Of all the players who could have delivered the game-sealing play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football, Alex Anzalone might have been the last name anyone expected. The veteran linebacker has been one of the most criticized players on Tampa Bay's defense through the first month of the season, but when the Buccaneers needed someone to step up against the Dallas Cowboys, Anzalone delivered. With Dallas threatening to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, Dak Prescott attempted to connect with tight end Jake Ferguson. The pass bounced off Ferguson's hands and into the air, where Anzalone made a diving interception at Tampa Bay's 12-yard line with 1:12 remaining. The turnover effectively sealed the Buccaneers' stunning 24-16
upset and their first victory of the season.It was a moment of redemption for a player who has struggled to justify his offseason acquisition. Tampa Bay signed Anzalone to a two-year, $17 million contract with the expectation that he would bring veteran leadership and stability to the middle of Todd Bowles' defense. Instead, his first few games were filled with missed tackles, questionable positioning, and coverage breakdowns that made him look completely out of place. Through the first two games, Anzalone carried a 29.1 overall Pro Football Focus grade, including a 30.1 coverage grade, ranking 110th among 112 qualifying linebackers. His tackling struggles were especially noticeable against Cleveland, when he failed to bring down Denzel Boston on a play that turned into a 55-yard touchdown. The criticism became so significant that questions were raised about whether Anzalone deserved to remain in the starting lineup.Even Thursday night wasn't without mistakes. Anzalone was flagged for defensive pass interference in the end zone during Dallas' opening touchdown drive, another frustrating moment for a linebacker desperately needing something positive. But football has a funny way of creating redemption stories. While Bucky Irving carried the offense with 165 rushing yards and two touchdowns, Anzalone provided the defensive play that prevented Dallas from completing a late comeback. One interception doesn't erase four weeks of poor tackling and coverage struggles. Anzalone still has plenty to prove, especially considering the expectations that came with his arrival in Tampa Bay. However, at least for tonight, the player who had become a symbol of the defense's struggles was the one who saved the game,and nobody needed that moment more than Alex Anzalone.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Alex Anzalone plays unlikely hero in Bucs’ upset win over Cowboys
