Tampa Bay linebacker Alex Anzalone just snagged his first-ever NFC Defensive Player of the Week award, and if you saw the game, you know exactly why. The guy picked off two passes in the *first quarter* during the Bucs’ absolutely dominant 16-0 shutout against the Falcons on Sunday. That kind of play doesn’t just happen, it gets noticed.
Shutout Defense and History-Making Picks
Man, let’s talk about that Buccaneers defense on Sunday. They straight-up pitched a 16-0 shutout against the Falcons, not allowing a single point. Get this: they didn’t even complete a pass themselves but still got the W! And right in the middle of that stonewall was Anzalone, ball-hawking like a madman. He racked up six tackles, with one for a loss, but it was those two interceptions, both in the first quarter, that blew everyone away. Seriously, the league is buzzing about it because he’s only the second linebacker since 2000 to pull off two picks in the opening quarter of a game. Who was the other? Lofa Tatupu back in 2007. That’s some elite company right there, and a truly wild stat.
First Award, High Stakes
This isn’t just a big game for Anzalone, it’s his *first* career NFC Defensive Player of the Week nod. You gotta feel good for the guy, absolutely earning it with that kind of monster performance. When your linebacker is making plays like that, especially two first-quarter turnovers, it sets the tone for the entire game and shows what that defense is truly capable of. The Bucs are feeling it, riding that high, and you know they’re gonna need that energy when they hit the road this week.
So, can Anzalone keep that Defensive Player of the Week fire burning? The Buccaneers are headed out to face the Bears on Sunday night, and all eyes will be on that defense. After a performance like last Sunday, you know they’re going to try to shut down another opponent. Let’s see if they can keep that momentum rolling!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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