On September 22, 2024, the Denver Broncos faced off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, in a Week 3 NFL game that ended with a decisive 26-7 victory for the Broncos. This matchup was significant for both teams: the Broncos, who had started the season 0-2, desperately needed a win to build momentum under head coach Sean Payton, while the Buccaneers, undefeated at 2-0, aimed to maintain their early-season dominance in the NFC South. The game, aired on FOX with an attendance of 62,738, showcased the Broncos’ balanced offensive attack and stout defense, while the Buccaneers struggled to find their rhythm, resulting in a lopsided affair. Below is a comprehensive analysis of the player stats, key moments, and strategic insights, drawing on the latest information from reliable sources.
Denver Broncos vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats
- Sport: American Football
- League: National Football League (NFL)
- Date: September 22, 2024
- Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
- Home Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Away Team: Denver Broncos
- Final Score: Broncos 26, Buccaneers 7
- Winner: Denver Broncos
- Broadcast On: FOX
Game Context and Background
The Broncos entered the game with a 0-2 record, having lost close games to the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers, with rookie quarterback Bo Nix struggling to find his footing, throwing four interceptions in his first two starts. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, were 2-0, having beaten the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions, with Baker Mayfield leading a potent offense that ranked high in passing yards. The game was a critical test for both teams, with the Broncos facing the prospect of starting 0-3 for the second straight season under Payton, and the Buccaneers looking to solidify their status as NFC contenders.
Detailed Player Stats Analysis
The game statistics reveal a tale of two teams: one dominant and the other struggling to find rhythm. Below, I break down the key offensive performers for both teams, based on detailed box scores from Pro-Football-Reference.com and supplemented by ESPN and USA TODAY Sports.
Denver Broncos’ Performance
The Broncos’ offense was balanced, generating 352 total yards, with 216 passing and 136 rushing. Their passing game was led by Bo Nix, who completed 25 of 36 passes for 216 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions, earning a passer rating of 85.0. Nix also showcased his dual-threat ability, rushing for 47 yards on 9 carries, including a 3-yard touchdown run in the first quarter that set the tone for the game. His efficiency and lack of turnovers were crucial in maintaining offensive momentum.
The running game was a key factor in the Broncos’ success. Tyler Badie led the charge with 70 yards on 9 carries, averaging 7.8 yards per attempt, while Javonte Williams added 12 yards on 5 carries, though he did fumble once, losing it to the Buccaneers. Jaleel McLaughlin also made an impact, scoring a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, finishing with 7 yards on 5 carries.
In the receiving game, Courtland Sutton was the top target, catching 7 passes for 68 yards on 11 targets, averaging 9.7 yards per catch. Lil’Jordan Humphrey contributed with 6 receptions for 37 yards on 8 targets, while Josh Reynolds had 2 catches for 36 yards, including a long reception of 31 yards. The tight ends also played a role, with Adam Trautman catching 1 pass for 13 yards and Nate Adkins adding 6 yards on 1 reception. Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims had limited impact, with Franklin catching 2 passes for 11 yards and Mims grabbing 1 for 9 yards.
Defensively, the Broncos were exceptional, limiting the Buccaneers to just 7 points and 223 total yards. They forced two turnovers, with Brandon Jones intercepting a pass from Baker Mayfield, and sacked Mayfield 7 times, significantly disrupting the Buccaneers’ offensive rhythm. The defense’s ability to hold Tampa Bay to a single score in the second quarter was pivotal in securing the win.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Struggles
The Buccaneers’ offense was stifled, managing only 223 total yards, with 132 passing and 91 rushing. Quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 25 of 33 passes for 163 yards, throwing 1 touchdown and 1 interception, resulting in a passer rating of 83.3. His touchdown pass to Chris Godwin for 5 yards in the second quarter was the team’s only score, but his interception, picked off by Brandon Jones, was a critical mistake that halted a potential scoring drive. Mayfield was also sacked 7 times, losing 31 yards, which hampered the offense’s ability to sustain drives.
The running game was ineffective, with Bucky Irving leading the way with 26 yards on 9 carries, averaging 2.9 yards per carry. Other running backs like Rachaad White had limited impact, with White rushing for 17 yards on 3 carries and catching 2 passes for 18 yards. The Buccaneers’ offense managed only 91 rushing yards as a team, averaging 5.7 yards per carry, reflecting their struggle to establish a ground game against the Broncos’ defense.
Receiving-wise, Chris Godwin was Mayfield’s primary target, catching 6 passes for 53 yards and the team’s only touchdown on 8 targets. Mike Evans had 3 catches for 39 yards on 5 targets, while Cade Otton grabbed 2 for 18 yards on 3 targets. Other receivers like Trey Palmer and Jalen McMillan had minimal involvement, with Palmer catching 1 pass for 8 yards and McMillan catching 1 for 7 yards.
Defensively, the Buccaneers had difficulty containing the Broncos’ offense, particularly in the first half when Denver built a 20-7 lead. They allowed 352 total yards, with 216 coming through the air and 136 on the ground, and failed to force any turnovers beyond Javonte Williams‘ fumble, which they recovered. The defense’s inability to pressure Bo Nix, who was not sacked, and their struggle to stop the Broncos’ rushing attack were key factors in their defeat.
Key Moments and Strategic Insights
The game’s momentum was set early when Bo Nix scored on a 3-yard run just over 11 minutes into the first quarter, giving the Broncos a 7-0 lead. This play, part of a 70-yard, 6-play drive, showcased Nix’s mobility and set the tone for Denver’s offensive approach. The lead was extended to 14-0 later in the quarter when Jaleel McLaughlin punched it in from 1 yard out, following a 9-yard drive set up by Brandon Jones’ 37-yard interception return.
The Buccaneers managed to cut the deficit to 14-7 in the second quarter with Baker Mayfield’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Chris Godwin, but that would be their only score of the game. The Broncos’ defense played a crucial role in maintaining the lead, with their 7 sacks and Brandon Jones‘ interception stifling any Buccaneer comeback attempts. Wil Lutz added field goals of 43, 38, 33, and 43 yards to secure the 26-7 victory, with the final field goal coming late in the fourth quarter to seal the game.
Strategically, the Broncos’ balanced attack, combining Nix’s passing and rushing with a strong ground game led by Badie and McLaughlin, overwhelmed the Buccaneers’ defense. The Broncos’ defense, particularly their pass rush, was a game-changer, as evidenced by the 7 sacks on Mayfield, which disrupted Tampa Bay’s offensive rhythm. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, struggled to find rhythm, with Mayfield’s interception and their inability to convert third downs (3 of 11) highlighting their offensive woes. The Broncos’ ability to control the clock, holding the ball for 32:08 compared to the Buccaneers’ 27:52, was crucial in limiting Tampa Bay’s offensive opportunities.
Player Stats Tables
To provide a clear snapshot of the game’s key performers, here are the detailed stats for both teams, focusing on offensive leaders:
Denver Broncos Top Performers
| Player | Position | Passing Yds | Rushing Yds | Rushing TDs | Receiving Yds | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Nix | QB | 216 | 47 | 1 | – | – |
| Tyler Badie | RB | – | 70 | 0 | – | – |
| Courtland Sutton | WR | – | – | – | 68 | 0 |
| Lil’Jordan Humphrey | WR | – | – | – | 37 | 0 |
| Josh Reynolds | WR | – | – | – | 36 | 0 |
| Javonte Williams | RB | – | 12 | 0 | 29 | 0 |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | RB | – | 7 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Top Performers
| Player | Position | Passing Yds | Rushing Yds | Rushing TDs | Receiving Yds | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baker Mayfield | QB | 163 | – | – | – | – |
| Bucky Irving | RB | – | 26 | 0 | – | – |
| Chris Godwin | WR | – | – | – | 53 | 1 |
| Mike Evans | WR | – | – | – | 39 | 0 |
| Cade Otton | TE | – | – | – | 18 | 0 |
Implications for Both Teams
For the Denver Broncos, this win was a much-needed boost, improving their record to 1-2 and providing momentum heading into their next games. Bo Nix’s dual-threat ability and the team’s balanced attack were key to their success, while the defense’s 7 sacks and turnovers highlighted their potential to compete in the AFC West. As they look to build on this win, they will face tougher challenges ahead, but this game showed that they have the potential to compete when all parts of their team are clicking.
For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the loss dropped them to 2-1, exposing vulnerabilities in their offense and defense. Baker Mayfield’s interception and the team’s inability to generate consistent offense against the Broncos’ defense were concerning, especially with a tough schedule ahead. The defense’s struggle to pressure Bo Nix and stop the rushing attack raises questions about their ability to maintain their NFC South lead moving forward.
Conclusion
The Denver Broncos’ 26-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 22, 2024, was a comprehensive display of offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity. Bo Nix’s 216 passing yards and rushing touchdown, paired with Tyler Badie’s 70 rushing yards, showcased a balanced attack, while Brandon Jones’ interception and the defense’s 7 sacks set the tone. For the Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield’s 163 passing yards and Chris Godwin’s 53 receiving yards and touchdown were lone bright spots in an otherwise dismal performance, with the defense allowing 352 yards. As the season progresses, the Broncos will look to build on this momentum, while the Buccaneers face an uphill battle to regain their early-season form.
