TAMPA, Fla. -- All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy knows how to deal with the media better than any of the other Buccaneers. He knows he’s the most powerful voice in the locker room, and he isn’t afraid to say what’s on his mind.
McCoy, obviously, had something on his mind Thursday. Unsolicited, he opened his weekly chat with the media with glowing praise of Cleveland quarterback Brian Hoyer. At the same time, McCoy certainly seemed to be taking a shot at Johnny Manziel without ever using the rookie’s name.
“First off, I want to say from me how much respect I have for Brian Hoyer and what he represents on the field,’’ McCoy said. “I don’t know who he is or what type of guy he is off the field. He’s in the starting role for a reason. He rightfully earned that role through all the circus that was going on in Cleveland.
“He never wavered. He kept his mouth shut, and he just performed, and he’s the guy who should be starting. He’s led them the way he should. He’s an athletic guy, smart, can make all the throws and is a huge reason why they are where they’re at. Starting with him, we’ve got to make sure we neutralize him.’’
The Browns drafted Manziel in the first round amid all sorts of hoopla. Manziel was the focus of all the preseason media hype. But Hoyer won the job and has a pretty firm grip on it with the Browns off to a 4-3 start.