Breakthrough Day For Anthony Nelson
September 30th, 2020
Bruce Arians talks Anthony Nelson
Todd Bowles assured Joe that second-year linebacker Anthony Nelson would see a lot more playing time. And that came true in Denver.
In fact, the 27 snaps looked by Nelson was the most of his career and nearly double his total through Weeks 1 and 2.
Nelson, who is sackless in his career, logged his first QB hit, caught by the iconic JoeBucsFan.com photographer in the photo above. Nelson drilled Broncos QB Jeff Driskel and the resulting errant throw landing in the hands of Lavonte David.
It wasn’t lost on Bucco Bruce Arians, who talked about Nelson last night on his official team radio show.
“[Nelson] caused the interception. He had great pressure on the quarterback and hit his arm and, you know, we got the interception from Lavonte [David] but that was Anthony all the way,” Arians said. “He’s improving and getting better and better.”
One big 2020 question mark for the Bucs defense was depth at edge rusher after the departure of Carl Nassib in free agency. The Broncos’ offensive line is a sad bunch, but that can’t take away from Nelson gaining experience, confidence and production.
There’s a good chance the Bucs will need to rely on Nelson at some point this season, and they have to feel better about him this week.
September 30th, 2020 at 12:37 pm
I saw him flash during the game as well. Good call out Joe. Now we need to see the growth If Tyler Johnson and we will have answered almost all of our depth concerns.
Go Bucs!
In BA I Trust!
September 30th, 2020 at 12:43 pm
I’ve been talking about the lack of depth at edge rusher for months. I recognize that Nelson’s performance was encouraging against the depleted Broncos. But not enough to make me comfortable. I still think that Licht should sign Clay Matthews ASAP.
With the current roster, if JPP or Shaq suffer an injury, farewell to the 2020 season. And to give JPP some rest during the season is a great way to keep him fresh for a postseason run.
Nelson gave Bucs Fans some hope on Sunday but, as Joe frequently points out here, hope is a very dangerous word in the NFL.
Besides this concern, I keep confident that the Bucs are on track to something big.
Against the Chargers, I expect to see the Offense improving (even without Godwin) and the D continuing to excel (even without SMB). Still some (fewer) mistakes and (fewer) dumb penalties, but another two-digit W.
Go Bucs!!!
September 30th, 2020 at 12:47 pm
I didnt know who he was at first when I saw him, might first thought was dang thats a big boy, and he made plays to. Not bad for a 4th rd pick.
September 30th, 2020 at 12:47 pm
so happy this staff can develop players…
GO BUCS!!!!!
September 30th, 2020 at 1:11 pm
Batting the ball, hitting the QBs arm. These were his forte at Iowa. He had his share of sacks but this is his money maker
September 30th, 2020 at 1:15 pm
Glad to see Nelson contributing. That was a fine play.
September 30th, 2020 at 1:40 pm
Keep getting him snaps here and there. He has the size. I think he will get better with experience.
September 30th, 2020 at 1:41 pm
Nelson is Nassib with more upside. He just needs more reps. His arrow is pointing up much like many of the young Bucs on this roster.
September 30th, 2020 at 1:52 pm
Happy to see Anthony Nelson step up a bit – need his production to replace Carl Nassib
September 30th, 2020 at 2:00 pm
Licht sure has drafted better defensive players since Bowles arrived….
September 30th, 2020 at 2:22 pm
OH………But if only he had played this hard for our last QB! Then we would see!!
🙂
September 30th, 2020 at 2:41 pm
Nelson was not only productive, but giving JPP and Shaq a few more plays off will help them as the game goes along.
Nelson looks dominant in the run game. I would have him in over Shaq on most obvious running plays.
September 30th, 2020 at 7:33 pm
SB
😂😂😂
September 30th, 2020 at 8:55 pm
Blah blah from the fanboys that want us to sign a vet that doesn’t play special teams. Real smart, fellas. You build a team’s depth behind youth and special teams. Not old aged vets that don’t contribute on special teams.
October 1st, 2020 at 6:13 pm
There is a reason why none of the 32 NFL are signing Clay Matthews. He has not been at an elite level for the past few years. He also has not played in a Todd Bowles system nor does he have 4.4 speed.