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Bucs' 3-Interception Day Against Falcons Sets Historic Mark
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- Bucs' 3-Interception Day Against Falcons Sets Historic Mark
(IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Connect)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' unique 16-0 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday was highlighted by the dual performance from the running back duo of Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell.
But, head coach Todd Bowles' defensive unit deserves a lot of credit for the pressure and turnovers forced against Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
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Three different Bucs recorded an interception against Penix, with veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone responsible for two.
With three picks in the first half alone, the Bucs became the first team in NFL history to notch more interceptions (3) than completions allowed (2) in a first half.
After a missed Falcons field-goal set up the Bucs for an early field goal, Tampa Bay quickly got the ball back, with Anzalone dropping into a hard flat and lurking an outside pass.
On the following drive, just three defensive snaps later, Anzalone struck again, returning the pass to the Atlanta 19-yard line.
This early performance and the continued rain coming down, Penix was visibly frustrated and uncomfortable throughout the game.
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For Anzalone, this was a much-needed performance, as the longtime Detroit Lion continues to play much better after a rough start to the season.
Through the opening two games of his Bucs tenure, Anzalone posted a 35.9 overall PFF grade, ranking 68th out of 69 qualified LBs.
He has sured up his missed tackle problems since then, while recording three interceptions and beginning to look comfortable as Bowles' green-dot linebacker.
Capping off the trifecta of takeaways in the first half was second-year defensive back Jacob Parrish , who continues to be one of the most-effective players at his position in the NFL.
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Adding another two passes defended (PD) against the Falcons, Parrish remains the league-leader in that metric, while his streak of recording at least two PDs extended to five games.
Parrish, a third-round draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has instantly fit in Bowles' defensive scheme, being utilized out of the nickel and outside.
Outside of knocking down passes, Parrish is surrendering only a 73.5 passer rating when targeted, showing his level of focus in coverage.
This mark ranks No. 10 in the NFL among qualified defenders, and highlights the second-year man's growth.
The final interception of the day came from the Bucs' lead corner Zyon McCollum , who continues to play at an All-Pro level and make good on his lucrative extension.
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As Tampa Bay enters the back half of the season, the secondary has been perhaps the most-consistent unit on the team.
Entering a matchup with Caleb Williams the surging Chicago Bears , the defensive backfield has a big test coming.
