The Denver Broncos are preparing for a challenging two-game road trip, beginning with a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With several roster adjustments and injury concerns, Head Coach Sean Payton and the players offered insights into their preparations and mindset for the coming weeks.

Zach Allen’s Consistency and Stamina

Head Coach Sean Payton praised defensive end Zach Allen for his performance and endurance on the field. “When I think of him and watch his tape, he’s consistent. He has real good staying power. Play 16 and play 48 look the same. That’s hard to do at that position,” Payton stated. Allen’s ability to affect both the quarterback and the run game has been a key asset for the Broncos’ defense, providing a reliable presence that the team can count on during critical moments.

Adjusting to the Loss of Tackle Mike McGlinchey

The Broncos faced a significant setback with tackle Mike McGlinchey being placed on injured reserve. In his absence, Alex Palczewski, or ‘Palcho,’ will step up to fill the void. Payton expressed confidence in the young player, emphasizing that they would be “smart relative to what we’re doing protection-wise.” Quarterback Bo Nix acknowledged McGlinchey’s impact, saying, “He played really well on Sunday…that’s going to affect us, but it’s next man up, and we feel really strong about ‘Palcho.’”

Nix further elaborated on how he plans to work with Palczewski on game day, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the new tackle is fully acclimated to the calls and protection schemes. “Obviously, it’s a new guy, and we have to make sure he’s hearing the calls,” Nix noted. His experience and willingness to adapt will be crucial for the Broncos’ offensive line stability.

Navigating a Two-Game Road Trip

The Broncos’ two-game road trip was a calculated decision by the coaching staff to acclimate the team to East Coast time zones and avoid the back-and-forth travel stress. “The reason we put the request in is just to stay in that time zone, practice, and then be more acclimated,” Payton explained. The team will be training at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, a facility Payton has previous experience with from his time with the New Orleans Saints.

For quarterback Bo Nix, road trips offer a valuable opportunity to bond with teammates and build chemistry. “I think going on trips with your teammates and being able to spend a large amount of time that you’re not normally used to spending is always a fun time,” Nix expressed. Nix is also looking forward to playing in the warm, humid conditions, reminiscent of his high school football days.

Cornerback Pat Surtain II echoed the sentiment, noting the importance of the upcoming trip for team camaraderie and mindset. “We have a unique opportunity to really get to spend time, spend [time] some bonding with each other also off the football field,” he said.

The Challenge of Todd Bowles’ Defense

This week’s opponent, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, presents a considerable defensive challenge. Payton spoke highly of Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles, whom he knows from his time in Dallas. “[Bowles] does a great job as a head coach and then defensively, there’s a lot you have to prepare for,” Payton said. The Buccaneers’ defense is known for its versatile pressure packages and ability to stifle the run game, requiring the Broncos to prepare diligently for multiple defensive looks.

Red Zone Woes and Finding Offensive Rhythm

The Broncos have struggled in the red zone through the first two games, something both Nix and wide receiver Courtland Sutton acknowledged. “We have to continue to find ways to move the ball and gain just subtle yards to where we can put the ball close enough,” Nix said when asked about the keys to red zone success. Sutton echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to maximize scoring opportunities: “Maximizing those opportunities when we get down there…we have to find a way to score touchdowns.”

Payton also mentioned the need to evaluate and reduce the number of offensive personnel groupings to create more consistency. “I think reducing the variables can help,” Payton remarked. Simplifying the offense could help the team improve its efficiency, particularly in high-pressure situations like third downs and red zone plays.

Mentality and Growth Moving Forward

In terms of measuring the team’s growth, Payton was candid, saying, “In two weeks, it’s hard to measure any growth…it’s a work in progress right now.” The focus, he reiterated, is on winning and improving execution in key areas like third downs and the red zone.

Despite the current struggles, the team remains confident. Nix’s approach to mistakes, both his own and his teammates’, reflects a supportive mindset: “When I miss a pass, they don’t come up and harp on me. So I think I have to treat them the same exact way. We’re professionals, and we have high standards, but we’re allowed to mess up, too.” This mentality fosters an environment where players can grow and learn from their errors while maintaining the drive to improve.

As the Broncos get ready to face the Buccaneers and embark on their road trip, the team is focused on executing better and working as a unit. Sutton summarized their outlook, emphasizing the need for collective effort: “It literally takes all of us, literally every single one of us. It takes the whole village to be able to make sure that this situation gets resolved and we start finding ways to put touchdowns on the board.”

KICKOFF:

Denver Broncos vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. ET. Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (FOX)