After an exhilarating victory in Detroit, solidifying their status as serious playoff contenders, the 2-0 Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to host the 0-2 Denver Broncos in Week Three. Fans eager to know where to watch the Denver Broncos vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game can tune in on Sunday, September 22nd, at 1:00 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium. This highly anticipated matchup promises to be a compelling contest as the Buccaneers aim for a flawless 3-0 start, while the Broncos desperately seek their first win of the season.
The Buccaneers’ recent 20-16 win against the Lions at Ford Field was a testament to their resilience, particularly their defense, which successfully thwarted three Detroit scoring attempts in the final quarter. While the offensive line faced challenges against Aidan Hutchinson, Baker Mayfield’s connection with Chris Godwin for a 41-yard touchdown and his own rushing touchdown proved crucial for securing the victory.
Alt text: Baker Mayfield, quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, throwing a pass during a game, highlighting Buccaneers offensive plays.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos are coming off a Week Two loss at home against Pittsburgh. Despite a late-game rally with two fourth-quarter field goals, initiated after falling behind 13-0, their comeback fell short. Will Lutz’s second field goal with 1:56 remaining gave the Broncos a glimmer of hope, but their decision to forgo an onside kick in favor of a defensive stop backfired. Even after forcing a three-and-out, Bo Nix and the Broncos offense were left with a mere nine seconds and 19 yards to work with. Nix’s fourth interception of the season shortly after sealed their fate.
Alt text: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix in action, showcasing his passing ability and Broncos offensive strategy.
The Broncos’ offense, under the guidance of their 12th overall draft pick, has struggled to find its rhythm, managing only 26 points in two games. However, their defense has been a bright spot, keeping them competitive in both contests. The Broncos defense currently ranks 11th in the league for fewest points allowed per game (19.5) and 10th for fewest yards allowed per game (277.5), demonstrating particular strength against the pass. The Buccaneers offense, known for its 13th ranked passing attack and averaging 28.5 points per game, will pose a significant challenge to this Denver defense.
As both teams gear up for this Week 3 encounter, the Buccaneers are chasing their first 3-0 start in nearly two decades, since 2005, while the Broncos are determined to avoid their second consecutive 0-3 start. Let’s delve into the key storylines and player matchups that will define this Broncos vs. Buccaneers game.
TOP STORYLINES
Seeking 3-0 Start: The Buccaneers have not achieved a 3-0 start since 2005, presenting a golden opportunity to break this streak on Sunday. Historically, a 3-0 start has been a strong indicator of playoff contention for Tampa Bay. In their franchise history, the Buccaneers have begun four seasons with three straight wins (1979, 1997, 2000, and 2005), and each of those seasons culminated in a playoff berth. NFL analytics suggest that teams starting 3-0 have approximately a 76% chance of making the playoffs, significantly higher than the 55% chance for teams starting 2-1. Adding to the stakes, the New Orleans Saints, another NFC South contender, have also started 2-0, hinting at a fierce division rivalry as the Buccaneers aim for their fourth consecutive division title. The Saints face a tough challenge against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week Three, who are coming off a loss to the Atlanta Falcons. With eight NFL teams currently at 2-0, Week Three features two matchups between undefeated teams (Texans-Vikings, Chargers-Steelers), ensuring that no more than six teams will reach 3-0. The 1979 season remains the Buccaneers’ only instance of being the league’s last undefeated team, having started 5-0.
Red Zone Defense Dominance: Despite allowing 463 total yards to the Lions, the Buccaneers secured a win, becoming only the second team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to win a game while being outgained by over 200 yards and having a sack differential of -5 or worse. Their success can be attributed to their exceptional red zone defense. Detroit penetrated the Buccaneers’ 20-yard line seven times but managed to score a touchdown only once. Through the first two weeks, the Buccaneers defense has allowed touchdowns on just 40% of opponents’ red zone drives, a trend consistent with their performance last season when they ranked third in red zone defense, allowing touchdowns 42.6% of the time. Safety Christian Izien emphasized the team’s red zone focus, stating, “We emphasize the red zone… I think last year we were like top five in red zone defense as well. [It’s] something that’s important to us and bending not breaking, so making teams attempt to kick threes is the most important thing for us. We know if they don’t score then we win most games.” Conversely, the Denver offense is currently last in the NFL in red zone touchdown percentage at a mere 14.29%. While these are early-season statistics, the Buccaneers’ red zone efficiency could be a decisive factor against the Broncos.
Rookie Quarterback Challenge Continues: The 2024 NFL Draft saw a record six quarterbacks selected in the first 12 picks, and the Buccaneers are facing these young talents early in the season. In Week One, they encountered Jayden Daniels of Washington, whose rushing ability posed a challenge, but the Buccaneers defense largely contained Washington’s offense. Week Three brings another rookie quarterback in Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick. Nix is mobile, leading the Broncos in rushing with 60 yards, but he isn’t as dynamic a runner as Daniels. Nix’s strength lies in his accuracy, highlighted by his FBS record 77.4% completion percentage in 2023 at Oregon. However, a significant portion of his college success was due to Oregon’s short passing game, with 66.2% of his passes completed within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. Early in his NFL career, the Broncos offense mirrors this approach. His average air yards per completion is just 3.9, sixth lowest among quarterbacks with at least 20 passes this season. In Week Two against Pittsburgh, Nix attempted 12 passes over 10 yards downfield, completing only three for 90 yards and throwing two interceptions. The Buccaneers defense must be prepared for a quick passing attack and effectively tackle Broncos receivers to limit yards after catch.
Cornerback Elite Showdown: In May, the Buccaneers made Antoine Winfield Jr. the highest-paid safety and defensive back in NFL history with a new four-year contract. However, this title was short-lived as the Broncos soon surpassed it by signing fourth-year cornerback Patrick Surtain II to a record-breaking deal. Surtain, drafted ninth overall in 2021, has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks. His rookie season included four interceptions and 14 passes defended, earning him Pro Bowl selections in his subsequent two seasons and an Associated Press first-team All-Pro honor in 2022. This season, the Broncos have utilized Surtain to shadow opposing teams’ top receivers. He covered DK Metcalf of Seattle on 24 of Metcalf’s 25 routes in Week One and George Pickens of Pittsburgh on 11 of 17 routes in Week Two. Given that Chris Godwin primarily operates from the slot for the Buccaneers, Surtain is likely to be assigned to Mike Evans on the outside. While Surtain used press coverage on about 37% of his coverage snaps against Metcalf and Pickens, he might reconsider this tactic against Evans. Since 2016, Evans has amassed the third-most yards (3,039) and the most touchdowns (38) against press coverage.
KEY MATCHUPS
- Broncos WR Josh Reynolds vs. Buccaneers CB Zyon McCollum
The Buccaneers traded Carlton Davis in March, confident in Zyon McCollum’s readiness to become a starting cornerback. McCollum has validated this confidence, particularly in his recent performance against Detroit, where he recorded four passes defended and an interception, allowing just one reception for four yards on five targets. A standout athlete from the 2022 Scouting Combine, McCollum’s 6-2 frame and impressive wingspan are assets in Todd Bowles’ defensive scheme. His improved understanding of the system has led to greater consistency. The Broncos revamped their receiving corps in the offseason, trading Jerry Jeudy, releasing Tim Patrick, and drafting new talent. Josh Reynolds, signed from Detroit, has emerged as their leading receiver, with more catches (nine) and yards (138) than Courtland Sutton, despite Sutton having more targets (16 to 13). Reynolds, similar in size to McCollum at 6-3 and 192 pounds, caught 40 passes for 608 yards and five touchdowns for the Lions last season, averaging 15.2 yards per catch. This matchup will be a significant test for McCollum’s continued development.
Alt text: Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum intercepting a football, showcasing defensive plays against opposing wide receivers.
- Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving vs. Broncos LB Alex Singleton
While the Buccaneers struggled with their running game against Detroit, they were effective on the ground in Week One against Washington, indicating their commitment to a balanced offense. Through two games, they have nearly equal pass (49) and run (53) plays, including Mayfield’s scrambles. Rachaad White remains the primary running back, but Bucky Irving currently leads the team with 84 rushing yards on 16 carries, compared to White’s 25 carries. Irving is a decisive runner who prefers a single cut before accelerating. Alex Singleton leads the Broncos in tackles with 20, 16 of which are against running plays. Singleton ranked third in the NFL last year with 175 tackles and has already recorded an interception and a quarterback hit this season. His tackling prowess and ability to impact both run and pass plays will challenge Irving.
Alt text: Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving in motion, emphasizing Buccaneers running game and offensive player profiles.
- Broncos QB Bo Nix vs. Buccaneers S Christian Izien
Effectively defending against a quarterback is a team effort, but Christian Izien’s role as safety allows him to consistently monitor Bo Nix. Izien will be crucial in reading Nix’s intentions and reacting swiftly. Nix’s mobility makes him a threat to run, especially if the Buccaneers’ pass rush pressures him early. Izien, coming off an interception against Detroit—his first of the season and third of his career—is expected to fill in at free safety while Winfield recovers from a foot injury. Known for his instincts and aggressive play style, Izien will aim to capitalize on Nix’s rookie tendencies. Despite Nix’s reputation for accuracy and low turnover rates in college, he has thrown four interceptions in his first two NFL games. The Buccaneers defense will look to exploit any vulnerabilities and make this a learning experience for the rookie quarterback.
Alt text: Buccaneers safety Christian Izien celebrating an interception, showcasing defensive highlights and player emotion.
- Buccaneers T Luke Goedeke (or Justin Skule) vs. Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper
Luke Goedeke missed Week Two due to a concussion and his availability for Sunday is uncertain. If he remains sidelined, Justin Skule will start at right tackle and face a tough matchup against Jonathon Cooper, who leads Denver with 2.0 sacks. Goedeke, who transitioned from left guard to right tackle, has been a revelation, contributing to Mayfield’s protection in Week One against Washington, contrasting with the challenges faced against Aidan Hutchinson in Detroit. Goedeke’s athleticism and competitive drive are vital to the Buccaneers’ offensive line. Cooper has 11 tackles, two tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits, along with his two sacks, and recorded five quarterback pressures against Pittsburgh. A seventh-round pick in 2021, Cooper had a breakout season in 2023 with 8.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits. Primarily rushing from the left side of the Broncos’ defensive front, Cooper poses a significant threat to either Goedeke or Skule at right tackle.
For fans wondering where to watch Denver Broncos vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the game will be broadcast nationally on [Insert TV Channel Name Here]. Additionally, streaming options are available through NFL+, [Other Streaming Services], and [Local Streaming Options]. Check your local listings to confirm TV channels and streaming availability in your area. Don’t miss this exciting Week 3 NFL matchup!
Conclusion
The Week 3 game between the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers is set to be an enthralling contest. The Buccaneers aim to solidify their strong start and playoff aspirations, while the Broncos are desperate to turn their season around. Key matchups and strategic battles will determine the outcome. For viewers planning where to watch the Denver Broncos vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ensure you have your viewing options set for Sunday, September 22nd at 1:00 PM ET to catch all the action live.
