Bucs inside linebacker Alex Anzalone had a fantastic performance in Week 8 during the Bucs’ 16-0 win over the Falcons. In that game he recorded two interceptions, made six combined tackles, one tackle for loss and also had two passes defensed. Anzalone is getting recognized for his play as he has been named the NFC Defensive Player Of The Week.

Following a slow start to the season, Anzalone has really picked up his game, making some clutch plays. His first interception on Thursday night football against the Cowboys sealed the deal in game for Tampa Bay. Then his two interceptions off of Michael Penix Jr. against the Falcons really set the tone for the defense, who had four interceptions that afternoon, including the first two by Tampa Bay’s starting inside linebacker and team captain.

The turnaround by the Bucs’ defense can be correlated to the improved play by Anzalone. He signed with the Bucs this offseason and is really starting to make his presence felt in the defense. 

Bucs ILB Alex Anzalone – Photo by: Cliff Welch P/R

Anzalone Leads Bucs With Three Interceptions

Anzalone was the only NFL player to record multiple interceptions in a victory in Week 8. His three interceptions this season are tied for the second-most in the NFL, and the most among non-defensive backs. Anzalone is one of two players this season with three-plus interceptions and a sack, alongside Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney.

Since he became a full-time starter in 2021, his 36 passes defensed rank fourth among NFL linebackers. Over the past six seasons (2021-26), Anzalone is the lone linebacker in the NFL with 500+ tackles, 35+ passes defensed and 10.0+ sacks.

Behind Anzalone’s performance, Tampa Bay became the first team to record a shutout this season. Tampa Bay led the league in Week 8 with four interceptions, tied for the league lead with four takeaways, and allowed the second-fewest total yards (224) and the third-fewest passing yards (125). They also were the only team in the NFL to stop its opponent from converting a third down, holding Atlanta to 0-for-12.

Bucs ILB Alex Anzalone – Photo by: Cliff Welch P/R

Tampa Bay ranks third in the NFL in total defense (285.9), second in rush defense (80.0) and sixth in scoring defense (18.9) through Week 8, while its six games limiting opponents to 300 or fewer total yards and 100 or fewer rushing yards are the most in the league this season. The Bucs have also held seven of their eight opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards, the most such performances by any NFL team.

The Bucs rank at the top of the league in both takeaways (16) and interceptions (12), while ranking fifth in points off turnovers (49). The defense has generated multiple takeaways in four of their past five outings, including a season-high four in consecutive weeks (7-8).

This weekly honor is the first of Anzalone’s career and makes him the first Buccaneer to earn a Player of the Week award this season. He is the first Tampa Bay linebacker to receive the honor since Anthony Nelson in Week 8 of the 2025 season and the first Buccaneer linebacker to win the weekly accolade in his first year as a Buccaneer since Kwon Alexander did so in Week 8 of the 2015 season.

Bucs ILB Alex Anzalone – Photo by: Cliff Welch P/R

Anzalone becomes the sixth different Buccaneer to earn NFC Defensive Player of the Week since Todd Bowles became head coach in 2022: Anzalone, Anthony Nelson (Week 8 – 2025), Jamel Dean (Week 6 – 2025), Yaya Diaby (Week 18 – 2024), Antoine Winfield Jr. (Week 18 – 2023, Week 13 – 2023) and Devin White (Week 10 – 2022).

*Some information in this article was provided by the Bucs communications staff