The National Football League today announced that Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, and outside linebacker Anthony Nelson was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 8. They are the first set of teammates in 2025 to win Player of the Week honors in the same week, and the first set of Tampa Bay teammates to do so since Derrick Brooks and Matt Bryant in 2008 (Week 4). Tampa Bay’s four Player of the Week awards in 2025 are the most
in the NFL.
In Tampa Bay’s 23-3 win over the division-rival New Orleans Saints, McLaughlin converted all three of his field goal attempts of 52, 54 and 55 yards, and both of his extra point attempts. With his performance, he is 1-of-2 kickers this season with three made field goals of 50+ yards in a single game (Chris Boswell, Week 8) and just 1-of-4 players since 2020 to do so in a single half.
On the season, McLaughlin leads the league with eight made field goals of 50+ yards and ranks tied for second in total field goals made (17) and third in points by a kicker (67). McLaughlin ranks second in NFL history in career field goal percentage on kicks of 50+ yards (40-of-47, 85.1%), trailing only Brandon Aubrey (29-of-32, 90.6%). He is a perfect 8-for-8 from that distance this season. Since arriving in Tampa Bay, McLaughlin ranks top five in points scored (331), field goals made (76), total field goal percentage (90.5%) and field goal percentage from 50+ yards (88.5%).
Nelson compiled four tackles (two for loss), 2.0 sacks, two quarterback hits, a forced fumble and an interception returned for a touchdown for a Tampa Bay defense that scored more points (six) than it allowed (three). Nelson became the first player since 2007 to have 2.0 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception return touchdown in a single game, and just 1-of-3 players since 2000 to accomplish that feat. Earning his first sack, his forced fumble, and his interception return touchdown all in the opening half, Nelson became the first player since Khalil Mack (with Chicago, 9/9/18 at Green Bay) to record this stat line all in a single half.
Making his first start of the season, Nelson was the only defender with a touchdown in Week 8, and among all NFC defensive players, he tied for first in sacks (2.0), interceptions (one) and forced fumbles (one), while tying for second in tackles for loss (two).
(Courtesy of the Buccaneers Communications Department.)
