It took one half for Anthony Nelson to earn a game ball vs. Saints

With Haason Reddick out against the Saints due to injury, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed someone to step up in a big way at the EDGE position. 

Anthony Nelson answered the call, and played the best half of football of his professional career. He wasted no time making an impact, forcing a fumble on the opening drive of the game which was ultimately recovered by Lavonte David. 

On the next drive, Nelson got to Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler for a sack on 2nd-and-8 to set up a 3rd-and-long. 

Nelson made another huge play on the next drive, making it three splash plays in as many drives. After the Tampa Bay offense was stuffed on the goal line and turned it over on downs, Nelson took matters into his own hands. 

Nelson got his hand up and deflected a pass attempt from Rattler before coming down with the interception and returning for a touchdown. To make the highlight touchdown even better, Nelson stiff-armed Rattler to the ground on his way to the end zone.

Nelson was the most impactful player on the field with a first half, totaling a sack, a forced fumble, and a pick-six.

According to Buccaneers Communications, he is the first player since Khalil Mack in 2018 to record a forced fumble, a sack and an interception return touchdown in a single half.

Despite his heroics, the Buccaneers went into halftime with just a 7-3 lead, with Nelson producing the Bucs’ only score.  

With the offense uncharacteristically struggling to move the ball, and the defense missing a key piece in Reddick, the Bucs will be counting on another big half from Nelson to close out the game and head into the bye week with a crucial victory.