After Releasing Gerald McCoy, Buccaneers Win Total Still Set at 6.5; Is the Under the Play?
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2019 Win total remains at 6.5 despite releasing six-time Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy
- The Bucs allowed the second most points in the NFL in 2018, and now feature a defensive line devoid of star talent
- What’s the best bet for Tampa’s 2019 win total?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Gerald McCoy Monday night, making it even harder to believe they’ll contend this season.
McCoy’s departure leaves a huge hole on Tampa Bay’s defense, but despite his release the odds on the Bucs’ NFL win totals did not change.
Tampa Bay Buccaneeers 2019 Win Total Odds
| Over/Under | Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2019 Win Total Odds |
|---|---|
| Over 6.5 | +105 |
| Under 6.5 | -135 |
*Odds taken 05/21/19
Tampa Bay is a favorite to go under their projected win total, but the odds are not as short as you might expect considering the team just gave up its best defensive player.
We have mutually parted ways with DT Gerald McCoy.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) May 20, 2019
McCoy Has Plenty Left in the Tank
McCoy has consistently been one of the most effective defensive tackles in the NFL since 2010. He has at least five sacks in seven straight seasons, and his 50.5 sacks this decade are the third most at his position. He has six Pro Bowl selections since 2012, and he’s coming off a season in which he produced the highest run stopping grade of his career.
Gerald McCoy is ninth among interior defenders in total WAR since entering the league in 2010, 14th since 2016 and 25th last year #Bucs @PFF
— Eric Eager ?? (@PFF_Eric) May 20, 2019
He’s a leader on and off the field, and while the Bucs couldn’t find a way to fit his salary under the cap, other NFL teams are already lining up for his services.
It looks as if former Bucs’ DT Gerald McCoy already is wanted in Cleveland….. pic.twitter.com/tpZWEPcWuW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 21, 2019
How Will Tampa’s Defense Fare in 2019?
The Bucs surrendered the second most points in the NFL last season and were bottom-10 in pass and rush yards allowed, and takeaways.
They tried to address their defensive issues in the Draft, but waited until the seventh round to select a defensive tackle, which doesn’t bode well given McCoy’s release and the loss of Jason Pierre-Paul to a neck injury.
Jason Pierre-Paul From Tampa Bay #Buccaneers Out At Least 5 To 6 Months Due To A Broken Neck From Car Accident. #NFL pic.twitter.com/85d34LVJ1B
— Sports Task (@SportsTask) May 11, 2019
They’re reportedly interested in Ndamukong Suh, but the only way they’ll be able to sign him is if he agrees to take less money than what he made last season.
If the #Bucs sign Ndamukong Suh, expect terms to look something like one season at $10 million. Tampa Bay would save about $3 million by basically swapping Gerald McCoy for Suh.
— Thomas Bassinger (@tometrics) May 20, 2019
Their current roster is devoid of star talent on the defensive line, and if they strike out in free agency, it could be another long season in Tampa.
Bet the Under on This Sinking Ship
Keeping McCoy should have been a priority for the Bucs, but even if they had, they’d still be a long shot to exceed 6.5 wins. They’re the worst team in a very competitive division and their starting quarterback has committed 80 turnovers in 56 career games. I would have been tempted to bet their under prior to the McCoy news, but now I plan on pushing all of my chips into the middle.
Pick: Under 6.5 (-135)
As SBD's resident Swiss Army Knife, Chris covers virtually every sport including NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, NCAAF and the Olympics. A true grinder, he'd rather pick off small edges in the player props market than swing for the fences with a 5-leg parlay.
