Inside linebacker Alex Anzalone.
Joe has gone back to the Alex Anzalone film against the Bengals.
It might be worse than it appeared on Sunday.
Anzalone had multiple whiffs, tackles broken and a couple of questionable efforts, and issues adjusting in coveage.
Rough day would be an understatement for the Bucs’ well paid defensive captain and the guy calling the defensive signals.
What happened? Joe doesn’t want to think Anzalone is washed out as he turns 32 next week.
It’s easy to say it’s understandable for a guy playing his first game in a new defense with a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders. Also, tackling is rough early in the NFL season as it’s not practiced enough in the summer. But Anzalone’s struggles were below the NFL par for Week 1.
Joe has been critical of the Bucs’ ability to scout and develop inside linebacker talent in recent years. One bad game is way too early to go there with Anzalone.
Todd Bowles acknowledged today that Anzalone missed tackles and struggled in zone coverage but was good in man coverage, calling him “rusty” in his first game.