Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Alex Anzalone has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week following his standout performance in the team’s 16-0 shutout victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8.
The veteran linebacker played a key role in Tampa Bay’s defensive dominance on Sunday, intercepting Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. twice in the first quarter. Anzalone also finished the game with six tackles, including one for loss, helping the Buccaneers secure their second consecutive victory.
Both interceptions came during Atlanta’s second and third offensive possessions, setting the tone for a Buccaneers defense that held the Falcons to just 224 total yards and forced four turnovers. Atlanta also failed to convert any of its 12 third-down opportunities.
Anzalone became just the second NFL linebacker since 2000 to record two interceptions in the first quarter of a game, joining former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who accomplished the feat in 2007.
The recognition marks the first NFC Defensive Player of the Week award of Anzalone’s 10-year NFL career and the first weekly award earned by a Buccaneers player this season. He is also the first Tampa Bay defender to receive the honor since outside linebacker Anthony Nelson in Week 8 of the 2025 season.
Signed by Tampa Bay in March after five seasons with the Detroit Lions, Anzalone has recorded 42 tackles, one sack, three interceptions and three passes defensed through eight games this season. His three interceptions lead all NFL linebackers.
The Buccaneers will look to build on their defensive momentum when they travel to Chicago to face the Bears on Sunday Night Football in Week 9.
