“He’s Already Improved Big-Time”
August 17th, 2020
Bucs LB Anthony Nelson
Carl Nassib and his six sacks and aggressive play off the left edge last year bolted out the front door of One Buc Palace in March and ran to the Raiders for big money.
To replace him, the Bucs are turning to their 2019 fourth-round pick.
That would be DE/LB Anthony Nelson. He’s built like Nassib and it seems he’ll be modeling his game after Nassib.
“The way he uses his hands is really impressive. You know, just being another long 6-feet-7 guy, it was really nice to see be able to see how [Nassib] used his tools, how he used his long arms, how he used his feet to defeat blocks, get around blocks, get to the quarterback, make plays,” Nelson told Joe this morning. “You know, like I just want to replicate some of those things and then put my own personal touch on that.”
During a later virtual news conference, Jason Pierre-Paul was asked about Nelson and delivered a lot of love with a very sincere tone.
“He’s already improved big-time. … It’s amazing to see how he’s grown in a year,” JPP said of Nelson. “Coach [Larry] Foote is coaching him correctly. …I coach him sometimes. … I’m proud of him.”
It’s not talked about much, but the Bucs really need Nelson to step up as many second-year players do.
Linebacker Coach Larry Foote admitted that he’s putting a lot of pressure on Nelson. “We’re going to need Nelson to fill those shoes that Carl left,” he said.
Nassib is no Pro Bowler but he was a valuable piece, and it’s unrealistic to expect Shaq Barrett to duplicate the elite pass rush production he rolled out last season. Nelson has to step up.
August 17th, 2020 at 11:36 am
I expect all of the players to step up a notch this year with Brady at the helm, whether on offense or defense. Expectations are through the roof. Having JPP as a mentor can’t hurt.
August 17th, 2020 at 11:42 am
Off topic I know we like to rip on McCoy. But he got hurt today don’t wish injury on no player🙏🏽
August 17th, 2020 at 11:43 am
Gerald McCoy hurt in the first padded practice!
August 17th, 2020 at 11:59 am
If Im not mistaken, Clay Mathews is still out there as FA. While I like the love being shown Nelson, having another proven vet like Mathews would be the icing on the cake for this roster. Just like Shady McCoy completed the offense, Mathews would complete the D.
August 17th, 2020 at 12:08 pm
High hopes for Nelson. Did he put on some weight? That was my main criticism of him last season, getting swallowed up bu stouter OT’s. He does have a strong motor…
McCoy could not put weight on his knee. Not good. Not good at all when you can’t walk off the field.
August 17th, 2020 at 12:20 pm
I’m expecting Shaq to get at least 30 sacks this year…..but 30 ints…..Oops, wrong guy!!!
August 17th, 2020 at 12:24 pm
There were times last year when Nelson was in that I thought it was Nassib, almost interchangeable.
If he can improve it will add competent depth.
August 17th, 2020 at 1:11 pm
Someone would have to get bounced to sign him. So the question is, who gets booted out the door?
August 17th, 2020 at 2:25 pm
This team feels like it has a very nice blend of experience and youth.
August 17th, 2020 at 2:39 pm
The reason why the Bucs has not signed someone like Clay Mathews is because of Nelson. I am sure Linebacker Coach Larry Foote had a big part of the decision not to get another big name.
August 17th, 2020 at 2:58 pm
great news about nelson…
GO BUCS!!!!