Bucs linebacker Alex Anzalone named NFC Defensive Player of the Week
His two early interceptions set the tone in Tampa Bay's 16-0 shutout of Atlanta.
TAMPA - Buccaneers linebacker Alex Anzalone has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 8, the team reported Wednesday, Nov. 4, citing the NFL's announcement.
Anzalone picked off Falcons quarterback Michael Penix on Atlanta's second and third possessions in Sunday's 16-0 win at Raymond James Stadium, according to the team. He added six tackles and one tackle for loss.
The two interceptions give him three this season, which the team says ties him for second in the NFL and is the most by any linebacker. Through eight games he has 42 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and three passes defensed.
It is the first Player of the Week award of Anzalone's 10-year career and the first for any Buccaneer this season, the team said. The last Tampa Bay player to win NFC Defensive Player of the Week was outside linebacker Anthony Nelson, in Week 8 last season.
Anzalone signed with Tampa Bay as an unrestricted free agent in March after five seasons with Detroit. The Bucs play next at Chicago on Sunday night.
Source: Buccaneers.com, "Alex Anzalone Nabs NFC Defensive Player of the Week Award," by Scott Smith, Nov. 4, 2026, opened Nov. 5, 2026.