With starting quarterback Drew Lock out, the Denver Broncos had to turn to backup Jeff Driskel in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That didn’t work out well for them as the Buccaneers won, 28-10.
The defense was the story for the Buccaneers. Lavonte David picked off Driskel in the third quarter, which led to Driskel being benched for Brett Rypien, who was picked off by Mike Edwards in the fourth quarter. The defense sacked the Broncos’ quarterbacks six times, including twice by the 2019 sack leader, Shaquil Barrett. He also forced a safety and had six total tackles. The Buccaneers’ defense held the Broncos to three yards per carry with 42 yards on 14 attempts.
On offense, the Buccaneers were pass-happy with 38 pass attempts and 25 rushing attempts. Quarterback Tom Brady finished 25-for-38 with 297 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He now has six touchdowns and three interceptions on the season. After an explosive rushing performance from Leonard Fournette last week, Ronald Jones II led the charge on the ground with 53 yards on 13 carries. And, after zero catches in Week 2, tight end Rob Gronkowski bounced back with six catches for 48 yards on seven targets. Chris Godwin had five catches for 64 yards and a touchdown before aggravating his hamstring in the fourth quarter. He was ruled out and didn’t return. Mike Evans was the go-to red-zone target. He finished with two catches for two yards and two touchdowns.
The lone touchdown for the Broncos came in the second quarter when Driskel found Tim Patrick from seven yards out. Patrick finished with four catches for 43 yards. Driskel was 17-for-30 before he was benched. Rypien was eight of nine for 53 yards in relief.
Highlights
#1Fo with the score 🙌
📺: #TBvsDEN on FOX
📲: Bucs app pic.twitter.com/s3GoOgAH2n— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 27, 2020
First safety since 2016 brought to you by @ShaquilBarrett 😤
📺: #TBvsDEN on FOX
📲: Bucs app pic.twitter.com/fe2WOsJwom— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 27, 2020
Pressure by @ANelly98 ➡️ Interception by LD.
📺: #TBvsDEN on FOX
📲: Bucs app https://t.co/Ze1GqueCsj— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 27, 2020
One-handed grab for the INT by @M__Edwards7 👀
📺: #TBvsDEN on FOX
📲: Bucs app https://t.co/LBkoctXxa4— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 27, 2020
Next week, the Buccaneers return home to host the Los Angeles Chargers, who lost to the Carolina Panthers this week. Meanwhile, the Broncos will play the winless New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Thursday Night Football.
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Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images