Buccaneers Edge Rusher Singled Out After Dominant Week 8 Performance
One man goes down, one man steps up. That’s the NFL ethos in a cliche.
Or, in this case, one edge rusher goes down and one edge rusher plays better than every other edge rusher in the NFL.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup edge rusher Anthony Nelson, inserted into the lineup after an injury to Haason Reddick, had a career game in a 23-3 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 8 and came out with some big-time recognition for his performance.
“Bucs OLB Anthony Nelson was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week and PK Chase McLaughlin was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for their performances vs New Orleans,” Tampa Bay Times reporter Rick Stroud wrote on his X account. “Nelson had two sacks, an INT returned for a touchdown and a forced fumble. McLaughlin made FGs of 52-, 54- and 55 yards.”
Nelson, 6-foot-7 and 271 pounds, has been a consistent backup for the Buccaneers and is doing more of the same in 2025. The game against the Saints was his first start of the season with Reddick out with an ankle sprain.
With Reddick on track to come back for a home game against the first place New England Patriots in Week 10 following a bye in Week 9, there might be some question moving forward as to how the Buccaneers maneuver their lineup with a trio of edge rushers in Reddick, Nelson and YaYa Diaby, who leads the Buccaneers with 4.0 sacks.
Through 8 games, Nelson has 3.0 sacks.
Nelson Re-Signed With Buccaneers in March
Nelson made Bleacher Report’s list of the Top 50 NFL free agents for 2025, coming in at No. 30, but chose to come back to the Buccaneers on a 2-year, $10 million contract in March. He’d previously signed a 2-year, $10 million contract with the Buccaneers in March 2023.
Nelson had 40 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 6 TFL, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 13 QB hits in 2024. He did so while playing in all 17 games with only 6 starts and playing in just 51 percent of Tampa Bay’s defensive snaps.
“Linebacker Anthony Nelson has never been a full-time starter with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,” Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox wrote in January 2025. “What he’s been over the past three years is a highly productive outside ‘backer who can set the edge, clog passing lanes and get after the opposing quarterback. Nelson, who will turn 28 in March, isn’t quite a pure pass-rusher, but he was very effective in that role in 2024. Having played both outside linebacker and defensive end in Tampa, he should be viewed as a fit for a variety of base schemes.”
From Big Ten Star to Super Bowl Champion
Nelson was selected by the Buccaneers in the fourth round (No. 107 overall) in the 2019 NFL draft after he was a 2-time All-Big Ten pick at Iowa and played all 16 games in 2020 as the Buccaneers won the second Super Bowl in franchise history.
Nelson came into his own over the last 4 seasons, with 17.5 of his 18.5 career sacks since 2021, including career highs of 5.5 sacks and 8 starts in 2022 — a contract year for Nelson that landed him his current deal.
Maxx Crosby Promises a Dominant Return: ‘We’ll Keep Battling Every Single Play’
The Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive line is facing a significant challenge with one of their leaders, Maxx Crosby, battling an injury. Known for his relentless play, Crosby has been a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense since joining the team. Despite the setback, Crosby remains confident and determined to make a dominant return to the field.
In a recent statement, Crosby made it clear that the injury will not define him or his team. “Injuries are part of the game, but they don’t define who I am. I’ll keep pushing, keep fighting, and I’ll be back stronger than ever. I’m not backing down, and neither is this defense. We’ll keep battling every single play,”
Crosby’s leadership on and off the field has been critical to the Raiders’ defensive unit. His relentless style of play, combined with his ability to disrupt offenses, has made him a key player. The injury is undoubtedly a blow to the defense, but Crosby’s mindset is clear: this is just another challenge to overcome. He is determined to return stronger and continue being a force for the Raiders.
Throughout his career, Crosby has faced adversity and emerged stronger each time. His determination to keep fighting, even in the face of injury, is not just about him — it’s about setting an example for the rest of the team. Crosby’s leadership is invaluable, and it’s evident that his commitment to the team is unwavering.
The Raiders have relied on Crosby’s energy and ability to make game-changing plays. His absence may temporarily shift the dynamic of the defense, but with Crosby’s mindset and his work ethic, his return will undoubtedly reinvigorate the team. His words,
As the Raiders prepare for their upcoming games, they will undoubtedly miss Crosby’s presence on the field. However, his resolve to return stronger, coupled with the defensive depth the Raiders have, will be key in sustaining their competitive edge. The team will need to rally together and maintain their defensive focus, knowing that Crosby will be back to lead them as soon as he is able.
For now, Maxx Crosby’s focus is on recovery, and when he returns, it’s clear that he’ll be ready to make his mark once again. His determination to overcome obstacles and keep fighting is a rallying cry for his teammates, and the Raiders will no doubt look to Crosby’s example as they continue to battle for a playoff spot.
