The Denver Broncos avoided an 0-3 start to the season with a much-needed 26-7 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Bo Nix, the Broncos’ rookie quarterback, showcased his poise with a solid performance, completing 25 of 36 passes for 216 yards. While Nix has yet to throw a touchdown in his young NFL career, he ran for an early score and helped the Broncos control the game with a balanced offensive attack.

Denver’s defense stepped up in a big way, sacking Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield seven times and forcing an interception that led to a key second-quarter touchdown. Head Coach Sean Payton emphasized the importance of both the offensive and defensive lines in setting the tone for the game.

Denver’s Fast Start

The Broncos wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard. Nix led a six-play, 70-yard drive on the opening possession, capped by his 2-yard rushing touchdown. The team’s aggressive approach was intentional, according to Payton.

“We wanted to send a message early,” Payton said postgame. “Typically, you defer, but we felt good about our openers and wanted to set the tempo right away.”

Nix’s opening drive set the tone for the Broncos, who added another score shortly after a Brandon Jones interception was returned 37 yards to the Tampa Bay 9-yard line. Jaleel McLaughlin punched it in from 1 yard out, giving Denver a 14-0 lead.

Defensive Dominance

The Broncos’ defense delivered an exceptional performance, limiting Tampa Bay to just 223 total yards. Baker Mayfield struggled under constant pressure from Denver’s front seven, which sacked him seven times. The defense also came up with a critical stop in the fourth quarter, turning away two Buccaneers drives deep in Broncos territory.

Payton praised the defense’s ability to disrupt Mayfield, noting how coverage and pressure worked together. “I think we made him hold the ball. That’s a credit to our coverage and our pass rush,” Payton said.

The Buccaneers, who entered the game seeking their first 3-0 start since 2005, couldn’t find their rhythm offensively. Mayfield completed 25 of 33 passes for 163 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown to Chris Godwin, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.

Nix’s Composure and Efficiency

Though Nix has yet to throw his first NFL touchdown, he showed improvement from his previous two games. The rookie remained composed throughout the contest, especially during a critical 16-play, 69-yard drive in the third quarter that chewed up the clock and kept Tampa Bay off the field.

“That drive was huge for us,” Nix said after the game. “We were efficient and kept the chains moving. That’s what you have to do in this league to win games.”

Payton also noted the importance of that drive in controlling the game: “When you can possess the ball like that, it’s a big deal. It flipped the field and kept them on their heels.”

Leadership and Aggression Pay Off

Payton’s decision to take the ball first after winning the coin toss was a departure from the norm, but it paid off immediately. “We wanted to be aggressive,” Payton said. “We knew their defense would bring pressure, so we wanted to establish our offense early.”

Nix responded well to the aggressive play-calling, leading a balanced attack that saw contributions from multiple players, including wide receiver Courtland Sutton and running back Tyler Badie. Badie made the most of his limited opportunities, adding depth to Denver’s rushing attack.

Looking Ahead

With the win, the Broncos improve to 1-2 and will now head to New York to face the Jets next week. The victory gives the team a much-needed boost of confidence, especially for Nix, who is steadily finding his footing in the NFL.

“You have to enjoy these wins,” Nix said. “It’s not easy to win in this league, and this one feels great.”