Bo Nix explains why the Denver Broncos “played motivated” in their surprise win in Tampa

Bo Nix just made a statement. It wasn't the 300-yard, multi-touchdown kind, but the Denver Broncos The rookie quarterback has definitely conveyed that he belongs in the NFL.

The Broncos rolled into Raymond James Stadium on Sunday and surprised the league with a victory over the previously unbeaten Tampa Bay Buccaneers26-7. The score makes it clear that it wasn't even close, but what the final score doesn't reveal is how Nix overran the Bucs defense early and never let up.

Nix finished the game with 216 passing yards, completing 69.4% of his passes and earning a QB rating of 85.0. Although he didn't throw a touchdown, he ran for one and finished the game with 47 yards on the ground, nearly reaching the 300-yard mark for total offense on the day. Tampa had nine different receivers catch a pass.

The Broncos showed modest improvement on third down, converting 2 of 3 fourth down attempts. And in the red zone, Nix and Co. scored on 2 of 4 drives. 50% in the red zone isn't phenomenal, but it's a huge improvement over the Broncos' performance in the first two games.

Nix may still be waiting for the first passing touchdown of his NFL career, but he's now broken the ice in the win column. The rookie is free of that winless burden.

On the podium after the match, Nix said he was doing his best to enjoy the only moment of his life in which he won his first match – and that there would be many more to come.

“Well, I have to enjoy it. You only get a moment like this once and it's not easy to win games in this league,” Nix said from the podium. “Our guys deserve this. Our guys deserve this. We have a great team that really fought.”

What's next for the Broncos? Don't miss any news and analysis! Take a second, sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

Nix learned the hard way that winning in the NFL isn't easy. Every win is an achievement. The Broncos' two losses this season were both by just one point. Close, but not quite.

This time, Nix made sure to put some distance between the Broncos and the Bucs.

“We were one possession away the first two games, and what we did today against a really good football team gives us a little confidence going forward,” Nix said. “It's still a long season, but you have to enjoy these wins when you get them, and this is a great first win.”

This time, Nix and his team got off to a fast start. Nix started with a 22-yard over-the-shoulder pass to Courtland Sutton, which was followed two plays later by a 31-yard pass to Josh Reynolds that put the Broncos in good scoring position.

Nix punctuated that opening drive with a rushing score, which shows why Sean Payton and NFL coaches in general value a fast start.

“When you start the game with an explosive passing game, you get Court involved early, you win a one-on-one, you turn the field over on a play — that opens up opportunities for the coordinator,” Nix said. “I thought Coach Payton did a good job of going right back to it. We hit Josh (Reynolds) on the other side and then we get points and a touchdown on that first drive. It's really important to start explosively, but you can't just score one. You have to come back and keep finishing drives. It was good to see that on the first one.”

Of course, not every drive resulted in a touchdown, but the Broncos scored on six drives. Two touchdowns and four field goals. It was reminiscent of what the offense looked like with Nix at the helm during the preseason.

After Nix's first win, the Broncos' locker room was filled with celebration. Sunday night was a time for celebration, as the Broncos will soon have to get back into game mode with another away game on the East Coast.

“Oh, it was great. Before the game we wanted to hear the music and celebrate. We played with motivation today,” Nix said. “We went out there and played at a high level. I think that's how it's supposed to feel. You come back to the locker room and everyone is really excited.”

There is a lot of effort that goes into every single game. So much hard work, discipline and preparation. When it all pays off with a win, it is the ultimate triumph, even if it is short-lived.

“You've put so much into this week,” Nix said. “You've put so much effort, time and energy into it. That's what these moments are about. That's what you want to accomplish. You want to get to those postgame celebrations.”

Broncos Country hopes that Nix and Co. will be able to celebrate much more often as the 2024 season progresses.

Follow Mile High Huddle on X And on facebook. and subscribe on YouTube for daily Broncos livestream podcasts!