The Tampa Bay Buccaneers expected Alex Anzalone to bring a physical presence to their defense.
Alex Anzalone’s Debut Fell Short of Expectations
After one game, however, he doesn’t look like the answer Tampa Bay hoped would replace Lavonte David. The veteran linebacker arrived with considerable expectations after an impressive training camp and preseason.
Sunday’s performance against the Cincinnati Bengals didn’t match that reputation. Anzalone finished with seven tackles, but his overall impact was difficult to find.
Only two of those tackles were solo stops. Throughout the afternoon, Anzalone struggled to consistently position himself where Tampa Bay needed him.
Bengals Found Ways to Neutralize Anzalone
The Bengals repeatedly created opportunities for offensive linemen to reach the second level.
That made it difficult for Anzalone to affect plays before they developed. Cincinnati also found ways to isolate him and keep him from making a meaningful impact.
Anzalone appeared out of position on several occasions. His struggles became particularly noticeable against the run and in coverage.
He made little impact against running back Chase Brown. He also failed to generate pressure against Joe Burrow.
Then there was the coverage situation involving veteran tight end Mike Gesicki. The former Dolphins tight end finished with five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Anzalone’s performance wasn’t disastrous in every area. However, it was inconsistent enough to raise legitimate questions after only one game.
Anzalone Was Supposed to Set the Tone
Anzalone and rookie Rueben Bain Jr. were among the biggest defensive storylines throughout Tampa Bay’s offseason.
Neither player delivered the debut Buccaneers fans were expecting. Bain finished with only one tackle, which wasn’t credited as a solo stop.
Bain deserves some patience because he’s a rookie adjusting to the NFL. Anzalone doesn’t have that same luxury after arriving as an established veteran.
Tampa Bay needed Anzalone to immediately become a stabilizing presence. Instead, Cincinnati found ways to limit his effectiveness for much of the afternoon.
That has to change quickly. The Buccaneers are counting on Anzalone to become an important piece of their defense.
Josiah Trotter Provided the Defensive Spark
While Anzalone struggled to make his presence felt, another linebacker emerged as Tampa Bay’s defensive standout.
Josiah Trotter was easily the best player on the Buccaneers’ defense Sunday. The rookie finished with 11 tackles, a sack, a pass defensed, and a pick-six.
His interception return for a touchdown helped pull Tampa Bay back into the game. It also provided the defense with the kind of game-changing moment it desperately needed.
Trotter’s performance showed what Tampa Bay’s young linebacker can bring. Now the Buccaneers need their veterans to provide the same consistency.
Week 2 Provides Anzalone a Chance to Respond
Tampa Bay returns home in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland was blown out by the Jacksonville Jaguars in its opener. That gives the Buccaneers an opportunity to establish their preferred style of football.
Anzalone will have an immediate chance to put his disappointing debut behind him. Tampa Bay needs its new defensive leader to play like the player everyone saw during the offseason.
One game doesn’t define a season. However, Anzalone has plenty to prove after his first performance in a Buccaneers uniform.
For more from JR click here!
Follow, Like and Subscribe to Bucs Report
BucsReport.com
For more on this and everything Buccaneers check back here hourly at BucsReport.com.
