Tampa Bay Buccaneers' fourth-year cornerback Zyon McCollum was tormented on Sunday night, and left fans wondering what happened. While following the legendary receiver Davante Adams most of the night, McCollum allowed five catches for 62 yards and two touchdowns, mostly in the first half.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford seemed to be targeting McCollum during the route, and it wound up favoring the Rams. McCollum's performance showcased the ineptitude of the Bucs' defense, which allowed 31 points in the first half. A run-heavy second-half scheme made the deficit closer than it really was.
At halftime, the Bucs were down 31-7 and hadn't stopped the surging Rams offense once. Overall, McCollum has played slightly above average this season, but certainly not worthy of the 3-year $48 million contract he received in the offseason.
McCollum is the highest paid cornerback entering 2026, but not playing like it. Veteran corner Jamel Dean, who's restructured contract allowed him to enter free agency after this season, has played much better than McCollum. Dean has allowed 44% completion percentage, and snagged three interceptions through nine games.
I think he had a bad night against a Hall of Fame QB and WR. Right now, Parish may be playing better. Kindle Vildor was playing better. Doesn’t make him their best CB is what I’m saying. https://t.co/h9k6z7VG8v
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) November 24, 2025
Unfortunately, Dean was sidelined on Sunday due to an injury last week against the Bills. For McCollum, it's not all doom and gloom, but he's certainly going through a rough patch of his season. Just a year ago, he recorded 17 passes defended, which more than doubled the team lead and third in the league.
Zyon McCollum isn't the only Buccaneer struggling to stop the pass
His two interceptions co-led the team, and he was second in tackles with 82, which isn't a great stat for a cornerback to succeed in. McCollum is amidst a down season, but so is the Bucs defense. Tampa Bay has allowed the 25th most passing yards per game this season, a weakness stemming from last season.
McCollum isn't the main culprit for this dilemma, but certainly not helping the cause. The the Bucs to get off the mat, and make a run at another NFC South title, McCollum must play better. The next few weeks are key, especially against inferior opponents.
Tampa Bay's remaining opponents are a combined 25 and 36 as of Monday, and many lack superstar receivers. McCollum has a perfect opportunity to get back on track against the Cardinals in Week 13. Immediate and sustained improvement must take place for Bucs fans to forget about McCollum's putrid performance on Sunday Night Football.