Anzalone also finished as the Buccaneers\u2019 lowest-graded player. His overall grade came in at just 32.3 for the game.<\/p>\n
The Numbers Tell an Ugly Story<\/p>\n
Anzalone received a 36 run-defense grade from PFF. His coverage grade was even lower, coming in at just 39.<\/p>\n
Head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged that Anzalone needed to improve in certain areas. However, Bowles defended the linebacker\u2019s performance when discussing his work in man coverage.<\/p>\n
\u201cHC Todd Bowles says ILB Alex Anzalone was fine in man to man coverage. He missed a couple of tackles. As far as Mike Gesicki\u2019s big plays that they allowed. There were zone coverages where they didn\u2019t drop the right way,\u201d via Pewter Report<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n A Potential Coverage Bust<\/p>\n One of Cincinnati\u2019s biggest plays appeared to involve a breakdown in Tampa Bay\u2019s zone coverage. Josh Queipo of Pewter Report offered his interpretation of what happened.<\/p>\n \u201cTodd 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\u2019s comments,\u201d via Josh Queipo of Pewter Report<\/a>.<\/p>\n If that interpretation is correct, Anzalone\u2019s struggles extended beyond missed tackles. He also potentially contributed to a major defensive communication mistake.<\/p>\n Tampa Bay Needs Its New Leader<\/p>\n Anzalone\u2019s limited work in man coverage cannot erase the rest of his performance. The missed tackles and issues in zone coverage created too many problems.<\/p>\n The Buccaneers need significantly more from their biggest offseason investment at linebacker. His role also makes a quick turnaround particularly important.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n His first performance was not good enough. The Buccaneers will need their new defensive leader to be much better moving forward.<\/p>\n For more from JR click here<\/a>!<\/p>\n Follow, Like and Subscribe to Bucs Report<\/a><\/p>\n
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