Bucs DB McCollum Playing at All-Pro Level

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense has anchored their surge back into the playoff picture over the past two weeks.

Head coach Todd Bowles' unit is topping most defensive metrics, while the secondary has been one of the more-surprising flourishes on the team.

Young defensive backs like Jacob Parrish and Keionte Scott continue to move in and out of the slot and outside, while Zyon McCollum continues to make good on his recent extension.

McCollum, who the Bucs selected in the fifth round after a standout career with Sam Houston State, has locked down some of the top receivers in the NFL, while already matching his career-high for interceptions in a season with two.

During the opening half of this season, McCollum has held multiple elite pass-catchers to limited days, with Ja'Marr Chase, Ceedee Lamb, Drake London, and DK Metcalf topping the list.

McCollum's technique has been very sound, and he does a great job of limiting opportunities over the top.

In the Bucs' stellar defensive performance against the Atlanta Falcons, three different defenders recorded an interception against Michael Penix Jr., with veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone responsible for two.

With three picks in the first half alone, the Bucs became the first team in NFL history to notch more interceptions (3) than completions allowed (2) in a first half.

McCollum was responsible for the final interception of the day, and marks the second-straight week he has recorded a pick.

Following the Bucs' win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 7, former NFL defensive back and analyst Ryan Clark credited Tampa's secondary, while giving McCollum his nod for the "1st quarter of the season All Pro Corner" via X.

The names that McCollum has held in check definitely warrant some consideration, while the Bucs' overall defensive strides will help his case.

Following Tampa Bay's two-game win streak, McCollum and the Bucs' secondary will be tested against the Chicago Bears' dangerous passing attack.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is playing the best football of his NFL career, while the team is coming off an impressive 34-point outing against the stout Seattle Seahawks' defense.

In McCollum's last time out in a primetime game, against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football, he recorded two passes defensed, while holding the Cowboys' self-proclaimed "Greatest Offense There Is" (GOTI) to 16 points.

The Bucs look to jump to the head of the NFC South on Sunday Night Football against Chicago at 8:20 p.m.