Buccaneers’ McCoy: ‘I’m going to play my role and keep going’
Goforitradio Staff
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got a big home win on Sunday by defeating the Vikings 26-14. With the victory, the Buccaneers continue to be the 6th-seed and remain one of the NFC’s three wild card teams.
Sunday marked the first time we’ve seen RB LeSean McCoy since October 18. The 12-year veteran had four carries for 32 yards against Minnesota.
Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians explained why he decided to make Leonard Fournette inactive and bring up McCoy.
“I love Leonard(Fournette),” Arians said. “I think he’s a heck of a kid and a great player. We just wanted to get ‘Shady’ (LeSean McCoy) back involved. He’s fresh, and he showed it today. He made it all pay off for me. I took the risk, and he made it pay off. He made the best of his opportunity, but it’s nothing against Leonard.”
Tom Brady added: “It was great for him to be in there and contribute. I know he’s been itching to get back in there and make plays for us, and he did today. Everyone appreciates how hard he works, the pro that he is, his mentality to practice, and his prep for the game. It was great to see him make plays.”
Even though he has not played much this season, McCoy stayed engage, which he said the coaches encouraged him to do while not playing.
[They](coaches) encouraged me to stay focused but just be a professional,” McCoy said. “I’m always dialed in because we have a lot of young guys with Rojo [Ronald Jones II], [Ke’Shawn] Vaughn, and Leonard [Fournette]. So, I’m constantly coaching and teaching and looking for things to watch after. Even when we’re watching tape, I’m always dialed in enough. But the hardest part, like I said, is just waiting, even when coach tells you you’ll get your shot. All I ask for is the opportunity, and I’m going to play my role and keep going. Hopefully, I think it may improve, so we’ll see.”
Buccaneers are trying to solidify their playoff spot, and according to the 32-year-old McCoy, Tampa Bay has a playoff mindset with three games left in the season.
We have that playoff attitude and mindset right now, and we know that the time is now if we want to get a shot [at the Superbowl],” McCoy said. “The biggest thing is just getting there, that’s it. Once we get there, then things slow down. You dissect different teams, and you play the game. Just got to get there.”
Expect Tampa Bay to the playoffs, and maybe McCoy can help this team in the postseason.
