Can the Buccaneers Recover From Their Loss to the Broncos?
After an impressive 2-0 start to the 2024 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stumbled in Week Three, suffering a tough 26-7 loss to the Denver Broncos at Raymond James Stadium. Despite holding their own in the NFC South standings, the Bucs struggled in all phases of the game, leaving many wondering how they can bounce back and keep their season on track. While it’s just one loss, the Buccaneers must address several key areas if they hope to stay competitive moving forward. The Buccaneers’ offensive performance left much to be desired. Quarterback Baker Mayfield faced relentless pressure from Denver’s defensive front, getting sacked seven times and completing only 25 of his 33 passes for 163 yards. Despite his high completion percentage, most of Mayfield's throws were short, limiting big-play opportunities. The Broncos’ secondary, led by Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II, smothered Tampa Bay’s receivers, holding star receiver Mike Evans to just two catches for 17 yards.
The Buccaneers' offensive line struggled to protect Mayfield, and the pressure led to quick, check-down throws. While tight end Cade Otton and wide receiver Chris Godwin were productive with 13 combined receptions, they failed to break any significant gains. Tampa Bay must figure out how to block better up front and create more downfield opportunities if they want to avoid similar struggles against tougher competition. Addressing the offensive line issues is crucial. Denver’s defense exposed gaps that future opponents will exploit unless corrected. Utilizing additional blockers or quicker release strategies could reduce the pressure on Mayfield. Running back Bucky Irving was effective, averaging nearly eight yards per carry, but the Bucs quickly abandoned the ground game after falling behind. A more balanced attack will help keep defenses honest and reduce reliance on the passing game.
On the defensive side, Tampa Bay struggled to contain Denver's rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who not only threw for 216 yards but also showcased his mobility with 47 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Bucs missed multiple tackles, allowing Nix to escape pressure and extend plays, which proved to be a game-changer. Additionally, the defense allowed 136 rushing yards, including a strong performance from Broncos running back Tyler Badie. The Buccaneers also failed to generate turnovers, with their only takeaway being a Lavonte David forced fumble in the first half. The defense had moments of success, such as cornerback Jamel Dean's team-leading 13 tackles, but overall, their inability to consistently pressure Nix or stop the run cost them dearly. The defense must clean up missed tackles. Coach Todd Bowles emphasized this point post-game, and it's something the team will need to address in practice. The Bucs need to wrap up ball carriers and prevent the kinds of extra yards that hurt them against Denver. Nix was rarely pressured, and when he was, he made the Buccaneers pay. Implementing more blitz packages and confusing looks could help Tampa Bay generate more sacks and force opposing quarterbacks into bad decisions.
Despite the disappointing loss, the Buccaneers remain in a strong position in the NFC South, tied for first place. However, the road doesn’t get any easier. Their next challenge is a home game against the Philadelphia Eagles, who are coming off a thrilling, and highly impressive comeback win over the New Orleans Saints. The Eagles will present another tough test for Tampa Bay’s defense with their balanced offensive attack. Coach Bowles and quarterback Baker Mayfield both acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in terms of effort and execution. Mayfield pointed out that the team must treat every game like a playoff contest if they want to avoid more letdowns like the one they just experienced. His leadership will be essential as the Bucs move forward and attempt to regain their early-season form.
The Bucs can’t afford another slow start like the one they had against Denver. Establishing tempo early and controlling the clock with a balanced offense will be critical against an explosive Eagles team. As Bowles mentioned, it's a long season, and the Buccaneers can’t afford to get too high or too low. Learning from this loss and focusing on consistent improvement will be the key to future success. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are at a crossroads after their first loss of the season. While there are certain areas that need improvement, this team has the talent to turn things around. With better execution on both sides of the ball, the Bucs can recover from this setback and continue their quest for NFC South supremacy. The game on Sunday against the Eagles will be a crucial test of their resilience and ability to adjust.
