Bucs vs Broncos, let’s talk about it.

Football is a game of inches, but it’s also a game of quarters. Let’s dive into a quarter-by-quarter breakdown of some Tampa Bay Bucs’ football. Today, the Bucs welcomed the Denver Broncos into Raymond James Stadium. Sean Payton’s return to Tampa went kind of like it usually tends to.

First quarter:

The Broncos began Sunday’s game with the ball and before long, had the lead. Bo Nix wasted no time motoring down the field, going 4/4 for 70 yards, and a fast seven points. Tampa’s offense responded with a rapid three-and-out and Denver took the field for drive number two, inside of the game’s opening six minutes. One third-down-Todd-Bowles-blitz later and Bucs’ offense was up again. Starting inside their own 20, Baker Mayfield took a shovel and dug the Bucs’ hole deeper— lobbing up his second interception of the season. A Mayfield interception became a Jaleel McLaughlin touchdown and a 7-0 Denver lead morphed into a 14-0 Denver lead.

Second quarter:

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

With 17-0 masquerading as 35-0, the second quarter ticked down under six minutes. Bucs team captain and future Ring of Honor member Lavonte David put his foot down. A forced fumble at the most opportune time gave Tampa the life they needed because that turnover turned into Bucky Irving—

Bucky Irving’s explosion led to a Chris Godwin touchdown, his third in as many games. 17-7, Broncos. The Bucs’ defense would follow their forced turnover with a field goal allowed, before the break. 20-7, Broncos.

Third quarter:

The third quarter’s punting montage concluded without a single point scored for either side. Denver’s final drive of the quarter placed them deep into Tampa Bay territory—

Fourth quarter:

Three more Denver Bronco points— 23-7, Denver. In a last gasp of life— Baker Mayfield—Attempting to hoist Tampa on his back, drove the Bucs down the field for valiant albeit failed effort. Sean Payton’s offense took advantage of the additional possession and added another field goal to their total.

The conclusion: As the fourth quarter dwindled away, the optics of Tampa’s poor outing came into focus. A ‘trap game’— At the pinnacle of the phrase. The Bucs at 2-0, acted like a team that hadn’t been there before. A clear example of underestimating an opponent that is perceived as a lesser level of competition. Sean Payton vs Todd Bowles is not a matchup that has been kind to Bowles and Bucs’ fans, once again that narrative holds true.

Noteworthy performers:
Bucky Irving- 85 total yards, 7.8 yards per carry average

Chris Godwin- 6 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD

Bucs Offensive Line- 7 sacks allowed

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