act like we just won the Super Bowl all the time,” RT Demar Dotson said. “We need to get used to winning around here and get to where we just shake hands and go back to the locker room and get ready to do it again next week.
”I mean, I know guys are excited to get that first win. Coach (Smith) was excited, too. But we need to get used to winning around here so that we’re not always turning cartwheels on the field because we just won a game.’’”
This, fellow BUCS fans, is the talk of a true Leader. This is the talk of a Franchise Player. This is the talk of Foundation and Future. This is what I'd like to see and hear from the Leaders and Captains of my Team. Somehow, this quote has gone largely unnoticed. It shouldn't be. This mentality should be plastered to every single locker at One Buccaneer Place.
I'm excited to see this Mentality carry over to other players and carry on throughout the Season and into the Future.
Go BUCS, dammit!!!
