Alex Anzalone’s first game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was far from the debut the team wanted.
Anzalone Struggles in His Tampa Bay Debut
The veteran linebacker became one of Tampa Bay’s biggest defensive problems during Sunday’s loss to Cincinnati. He surrendered several big completions in coverage and missed two tackles, according to PFF.
Anzalone also finished as the Buccaneers’ lowest-graded player. His overall grade came in at just 32.3 for the game.
The Numbers Tell an Ugly Story
Anzalone received a 36 run-defense grade from PFF. His coverage grade was even lower, coming in at just 39.
Head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged that Anzalone needed to improve in certain areas. However, Bowles defended the linebacker’s performance when discussing his work in man coverage.
“HC Todd Bowles says ILB Alex Anzalone was fine in man to man coverage. He missed a couple of tackles. As far as Mike Gesicki’s big plays that they allowed. There were zone coverages where they didn’t drop the right way,” via Pewter Report.
That distinction matters because not every coverage breakdown necessarily falls on Anzalone. However, another report suggests he may have been responsible for one particularly costly mistake.
A Potential Coverage Bust
One of Cincinnati’s biggest plays appeared to involve a breakdown in Tampa Bay’s zone coverage. Josh Queipo of Pewter Report offered his interpretation of what happened.
“Todd Bowles on the 2nd CIN TD. Looks like Tykee has Higgins MEG, Parrish has the flat, and that would mean Anzalone is the coverage bust based on Todd’s comments,” via Josh Queipo of Pewter Report.
If that interpretation is correct, Anzalone’s struggles extended beyond missed tackles. He also potentially contributed to a major defensive communication mistake.
Tampa Bay Needs Its New Leader
Anzalone’s limited work in man coverage cannot erase the rest of his performance. The missed tackles and issues in zone coverage created too many problems.
The Buccaneers need significantly more from their biggest offseason investment at linebacker. His role also makes a quick turnaround particularly important.
Tampa Bay signed Anzalone to a two-year, $17 million contract this offseason. The team also gave him the green dot, making him responsible for calling defensive plays.
That means Anzalone is not simply another linebacker Tampa Bay can remove from the lineup. He is expected to remain on the field and lead the defense.
His first performance was not good enough. The Buccaneers will need their new defensive leader to be much better moving forward.
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