Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) – Denver Broncos (1-2): 7-26
Caught by the throat from the start, Tampa Bay was routed by a Denver team that came with a knife between its teeth. After an initial drive where the Broncos showed the extent of their playbook, they quickly made the break following an interception that led to a second touchdown in the first quarter. Completely stifling Mayfield and his team, the Colorado defense held the score with an iron fist. Sean Payton's men have their first victory of the season.
The Sinking of the Buccaneers
After a very attractive start to the season, the Buccaneers drowned. Like Baker Mayfield (25/33, 163 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception), the Floridians were sluggish in all sectors. Offensively first, with an offensive line that abandoned its quarterback, and a Mike Evans muzzled by Pat Surtain (2 receptions, 17 yards). On the other side of the field, the defense was able to stop the bleeding after conceding two touchdowns. However, it was already too late, and Denver continued to position Will Lutz (4/4 FG) drive after drive, causing the ship to sink. Tampa Bay under the direction of Todd Bowles is now 11-6 against rookie quarterbacks.
In the defeat, two satisfactions are still to be remembered. The first is a confirmation with Chris Godwin (6 receptions, 53 yards, 1 touchdown) who will have been the key receiver again tonight. The second is a newcomer in the person of rookie Bucky Irving (9 carries, 70 yards, 3 receptions, 14 yards). Showing great explosiveness each time he touched the ball, he completely contrasted with the style of the usual starter, Rachaad White (6 carries, 17 yards, 5 receptions, 18 yards). Tampa Bay did not win, but Tampa Bay may have found a new starter.
In Denver, the defense holds the fort
In one half, Bo Nix (25/36, 216 yards, 9 carries, 47 yards, 1 touchdown) showed more than in his two previous games. Quick decision-making, alternating short and long throws, well-judged runs… The rookie led his attack like a veteran. It was also the entire offensive squad that finally seemed to correspond to what Sean Payton expects. Behind an efficient offensive line that did not concede a single sack, Nix had time to find his receivers. Courtland Sutton (7 receptions, 68 yards) came back to life and Humphrey confirmed with 6 receptions. Bo Nix took a step forward tonight. There is still a lot to do, and he will finally have to find the end zone through the air.
But if the offense was able to put its game together, it's because Denver's defense was once again unstoppable. A habit since the beginning of the season, since with the exception of one quarter against the Seahawks, the squad has always maintained a level of play above expectations. Putting infernal pressure on Mayfield (7 sacks by 6 different players), Denver's pass rush made everything easier. Safety Brandon Jones (6 tackles, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery), among others, took advantage of it.
