Bucs rookie’s historic performance in debut against Bengals shuts up a loud criticism about his play
The young Tampa Bay defender announced his presence loudly in his first NFL game.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made some notable changes this offseason, and one area that got a big-time makeover was at linebacker. Lavonte David announced his retirement, and Tampa Bay signed veteran Alex Anzalone to fill his shoes.
But the move of the future at the position was the selection of Missouri LB Josiah Trotter in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Trotter was labeled by many as a heat-seeking missile in run support, but many experts had reservations about his ability to hold up in coverage at the NFL level.
Well, it didn’t take long for Trotter to make a big impact and give a proverbial middle finger to those doubts about his play. Trotter finished the Bucs’ 33-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals with a game-high 11 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception return for a touchdown.
According to ESPN Bucs reporter Jenna Laine, citing Elias Sports, Trotter became the first rookie since sacks became tracked in 1982 to record a sack and a pick six in his NFL debut since 1982.
Bucs rookie LB Josiah Trotter becomes first rookie going back to 1982 to record a sack and an interception return for a touchdown in his NFL debut
With the Bucs trailing 27-13 and in danger of falling out of the game in the third quarter, Joe Burrow dropped back to pass and threw underneath. Trotter had dropped back in coverage, and Burrow clearly didn’t see him. Trotter pulled the errant pass down a sprinted 38 yards for a score that brought the Bucs right back into the game.
Trotter also passed franchise legend Derrick Brooks and Mason Foster in tackles by a rookie in his debut for Tampa Bay, according to the team.
It was certainly a day to forget in Cincinnati, and there is plenty to be worried about. But the Bucs’ new hard-hitting inside linebacker should have Tampa Bay fans feeling optimistic about the future of the middle of their defense with that type of effort.
