Commentary | Quarterback Josh McCown's emotions good for Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA

For crying out loud, Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans have to be hoping Josh McCown sheds a few tears Sunday in the nation's capital where there is plenty to moan about.

That's what this disappointing season has come down to for the Bucs. You look for hope anywhere even if it is underneath the tears of your quarterback.

If McCown gets a little mushy, we know the Bucs were in a close game, and close games generate future promise in a season gone wrong with eight losses in nine games.

McCown couldn't hide his tears after last week's loss to Atlanta.

Earning his living in a man's manly league known as the NFL, tears are often looked upon with disdain. Players are lauded for their toughness and ability to handle pain.

Some may have looked at McCown as being too soft, but playing for a team whose desire has been questioned, it was good see a player who genuinely cared about the final score.

The ironic thing is no one can question McCown's courage on the field. He took a multitude of hits against Atlanta and on numerous occasions has shown he is not afraid to run the ball into heavy traffic if it will help the team.

He led the Bucs in rushing and didn't run out of bounds on plays where an extra yard could've meant a first down like the Bucs' other quarterback, Mike Glennon, has done on multiple occasions.

"If I would have pounded the podium and got really mad and processed it that way, is that now OK because that looks more manly? What's the difference?" McCown said. "We're both disappointed; just one guy processes it differently. That was just the way it came out that day. I'm frustrated, but the fact that it fleshes it out that way doesn't mean I'm any less or any more -- that was just disappointment, that was hurt."

All-Pro defensive lineman Gerald McCoy received criticism awhile back for being too nice by sometimes picking opponents off the ground.

He lashed back at his critics, including some former Bucs of high esteem such as Warren Sapp.

But McCown and McCoy have nothing to feel guilty about. If all the players in the Bucs' locker-room had their desire to win, this team would be better than 1-8.

McCown has never been shy about taking hits even in the preseason when Bucs head coach Lovie Smith said he was being a little too reckless.

But this team needs to find a spark anywhere. And even if this is McCown's final season with the Bucs, his emotion has to be welcomed.

On the plus side, he converted on 71 percent of third-down opportunities last week for an offense that looked like it forgot that you do get more than two downs to make a first down during his five-game absence.

Marcus Arroyo, the Bucs' acting offensive coordinator, says McCown added a spark emotionally and physically.

"I wish that type of passion on you, because that's what makes it special. No matter how that comes out you can keep your head high," Arroyo said. "Every guy in that locker room knows that he's passionate about the game. He doesn't do it for them. He's not doing it to show anybody anything. He's that locked in, and many or our guys are that way. When you're invested, people know."

Alan Dell, Herald sports writer, can be reached at 941-745-7056. Follow him on Twitter @ADellSports.

This story was originally published November 16, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Commentary | Quarterback Josh McCown's emotions good for Tampa Bay Buccaneers ."