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Buccaneers LB Anthony Nelson’s insane pick-6 completes feat not seen since 2023

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured a dominant 23-3 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 8 at Caesars Superdome, thanks largely to a stellar defensive performance led by Anthony Nelson.

With Haason Reddick sidelined, Nelson stepped up in his first start of the season and made an immediate impact. On New Orleans’ opening drive, he stripped rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, allowing veteran linebacker Lavonte David to recover the loose ball at Tampa Bay’s 33-yard line. Just two possessions later, Nelson delivered again with a sack on second down, pinning the Saints deep on a crucial third-and-long.

The Buccaneers’ defense continued to pressure early in the second quarter when Tampa Bay’s offense failed to convert a goal-line opportunity. Nelson took advantage on the ensuing New Orleans possession by deflecting a pass intended for tight end Foster Moreau, intercepting the ball himself. He then stiff-armed Rattler to the turf and rumbled three yards into the end zone for a pick-six. This defensive touchdown gave Tampa Bay a 7-0 lead and shifted all the momentum in their favor.

Nelson’s historic performance marked him as the first player since Pittsburgh’s Alex Highsmith in September 2023 to record a sack, forced fumble, and a pick-six all in his first start of the season, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports.

The Buccaneers’ defense continued to dominate throughout the first half. Jamel Dean forced a fumble on Rashid Shaheed, which Antoine Winfield Jr. recovered for the team’s second takeaway. The Saints managed only a 48-yard field goal from Blake Grupe, capitalizing on a strip sack of Baker Mayfield by Chase Young.

In the second half, Tampa Bay’s offense finally found its rhythm. A 10-play, 73-yard drive was capped off by Sean Tucker’s one-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 14-3. Kicker Chase McLaughlin then sealed the win with three long field goals from 55, 52, and 54 yards.

Tampa Bay’s defense held New Orleans without a touchdown, finishing the game with three sacks, three takeaways, and a defensive score. Mayfield completed 15 of 24 passes for 152 yards, while Tucker contributed both a touchdown and critical short-yardage conversions.

With the win, the Buccaneers improve to 6-2 and take command of first place in the NFC South. After their upcoming bye week, they will face the New England Patriots in their next matchup.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/buccaneers-news-anthony-nelsons-pick-6-feat-not-seen-2023

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Saints rumors: The player who would make NFL history with another trade

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As the NFL trade deadline nears, the New Orleans Saints find themselves at the center of speculation, with veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks potentially on the move once again. If Cooks is traded before the Nov. 4 deadline, he would become the first player in NFL history to be traded five times.

The 32-year-old Cooks began his career with the Saints as a first-round pick in 2014 and has already been traded four times in his 12-year career. His journey includes moves from the Saints to the New England Patriots in 2017, then to the Los Angeles Rams in 2018, followed by a trade to the Houston Texans in 2020, and most recently to the Dallas Cowboys in 2023.

This past offseason, Cooks returned to New Orleans on a two-year, $13 million deal that includes a $4.8 million signing bonus and a manageable $1.26 million base salary. This contract structure makes him an appealing option for teams in need of a receiver.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, a trade involving Cooks is “very possible.” Despite his experience and leadership qualities, Cooks’ role has diminished in a struggling Saints offense led by quarterback Spencer Rattler. Through seven games, he has recorded 14 catches for 127 yards and has yet to score a touchdown this season.

Could the Saints strike a deal?

Currently sitting at 1-6 under first-year head coach Kellen Moore, the Saints are in the midst of a difficult rebuilding stretch following the offseason retirement of quarterback Derek Carr. General Manager Mickey Loomis has fielded calls about several veterans, but reports indicate that fellow receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are less likely to be traded.

Cooks’ situation differs from teammates like Alvin Kamara, who has stated he would retire rather than leave New Orleans. While Kamara represents the core of the franchise, Cooks may serve as a trade chip that could help accelerate the Saints’ rebuild.

If a deal is struck, Cooks would not only continue his well-traveled career but also make NFL history in the process. It’s a fitting chapter for one of football’s most consistent and resilient wide receivers.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-orleans-saints/saints-rumors-the-player-who-would-make-nfl-history-with-another-trade