Davy Jones’ Locker: Buccaneers vs Broncos Q&A with Mile High Report

The 2-0 Buccaneers play host to the Denver Broncos this weekend as the Bucs are looking to start the season 3-0 for the first time since 2005. Here is a great chance to do it as the Broncos have struggled to start the season, losing their first two contests.

To help break down this matchup further and to get more insight on how this game might go, we chatted with Ian St. Clair of Mile High Report to get his thoughts on the game and current state of the Broncos.

"I see a rookie getting a crash course on being a quarterback in the NFL. Nix has his moments where he shines, followed by moments where he looks and plays like a rookie. The speed of the game is a huge step to overcome, and it's a struggle for Nix right now. The pass protection from the offensive line has not done him any favors. Nor has the running game. Or the playcalling from Sean Payton. The latter of those is the one I struggle with since you don't want a rookie QB to throw the ball so much. In the first two games of Nix's career, he's thrown the ball at least 35 times. It's not like either game was a blowout. So that's an area where Payton could help Nix by not abandoning the run so quickly. The running game for the Broncos hasn't been effective, but stick with it. Help Nix out. It would also help to take deep shots and have a vertical passing game."

"To be frank, the job Payton did with Russell Wilson last season was unreal. Wilson is a shadow of the quarterback he was in Seattle and was the main reason the Broncos didn't win two-four games. So the fact Denver won eight games with Wilson being extremely inconsistent and Mr. Limited, and being benched the season's final two games is a testament to the job Payton did. The book is still out this season, but the biggest impact Payton has had with the Broncos is the shift in culture. In the seasons after Peyton Manning retired and Payton's hiring in 2023, this franchise lost its way and developed a losing culture. Payton has come in and completely shifted that. Obviously, Denver has to start winning games and get in the playoffs, but first time since 2015, you can see a path to success for Payton and the Broncos. There just needs to be patience from everyone involved."

"The Broncos offensive line vs the Tampa defensive front. If Denver's line can't block in the running game or pass-protect better, the Bucs will dominate this game. It doesn't help matters for the Broncos that they are without their starting right tackle in Mike McGlinchey, but figure it out. To steal a phrase from Bill Belichick, 'Do your job.' "

"Run the football — and then run it some more. The Broncos are not good against the run, and the fact they're currently 23rd does not tell the story of how bad this defense is against the run. The linebackers can't tackle. If they do, it's after about 7 or 8 yards. The defensive line fails to get consistent pressure up front. So Tampa Bay needs to run the football. It's cliche, but that will open the rest of the offense for Baker Mayfield and those talented Bucs receivers to make plays in the passing game."

I'm surprised the line isn't -9.5. There is no doubt in mind that the Bucs will win by at least a touchdown on Sunday. I just don't see the Broncos offense getting its issues figured out, and the Tampa Bay offense will continue to 'click.' Bucs get the 27-10 win on Sunday."

Thanks so much to Ian for doing this!