The Buccaneers rookie linebacker was named one of the nominees for Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week following his performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. Trotter is up for the award alongside Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas, Commanders wide receiver Antonio Williams, and Titans linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. Trotter finished Tampa Bay's 33-27 loss with a team-high 10 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, a pass breakup, and an interception he returned 38 yards for a touchdown.
Trotter recorded the Bucs' only sack of Joe Burrow on Sunday, getting through the middle of Cincinnati's protection and bringing him down for a nine-yard loss on third down. On the Bengals' next possession, he dropped into coverage and intercepted a pass intended for Andrei
Iosivas before returning it for a touchdown. The score cut Cincinnati's lead to 27-20 and helped Tampa Bay get back into the game after turnovers allowed the Bengals to build a sizable lead earlier in the afternoon. Trotter also made history with the performance. He became the first player since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 to record a sack and return an interception for a touchdown in his NFL debut. It was a good first look at what the Bucs hope Trotter can bring to the middle of their defense.
Tampa Bay gave him a starting role next to Alex Anzalone coming out of training camp rather than easing him into the lineup. That meant his first regular-season assignment included trying to handle Joe Burrow and a Cincinnati offense with several experienced playmakers. There will still be plenty for Trotter to learn as he gets further into his rookie season, but his first game showed why the Bucs were comfortable giving him an immediate role. Tampa Bay didn't get the result it wanted in Cincinnati, but Trotter gave the defense a productive debut and showed that he could make an impact right away.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Josiah Trotter nominated for Pepsi rookie of the week
