Wait a minute. A Bucs player started at safety and played the entire game for Antoine Winfield Jr. on Thursday and the defense had a standout night against a high-powered Dallas offense. But nobody seems to be celebrating the guy?
Joe believes it’s because too many fans can’t pronounce his name: Ifeatu Melifonwu.
(Anyone missing Christian Izien?) Melifonwu, a veteran picked up in early in training camp, was on point Thursday and his tackling was sure. He’s also foten around the ball on special teams.
For those who don’t remember, Melifonwu had a career game against the Bucs in the 2023 postseason. In the division round while playing for Detroit, Melifonwu had 9 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks and a tackle for loss. After the 2024 season, he signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins for $4 million.
Melifonwu is a big dude at 6-3, 210 pounds and really was hoping to stick with the Bucs because he lives locally. Melifonwu’s agent told Joe at training camp that his client was on the Bucs’ radar for a long time.
Throw in linebacker Alex Anzalone finishing off the Cowboys with a late interception and special teams ace/safety Myles Killebrew coming up a huge forced fumble on a KaVontae Turpin kickoff return, and it was a special night for Bucs free agent signings. Quarterback included!