Alex Anzalone was supposed to fill in as the primary linebacker post-Lavonte David, but has struggled through two games. If he continues to underperform, a change may be needed.
Following a brutal loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves in an eerily similar situation to last year.
Turnovers and inability to get off the field on third down doomed the Bucs in Week 2, as the team continues to struggle with consistency.
After losing franchise legends in Lavonte David and Mike Evans this offseason, an adjustment period is to be expected, but veteran additions made in free agency were supposed to help minimize the losses.
Tenth-year linebacker Alex Anzalone is one player who has underperformed to this point, as he was one of the Bucs' most notable defensive additions this offseason.
The longtime Detroit Lion signed a two-year, $17 million contract in free agency after helping transform the identity of Dan Campbell's defense.
He had a strong 2025-2026 season, but Anzalone's first two games as a Buc have been rough, with his 35.9 overall PFF grade ranking 68th out of 69 qualified LBs.
Anzalone has struggled to make tackles 1-on-1, missing multiple takedowns against Cleveland.
His pass coverage has been dismal as well, with a 34.6 coverage grade ranking 66th.
This is a big concern for the player wearing the green dot in head coach Todd Bowles' defense, as he was expected to be a consistent presence in the middle.
Anzalone has made multiple uncharacteristic plays for a player with his experience, including an inexplicable unnecessary roughness penalty on Sunday.
Thankfully, rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter has been incredible, picking up the slack and looking like on of the steals of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Trotter posted a historic debut against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, following that up with a 13-tackle outing against Cleveland.
The former Missouri standout has been flying around the field, while also serving as one of the few players getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
If Anzalone continues to struggle, Bowles may have to consider a change of the guard.
While giving a rookie linebacker the green dot is basically unheard of, you can't allow this season to spiral out of control.
The linebacking position is unfortunately one of the position groups with the least depth, as Sirvocea Dennis and Christian Rozeboom are the listed backups.
While Rozeboom is currently playing mainly special teams, he has shown the ability to at least be a consistent tackler.
After a quiet start to his NFL career, Rozeboom has picked it up, racking up 336 tackles over the past three seasons.
In Week 3, Anzalone will need to have a better showing to continue to warrant the green dot responsibilities.
Luckily, he faces off against the Minnesota Vikings, a team who he played against twice a year for the past five seasons.
