Major Minutes, Spotlight For Anthony Nelson
January 2nd, 2021
One guy who rarely gets chances to hunt quarterbacks is about to get a big-time shot on Sunday.
And it’s caused a divide at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters.
The Joe typing here is fired up to see Anthony Nelson start against the Falcons in place of Shaq Barrett, who is now on the NFL’s official COVID-19 reserve list. The other Joe thinks the absence of Barrett and Devin White (also COVID) tomorrow will neuter the Bucs’ pass rush back to dark times in Bucs history.
Nelson has six quarterback hits this season and recorded the first sack of his two-year career last Saturday in Detroit. Joe routinely sees a very active rusher who is a handful to deal with on a healthy percentage of rushes.
And it’s quite likely that steadily-improving Nelson is suffering from a lack of opportunities to rack up significant numbers. He’s played about 25 percent of the defensive snaps this season and, of course, he hasn’t been used much as a pass-rush specialist.
That all changes tomorrow and Joe is eager to see Nelson against a rather porous Falcons offensive line. If Nelson wants a role in the playoffs, and more confidence from Bucs officials before free agency and the draft, then Sunday is the day to let loose.
Young players dream of this kind of shot, and now Nelson has it.
Enjoy today’s new Ira Kaufman Podcast, presented by Bill Currie Ford
January 2nd, 2021 at 9:20 am
Yes, let’s see what he’s got as a starter. He has skills and may surprise.
January 2nd, 2021 at 10:08 am
I’m a little nervous about tomorrow. The Bucs secondary is dependent on a good pass rush. With both Shaq and White out, I’m fearful ol’ Matty Ice might pick us apart. It’s up to the O to jump out to an early lead and keep firing all game long.
January 2nd, 2021 at 10:15 am
I’m with PSL Bob. down a DT and two important LB’s against a high-powered passing game is not a good mix for a win.
Fingers crossed Carlton Davis is 100% at game time.
An equalizer is the Falcons excellent center is also out, although I don’t know anything about his replacement. Mack is excellent at line calls.
January 2nd, 2021 at 10:18 am
So steve is hopeful and Lee thinks the world is ending. I’m shocked….
January 2nd, 2021 at 10:30 am
Nelson’s length can cause Matt Ryan problems even if he doesnt get home on sacks. Also need Suh to bring the pressure up the middle. Ryan is a little like Brady in that respect. Middle pressure kills him. Get those hands up Nelson lol.
January 2nd, 2021 at 10:32 am
PSL/Cobra, I second (third) that.
January 2nd, 2021 at 11:04 am
#With Mack out, I’d align the D with Suh right over the #2 center on passing downs.
I suspect we’ll see Winfield blitzing often.
January 2nd, 2021 at 11:18 am
Dont forget we also have JPP and Lavonte David, this front 7 is no pushover. You play with the personnel you have. Look to see David or Minter become more involved in the pass rush. I could also see JPP have more designed inside rushes for him, as he will need to eat for us to be successful (I also think he will rebound from his 0 stat day from the last time these two teams played
January 2nd, 2021 at 11:30 am
I suspect we’ll see a lot of Winfield in the box on passing downs.
January 2nd, 2021 at 11:42 am
He’s supposed to be JPP’s heir apparent, so tomorrow is his chance to prove it. Fingers crossed he performs well.
January 2nd, 2021 at 1:06 pm
Dude is the stiffest pass rusher I’ve ever seen.
January 2nd, 2021 at 3:51 pm
he hasn’t exactly been the next carl “the arabian knight” nassib
January 2nd, 2021 at 3:54 pm
i hope jpp gets to 11.5 sacks tomorrow…
he has slowed down on his sack production the past handful of games…
or at least it seems like that
January 2nd, 2021 at 4:32 pm
Minter will do just fine for the game. Nelson too. We really need these guys back for playoffs tho. Fingers crossed.
January 2nd, 2021 at 4:41 pm
I think Nelson and Mintor will do good but JPP and the rest of the line need to step it up. If they don’t get pressure, it’s going to be a shoot out
January 2nd, 2021 at 4:59 pm
My guess is Nelson will never be a top end player. Just not enough speed or quickness to get it done. His length can make him a guy in the rotation but I do not expect a sudden change with him because of the evident lack of quickness.
January 2nd, 2021 at 6:46 pm
Think this guy was a fifth round pick? Maybe 6th?
IT would be a real shame for even more evidence that Jason Licht is a good GM to surface, further silencing his critics. Haven’t seen his name getting bashed for a longtime now but, you know who you are.
January 2nd, 2021 at 7:07 pm
Nelson was a 4th Round pick. I hope the kid has a great game. I wish well for all of the Bucs players. Personally, I’d like to see Nelson put on weight and learn all he can from Will Gholston about the 3-4 DE position. There are a lot of good edge rushers in the 2021, I’d like for the Bucs to take one in the first 3 rounds.
January 2nd, 2021 at 7:50 pm
These guys are pros. JPP will rally the troops and those key players will step up and 2and stringers will perform. This is no different than a temporary injury. They prepare for this. Ryan and Ridley can not keep up with Brady, Evan’s, Godwin, Brown, Gronk, Miller etc. Atlanta is sent packing.