Anthony Nelson
In his first start of the 2025 season, outside linebacker Anthony Nelson fielded a prolific performance in Week Eight, igniting the defense in enemy territory. He recorded 2.0 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception returned for a touchdown, becoming the first player since 2007 to reach each of those achievements in a single game and became just one-of-three players since at least 2000 to accomplish this feat. Nelson's interception and touchdown were each the first of his career, while he improved his career totals to 21.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles. He became the catalyst at Caesars Superdome, kindling the defensive effort. His acrobatic pick-six came at a pivotal moment after the Saints' defense gained the momentum off a goal-line stand. Nelson revitalized the unit, tipping Spencer Rattler's pass to himself for the score following a three-yard return. The consistent veteran fueled the team to victory, punctuating the 23-3 outcome. He lived in the backfield and kept the Saints' offense off-kilter through four quarters.
Antoine Winfield Jr.
Antoine Winfield Jr. had a trademark outing at the dome. Like a magnet to the football, No. 31 made his presence felt. He scooped up a forced fumble caused by Jamel Dean, marking the 10th of his NFL career. Since TruMedia data is available dating back to 2000, Winfield is just the 12th defensive back with 10-plus career forced fumbles and 10-plus career fumble recoveries. He later picked off a Tyler Shough pass to secure his first interception of the 2025 slate and the eighth of his career. Winfield's two takeaways in Week Eight are tied for the most by any NFL player in a single game this season and the most by a Bucs player since he had two takeaways vs. Jacksonville on 12/24/23.
His return of the fumble caused by Dean in the second quarter was initially ruled a touchdown but the call was reversed by an inadvertent whistle. Winfield flocked to the ball like a man possessed in Week Eight and showcased his instincts and ballhawk-mentality. Winfield's play recognition put him in prime positioning, fortifying Todd Bowles' defense.
Chase McLaughlin
Kicker Chase McLaughlin converted on field goal attempts of 52, 54 and 55 yards and is now eight-for-eight on attempts of 50-plus yards this season. His eight 50-plus yard field goals are the most in the NFL this season. Among players with 30-plus career field goal attempts from 50-plus yards, McLaughlin's 85.1 field goal percentage (40-of-47) from 50-plus yards is the second-highest in league history, trailing only Dallas' Brandon Aubrey. The long-distance specialist continues to bolster the scoreboard in the Bucs' favor and he provided Tampa Bay with nine unanswered points during the second half in Week Eight.
