Difference Maker

What has the Buccaneers’ defense been able to do since the 2020 NFL season? Simple, they pressure the opposing quarterbacks. The combination of Shaq Barrett, Jason Pierre- Paul, William Gholston, Ndamukong Suh, and Vita Vea has been nightmare-ish for offensive linemen throughout the league. The one name that doesn’t stand out for many fans across the NFL is Iowa product; Anthony Nelson.

Nelson was drafted in 2019 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He hasn’t been able to see regular playing time due to the depth of the defense in recent years. It’s no secret that the injury bug has feasted on the Buccaneers since their 2020 Super Bowl victory. This year has been no exception, with Shaq Barrett going down early and Jason Pierre-Paul leaving for Baltimore. Enter Anthony Nelson!

He has made the NFL community take notice this season. He currently is tied for 5th in forced fumbles. He also has racked up 23 solo tackles and 5.5 sacks in the 2022-23 season. Last week he made possibly the biggest play of the game when he forced a fumble late in the game after crushing Sam Darnold in the backfield. The sky looks bright for Nelson, and the Buccaneers have only scratched the surface of what he can ultimately do for this organization.