After a huge win over the Detroit Lions last week, the Buccaneers fell victim to the ominous trap game, all but failing to show up to their 26-7 loss to the Denver Broncos. The offense was completely nonfunctional outside of one scoring drive. The defense did its best to hold Denver out of the endzone, but poor discipline and a lack of pass rush made rookie Bo Nix look like a franchise quarterback.
Here are the studs and duds from Tampa Bay's Week 3 loss to Denver:
DUD: Baker Mayfield
Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is sacked by Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
It would be difficult to point to any one player to blame for the Bucs' loss, but Baker Mayfield at least deserves as large a share as anyone on the roster. After two top-notch performances to start the season, Mayfield returned to earth, going 25 of 33 for 163 yards, one touchdown and an interception while taking seven sacks.
Mayfield was out of sorts from the start of the game through the final whistle. He was often late on throws and clearly had trouble deciphering Vance Joseph's defense. This often led the Bucs quarterback to holding the ball too long and taking a sack. The Broncos were also much more effective in bottling up Mayfield's scrambling, holding him to no positive yards on the ground.
DUD: The entire offensive line
Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (78) blocks against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
For as badly as Baker Mayfield played, the offensive line made his job all that more difficult. The interior line in particular had Mayfield dropping his eyes all day for incoming rushers. Center Graham Barton had some great moments in run support, but he was also beat on a number of interior rushes. Even Tristan Wirfs allowed a pressure from Nik Bonitto to force an incompletion. Luke Goedeke's absence is certainly felt, but it is not why the entire line is struggling at the moment.
DUD: Jamel Dean
Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey (84) runs with the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) defends during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Bucs' would-be CB1 was target number-one for the Broncos offense. Denver QB Bo Nix went to Dean's side of the field all day, typically getting a reception and often moving the chains at Dean's expense. Dean did little to take advantage of his increased target share, recording no pass breakups or interceptions.
STUD: Bucky Irving
Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) celebrates during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Bucky Irving was the rare bright spot in the Bucs' offense against Denver. He led the Bucs with 84 yards from scrimmage, including a huge 32-yard run to set up the Bucs only touchdown of the day:
Irving is making a serious case for more snaps every week and could even overtake Rachaad White as Tampa Bay's RB1.
DUD: Tampa Bay's pass rush
Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby (0) runs out of the tunnel as he is introduced before the game against the Denver Broncos at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
For a second straight week, the Bucs failed to record a sack, and unlike last week's win over the Lions, Tampa Bay's pass rush did little to rattle QB Bo Nix. With Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey out, the Bucs managed little interior pressure, which allowed Nix to escape Tampa Bay's outside linebackers off the edge. Late in the game, Yaya Diaby and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka were both called offsides on consecutive plays, nearly setting up Denver for another touchdown.
STUD: Lavonte David
Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) is introduced before a game against the Denver Broncos at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Whenever the Bucs need a big play on defense, they can usually count on Lavonte David. The veteran linebacker did what he does best on Sunday, forcing a fumble by Broncos RB Javonte Williams:
The turnover led to the Bucs only points of the day. Now with 29 career forced fumbles, David is second among all active players.