The Las Vegas Raiders made an unexpected move last week when they decided to bring in veteran defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. The signing came out of nowhere but also created some more optimism for an improved defense in 2021.
Although adding McCoy is a big boost in the leadership department, it’s uncertain whether he’s got anything left in the tank despite only being 33. Raiders quarterback Derek Carr spoke about his team adding the six-time Pro Bowler and what he’s seen from him thus far.
“Oh, he’s great,” Carr said. “Didn’t you love his energy? He comes into a room and you’re like, ‘Man, I love this guy.’ We joked around and I sat there and talked to him, gave him a hug when I first saw him, ‘Glad you don’t have to chase me around anymore. I’m glad you’re on our team.’ He has one of the fastest get-offs I’ve ever seen. Like that ball would be snapped and he’d swim so fast and already be reaching to you as you’re dropping away. Very impressive. And so, I don’t know what his health is at. He came from a quad (injury), or something like that, I don’t know where all that’s at, but he’s been at practice, and I see him moving. I’m like he still can play. He’s still got it. He’s twitchy. You could tell he’s been in the gym. He looks great. So, I’m excited. Keep bringing them. Keep bringing good players.”
One thing is for sure as his stint with the Raiders gets underway, McCoy is excited about being able to get back out on the field after missing some time.
“I’m extremely excited to be up here,” McCoy said. “I’ve been out of football for a year.”
McCoy also reflected on rehabbing from the leg injury that forced him to miss the 2020 NFL season and how he’s been blessed to have a career in the NFL this long. He’s looking forward to getting to work on another challenge with another team.
“There’s not many people that do what I’ve done. I’m not talking about success in football, I’m talking about lasting this long in the NFL. I’ve been a fighter my whole life, so it was nothing but another fight to me.”
In his final season with the Carolina Panthers, McCoy played in all 16 games recording 5.0 sacks during that time.
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