Keith Tandy Awarded For Game-Clinching Pick
After clinching the Buccaneers fifth straight win by intercepting Drew Brees in the New Orleans Saints’ final possession in Week 14, safety Keith Tandy has been voted Castrol EDGE Clutch Performer of the Week.
The pick was part of a career-day for 27-year-old, who filled in for an injured Chris Conte (chest). He also led the team and posted new career-highs with nine tackles and three passes defensed, one of which was a deflection that was intercepted by cornerback Brent Grimes, in what was his second consecutive, and ninth career, start in 67 contests.
Tandy, earning his first career Clutch Performer of the Week award, has recorded a game-clinching interception in each of the past two weeks as part of four consecutive contests in which the team has recorded a takeaway on their opponents’ final possession. Per Elias Sports Bureau, they are the first team to do so in at least four consecutive games since the 2003 New England Patriots.
He becomes the second Buccaneers player to be voted Castrol EDGE Clutch Performer this season. Roberto Aguayo also took home the honors in Week 5 after kicking the game-winning field goal against an expiring clock at Carolina and contributing nine of the team’s 17 total points (three-of-five field goals made).
“It’s awesome to see a guy that gets his chance,” head coach Dirk Koetter said following this past Sunday’s contest. “Players get pigeonholed a lot in this league. They get pigeonholed as a special teams player or a third safety or as a fourth wideout.
“Some guys just need the chance and the right opportunity. Keith’s come up big two weeks in a row.’’
However, even with two consecutive strong performances by Keith Tandy, it remains to be seen who will be starting in Dallas this Sunday, as Conte is expected to play after fully participating in practice week.
