The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense spurred a 23-3 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week Eight with five sacks and four takeaways – the first time they have eclipsed each of those milestones in a single game since 2022, also at New Orleans. Making his first start of the 2025 campaign, Anthony Nelson fueled the onslaught, recording 2.0 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception returned for a touchdown, becoming the first player since 2007 to reach each of these marks in a single game. Nelson became just one of three players since at least 2000 to accomplish that accolade. He is the first Bucs player to record that stat line in a single game since data became available dating back to 1994.
From quickly bypassing Trevor Penning to collapse the pocket, to retracing Spencer Rattler's steps and meeting him for the knockdown on a scramble, Nelson wreaked havoc at the line of scrimmage, sending the slew of devoted Bucs' fans in attendance to their feet. In the second quarter following a goal-line stand by the Saints' defense, Nelson reinvigorated the Bucs' defense, bringing life to the scoreless visiting team. Nelson leapt up and tipped Spencer Rattler's pass intended for Foster Moreau to himself and returned it three yards for a touchdown, lowering his shoulder to bypass Rattler for a waltz into the end zone. He kept his foot on the gas pedal, creating palpable excitement inside the dome in critical moments.
"You definitely get into that zone and a lot of it has to do with the guys around you," said Nelson. "We have a lot of guys going after the ball, getting strips and punching out and some that were close that ended up being incompletions, so when everybody is doing it, it gets contagious and you can feel it. It gives you confidence."
Nelson exploded off the snap and used his length to his advantage in Week Eight. The rangy athlete showcased his change-of-direction skills, high motor and well-timed pass rush moves. Touted as "Steady Eddie" by the Bucs' coaching staff, Nelson once again made splash plays to shift the outcome of the NFC South showdown.
Nelson was thrust into a larger role last season when Joe Tryon-Shoyinka missed time due to an ankle injury and he made one of, if not the most pivotal play of the 2024 season. In the Bucs' quest for another division crown, Nelson forced a fumble to secure the Bucs' overtime win in Week 13 over the Carolina Panthers. After an uncharacteristic missed 55-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin, the Panthers took over at their 45-yard line and Nelson punctuated the game with a monumental play. He tackled Chuba Hubbard and forced a fumble. Yaya Diaby then recovered the football at Tampa Bay's 29, putting Baker Mayfield and company back on the field. Nelson has become a tone-setter for the Bucs and on Sunday in Week Eight, Nelson continued his stellar trend.
