Tampa, FL – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were crushed by the Denver Broncos 26-7 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Sunday. The 0 and 2 Broncos had little trouble man handling Tampa from start to finish in this game, almost as if they were being overlooked.
Tampa, returning home after a triumphant won over last year’s NFC surprise darling Detroit Lions, had to get past Denver before facing the Philadelphia Eagles next week.
The weather was supposed to be unseasonably warm and humid, too much for them “Mountain boys” to handle, yet they came out of the gate running.
Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton surly came up with a plan for this game after struggling in their first two this year, and that plan had the Bucs on their heels.
While Denver spread the offense and sprayed the ball around for gains, taking them up and down the field on the Buccaneers defense, Tampa’s offense started the game with three consecutive three-and-outs, wit their offense being stalled.
Denver’s Bo Nix had been struggling so far in his rookie season, throwing four interceptions before Sunday, lit Tampa up, going 25/35 for 216 yards as well as 47 yards rushing, including rushing for a touchdown.
Denver proceeded to run off 17 points before Tampa could get in their feet to score.
“They outplayed us. They out coached us. They out hit us, and they won the game.” said Tampa Head Coach Todd Bowles. ” We didn’t take them lightly. We didn’t play well. We have to coach it better and we have to play it better. Sean is a smart guy. they are a tough team. We knew that going in. We did not execute.”
Tampa was missing key defensive players including DT Veta Vea and DT Calijah Kancey from their defensive front, as well as safety Antoine Winfield Jr in their defensive backfield.
“They had it on their mind.” Said Bucs Evans Mike Evans ” They just came out and were more physical than us and they were the better team today, for sure. We’ve got to change our mindset, and this one does hurt.
Nix still has yet to pass for a touchdown this season, as they scored two touchdowns rushing, and kicker Will Lutz kicked four field goals in the game.
Courtland Sutton caught seven passes for 68 yards against the Bucs, including an opening catch from Nix for 22 yards, setting the tone for the day.
The Bucs did manage to go on a 6 play, 67 yard drive in the second quarter, with Mayfield hitting Chris Godwin in the corner of the end zone for Tampa’s lone touchdown.
Baker Mayfield was sacked seven times, killing a good number of the Bucs drives on the day. Dondrea Tillman got to Mayfield twice, while other sacks are spread throughout the Bronco’s D.
It was a frustrating day for Mayfield.
“All the credit in the world to Denver for coming in here.” said Mayfield “I think we’ll watch the tape and you can probably tell on the tape how much they wanted it more that us. For offense, we didn’t start fast in the first quarter, didn’t start in fast in the third quarter. That’s the story of the game.”
The game certainly was a sting for the Bucs as they planned to come home and go three and 0 on their home turf.
“This is a good lesson for our team overall.” said Mayfield “You have to prepare like you’re playing a playoff game every week or else this can happen.”
The Buccaneers host the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday, September 29th at 1pm.
