Let's put a pin in those premature Bucs, Super Bowl thoughts A week ago, it seemed like a badge of honour when the Bucs were horribly outgained and still managed to win. They looked savvy, they seemed valiant. This time, they just looked like duds. For the second week in a row, the Bucs gave up far more yards than they gained. But there would be no bend-but-don't-break storyline. There would be no second-half comeback. The previously hopeless Broncos beat the Bucs 26-7 on Sunday to throw a wrench into the whole team-on-the-rise narrative that had swept the NFL after Tampa Bay opened the season with victories against Washington and Detroit. Denver opened the game with a 70-yard touchdown drive and it only got worse from there. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix came in with zero touchdown passes and four interceptions, and he left with his first victory in the NFL. Tampa Bay could not muster a pass rush, and could not keep Denver's defense off of Baker Mayfield. Plays of the day It was more emblematic than critical, but the Bucs had the Broncs in a third-and-14 situation late in the third quarter when the score was still 20-7. SirVocea Dennis came flying in on a blitz from the left side, but was called for offsides. A play later, Yaya Diaby came rushing at Nix from the right side and was also called for offsides. Denver ended up settling for a field goal, and the Bucs were all but done. Game ball Bucky Irving got more carries than Rachaad White, and that trend should continue. The rookie running back from Oregon finished with 70 yards on nine carries and also had three receptions for 15 yards. Keep an eye on No doubt, the injuries have weakened the defense. No Antoine Winfield Jr., no Vita Vea, no Calijah Kancey. That's a lot of playmakers not wearing pads. However The pass rush was a concern in training camp, and we've seen nothing to alleviate those worries. It's one thing when a Pro Bowl quarterback such as Jared Goff completes 34 passes, but it's eye opening to see a rookie like Bo Nix pick your defense apart. Since the fourth quarter of the opener against Washington, the Bucs have allowed quarterbacks to throw 97 consecutive passes without being sacked. NFC South Update About the only good news to come out of Sunday was the Saints blowing a late lead against the Eagles. Even with the dud against the Broncos the Bucs are still in a first-place tie. Next Up Week 3 was supposed to be a gimme. Now, the Bucs have to contend with the Eagles next Sunday, and follow that up with consecutive games against the Falcons and Saints. They better figure things out in a hurry. John Romano, Tampa Bay Times, published 23 September 2024