The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have received strong performances from their linebackers this season, with two players ranking among the NFL's best in pass coverage, according to Pro Football Network.
In PFN's latest linebacker coverage rankings, Alex Anzalone ranks fifth with an 86.9 coverage grade, while rookie Josiah Trotter is tied for 10th at 83.2.
Anzalone trails only Pittsburgh's Patrick Queen (91.5), Carolina's Devin Lloyd (89.1), Chicago's D'Marco Jackson (88.6) and Baltimore's Trenton Simpson (88.4).
PFN's season-long linebacker data credits Anzalone with 43 tackles and four interceptions through nine games. His coverage grade is considerably higher than his 74.1 overall Impact grade, making pass defense his strongest graded area in PFN's evaluation.
Trotter has also made an impression during his rookie season. PFN credits him with 75 tackles, seven pressures, and an interception through eight games. His 81.8 overall Impact grade ranks 21st among linebackers on PFN's leaderboard, with an 83.2 coverage grade.
The rookie's growing role was evident against Chicago, where he played 59 of Tampa Bay's 61 defensive snaps, accounting for 97% of the team's defensive plays.
The rankings are particularly encouraging considering the changes Tampa Bay made at linebacker entering the season. After Lavonte David's departure, Anzalone joined the Buccaneers, and Trotter arrived via the draft, giving Todd Bowles two new starters in the middle of his defense.
Their coverage performances have provided an encouraging return on those additions. With Tampa Bay entering its Week 10 bye at 3-6, Anzalone and Trotter have established themselves as important contributors to a defense that has undergone significant changes.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Two Buccaneers linebackers rank among NFL's best in coverage
