QB Bo Nix scores first career win and helps Broncos offense progress

In the second half, Nix ducked a defender in the backfield and then made his way upfield for a 22-yard gain.

“For him to see the defense, understand the game plan and know what plays are working for us is encouraging because it's only his third week,” Courtland Sutton said. “I think I've talked at length about how it's early for him. The progress he's made so far is very encouraging, but he's going to get better and better. The more he sees the defense, the more reps he gets, the more he can go out there and see the game reps at full speed, the better he's going to get better and better.”

On Sunday, however, Sutton believes the Broncos got a glimpse of what they can do with Nix at quarterback. Denver punted just twice against the Buccaneers and the Broncos scored on six of their first nine possessions.

“I think we got a really good look at the potential he can bring to this offense and where our offense can go with him at the helm,” Sutton said.

While head coach Sean Payton said Nix hasn't “flinched” over the past two weeks, he noted that Nix probably had more fun on Sunday than he had in the previous two weeks. He also praised Nix's potential for the future, provided his teammates and coaches provide him with the support he needs.

“It's so important — and I include myself and the offensive coaching staff — that our job is to paint a perfect picture of that player,” Payton said. “… We've always said that about anyone who's under (center). Our job as coaches, as receivers, is to paint the picture. If we do that, that guy will become something.”

As the Broncos move forward, Nix will look to build on his impressive play. But in the moments after the game, Nix said he was focused on enjoying his first career win.

“Well, I have to,” Nix said. “You only get that moment once and it's not easy to win games in this league. Our guys deserve that. Our guys deserve that. We have a great team that really battled. We were one possession away in each of the first two games. To be able to do that today against a really good football team gives us a little confidence going forward. (It's) still a long season, but you have to enjoy those wins when they come and it's a great first win.”