The Denver Broncos (1-2) pulled off an upset against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1), winning 26-7 in Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season.
The Broncos started strong with a six-play, 70-yard drive culminating in a three-yard touchdown run by quarterback Bo Nix, giving them an early 7-0 lead. Nix completed all four of his passes for 70 yards during the drive.
Later in the first quarter, safety Brandon Jones intercepted a Baker Mayfield pass, setting Denver up at the nine-yard line. A few plays later, running back Jaleel McLaughlin scored from one yard out on a fourth-down play, extending the lead to 14-0.
Midway through the second quarter, Wil Lutz kicked a 43-yard field goal to make it 17-0. The Buccaneers then turned the ball over on downs at the Denver 45-yard line.
However, the Broncos couldn’t capitalize on that opportunity when running back Javonte Williams fumbled, allowing Mayfield to connect with Chris Godwin for a six-yard touchdown, reducing the deficit to 17-7.
With 1:39 left in the second quarter, the Broncos took over at their own 30-yard line, and Nix orchestrated a nine-play, 50-yard drive that set up a 38-yard field goal from Lutz, increasing the lead to 20-7 at halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, Lutz kicked a 33-yard field goal early in the fourth to extend the score to 23-7. The defense forced a turnover on downs, and running back Tyler Badie added a 43-yard run, allowing Lutz to kick another 43-yard field goal for a 26-7 lead.
In the fourth quarter, the Broncos secured the victory after forcing and recovering a fumble. The defense dominated, recording seven sacks and two takeaways.
Following their win in Florida, the Broncos will practice in West Virginia this week before facing the New York Jets (2-1) in Week 4.
