Zyon McCollum Talks Interceptions
August 16th, 2025
Surprised Todd Bowles.
Todd Bowles wants picks. In fact, Bowles craves picks. Demands picks.
Tonight in Pittsburgh, his Bucs defense got picks. Three of them.
And while preseason games are worthless — you enjoy all these injuries putting key players in jeopardy for Week 1 for no good reason? — if you believe in the trends, the arrow is pointing up for Bowles to have his share of his beloved picks.
In two worthless preseason games, the Bucs have six picks — three against Tennessee, three against Pittsburgh.
The Bucs had seven regular-season interceptions last season.
Zyon McCollum had one of the three interceptions Saturday. McCollum said Bowles was so suspicious, he even inspected McCollum’s gloves.
“He came in and touched my gloves and said, ‘Eureka, they work!'” McCollum said after the game. “He’s been looking for that all camp. He wants [picks in practice] to translate into a game.”
So far, in worthless preseason games, it is happening. Averaging three picks a game is impressive at any level of football.
Per a Bucs media relations release, Anthony Grier’s interception of Steelers quarterback Logan Woodside with 2:46 left in the game with the score knotted at 14-14 gave the Bucs the league lead in preseason interceptions this summer with six.
Grier’s pick also set up the Bucs’ game-winning field goal, a Chase McLaughlin 42-yard boot.
Linebacker Kindle Vildor had the other Bucs interception.
As for McCollum, he hopes to continue granting Bowles’ wish when the regular season kicks off in Atlanta.
“[Interceptions] is exactly what he wants to see and [interceptions] is exactly what I want to get.”
August 16th, 2025 at 11:49 pm
What are you talking about???? Vildor had a pick. Zion had one and grier
August 16th, 2025 at 11:52 pm
Yep, Vildor (who had a solid game in general), not Bullock.
August 17th, 2025 at 12:17 am
So David Walker, Ryan Jenson, Aaron Stennie, Sua Opeta all got hurt during a preseason game? Your logic is flawed LDK.
August 17th, 2025 at 12:22 am
Just shut up and play. Start by covering someone, as foreign as that is in Todd’s defense.
August 17th, 2025 at 2:23 am
Hope this trend bodes well for the real games. I’ll take interceptions over sacks on all downs except 4th but hopefully Joe and I agree that those two stats are the only QB pressures of any real value. I also believe that those two stats go hand in hand in telling the real value of a high performing defense.
August 17th, 2025 at 4:33 am
Zyon did really good. Vildor and Grier too. Nice surprises.
August 17th, 2025 at 4:39 am
Jamel Dean continues to impress. WOW what a drive he had.
Its time to let him go. He will cost us a game every now and then.
He does not make enough plays to justify his bad ones.
Go Bucs
August 17th, 2025 at 5:35 am
I’m “Likely”.to throw Todd Bowles Directly under the bus. …!
But I have to say, I’m More Than happy to hand out flowers IF they’re EARNED.
With the way the secondary has been performing “thus far” , it almost looks like Bowles is Doing his part time Defensive coach duties Pretty Well so far. Pretty well…
I SURE AM glad to see the “2nd, third, forth, and even the fifth string defensive guys Playing some Good Ball. It “actually looks” like They ARE being Coached Up!
I’m NOT eating crow because the defensive performances.of the last couple of seasons Especially in the secondary have been qualified as the Bottom of the Barrel. NOT the case “So Far” this season.
I’m crossing fingers that this Quality Play is as Steady as the Northern Star this season. I’d Personally like Todd a Whole Lot Better if This quality stays Steady On…
Not eating crow. But for today, I Am passing out some Flowers… 6 interceptions in two games??!! NICE!
FANTASTIC SECONDARY AWARENESS AND IMPRESSIVE PLAY though two preseason games. Youve got a long way to go before I’m singing your praises without Laughing Out Loud, But if You keep this up…. Good Job Todd. You’re starting to EARN flowers… From a Very skeptical Bucs Fan..
August 17th, 2025 at 5:50 am
Bubble rap our starters
August 17th, 2025 at 6:45 am
EL HEFE O EL JEFE? lol
You need to use google.
August 17th, 2025 at 6:56 am
We’re one INT away from matching our entire INT total from last season in 3 preseason games. Doesn’t mean much stat wise because it’s the preseason, BUT trends and habits are a thing in football. Just like basketball, some shooters just need to see the shot fall to get that boost in confidence. Let’s hope that’s a thing team wide, especially for the less heralded guy.
August 17th, 2025 at 7:56 am
“He came in and touched my gloves and said, ‘Eureka, they work!’” McCollum said after the game. “He’s been looking for that all camp. He wants [picks in practice] to translate into a game.”
Bowles with the dad humor
August 17th, 2025 at 8:58 am
A lot of our cornerbacks had a good solid night last night but Dean gave up some long yarded catches and a touchdown he better start looking a little better and preseason. He’s no longer the only corner in town, He’ll start sliding down Bowles top favorite list before you know it.
August 17th, 2025 at 9:01 am
I like Bullock – #57 at LB. There is something heady and intense about that kids’ play.
August 17th, 2025 at 9:12 am
Dave Moore was commenting on Bucs Radio last night that the interceptions are increasing over last year. Good sign. McCollum is a good player. Hope he’s got a lucky charm to guard against Buc Luck.
August 17th, 2025 at 9:57 am
It’s no surprise to me that Grier got a pick despite his limited snaps. He got a pick last preseason, and had at least 2 pick sixes in college at USF and Arkansas.
August 17th, 2025 at 10:39 am
“I like Bullock – #57 at LB. There is something heady and intense about that kids’ play.“
Agreed, both he & Jackson have been on both kick coverage teams as well. I’m hoping we keep both for the future, whether one active and the other PS or both on the PS
August 17th, 2025 at 10:42 am
Injuries are a difference maker. Do you think the 49ers were a 5 win team last year. Eagles started same 11 on defense all year. Buccaneers won 10 but without starting receivers were 0-4.
August 17th, 2025 at 11:47 am
What is great about all three is they showed great instincts, jumping routes and staying with the player even though he was in front and still making contact popping the ball up in the air which is always an offensive nightmare. If only Dean had the instincts to intercept and cover a well
August 17th, 2025 at 5:56 pm
Vildor is a CB not a LB