Why Gerald McCoy Is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' First-Half MVP

There isn't much for the Buccaneers to celebrate at 1-8, but they certainly have nothing to complain about when it comes to their first-half MVP, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.

Only a handful of Buccaneers have played to expectations this year, the best being McCoy. Picking up from his All-Pro season last year, McCoy has five sacks, two batted passes and 21 total tackles after just seven games, nearly half of which he played with a broken hand.

With the possible exception of linebacker Lavonte David, McCoy is the Bucs' only dominant player. One mistake against him and a ball-carrier is getting planted into the turf, as McCoy demonstrated in this sack from Sunday's game in Cleveland, courtesy of Pro Football Focus' Sam Monson.

"

Oh my heavens Gerald McCoy you bad, bad man. #Bucs https://t.co/iz6iexdQCi

— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) November 2, 2014"

Everything head coach Lovie Smith is trying to build defensively revolves around McCoy and his ability to raze an offensive line. McCoy's consistent pass rush is key to the four-man rush that's necessary in an effective Tampa 2. It's unfortunate that the rest of the defensive line, or the entire defense for that matter, cannot match McCoy's energy or execution.

For that very reason, the Bucs anointed McCoy the face of the franchise. The Bucs demonstrated their faith in McCoy to lead the team by rewarding him with a massive seven-year, $98 million contract, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.

McCoy is the undisputed leader of the Bucs locker room. Only a player who's been a Buccaneer longer than any other player on the roster, who's achieved so much individually with so few team achievements to show for it, could call out his peers for their lack of effort or shame in losing. Following the Bucs' 22-17 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, McCoy publicly chastised the team, per the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud, saying, "I don't think anybody is upset enough with losing."

Despite being arguably the best defensive tackle in football, McCoy has only one winning season in his nearly five-year career. His indignation is not without merit.

McCoy isn't perfect. His penchant for jumping offsides continues to plague the All-Pro tackle. McCoy has been flagged five times this season for a combination of offsides, neutral-zone infraction and encroachment calls, according to NFL Penalty Stats Tracker.

Otherwise, McCoy is an ideal player and a natural leader for the Bucs. It's nearly unfathomable how dreadful the Bucs would be this year without McCoy on the roster. He may have to drag the rest of the team kicking and screaming back to respectability.