The Buccaneers' defense made life miserable for the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8, and two of Tampa Bay's biggest contributors are receiving some well-deserved recognition. Linebacker Alex Anzalone and cornerback Jacob Parrish were both named to Pro Football Focus' NFL Team of the Week following the Buccaneers' 16-0 shutout victory. Anzalone earned the recognition after arguably his best performance since joining Tampa Bay. The veteran linebacker intercepted Michael Penix Jr. twice, making an immediate impact on a Falcons offense that struggled to find rhythm all afternoon. He finished with seven tackles, four defensive stops and two interceptions across 53 defensive snaps, without missing a tackle. His performance was particularly impressive in coverage.
Anzalone allowed just one five-yard reception on four targets and finished with a 94.3 coverage grade, according to PFF. His 93.3 overall defensive grade was tied for the highest among qualifying players in Week 8. The two interceptions also marked a career milestone. Anzalone had never recorded multiple interceptions in a single game during his previous nine NFL seasons. He now has three interceptions with Tampa Bay, giving Todd Bowles another playmaker who can change games from the second level of his defense.
Parrish was equally deserving of the recognition. The young cornerback continued to establish himself as a key piece of Tampa Bay's secondary, recording an interception, seven tackles, and two passes defended against Atlanta. His interception helped complete a four-turnover afternoon for the Buccaneers, who picked off Penix four times. Parrish also continued a strong stretch of coverage, entering the matchup as the NFL leader in passes defended with 11 and adding two more. What makes these performances especially encouraging is that Tampa Bay is getting impact plays from different levels of its defense. Anzalone provides veteran leadership and playmaking at linebacker, while Parrish continues to develop into a dependable presence in the secondary. The Buccaneers have forced four turnovers in consecutive games, and their defense is starting to create game-changing opportunities that can shift momentum. Holding Atlanta scoreless while collecting four interceptions was a complete defensive effort, but Anzalone and Parrish led it.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Anzalone and Parrish make PFF defensive team of the week
