The biggest stars and losers of the Denver Broncos in the 26-7 away win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Well, well, well… look who decided to show up. After two rocky games that left fans wondering if Sean Payton's playbook was written in invisible ink, Denver Broncos stunned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a dominant 26:7 victory.

Almost no one predicted this, let alone a performance in which both the Broncos' offense and defense were firing on all cylinders. Let's analyze the game with some sarcasm, humor, and praise where it's due by listing the Broncos' biggest stars and duds.

Sean Payton, HC

After a rocky start, Payton was finally able to get his team on track. The offense was efficient, the defense was stifling, and Payton made the necessary adjustments to make the game easier for his rookie quarterback.

While this wasn't the New Orleans overpowering offense of Payton's past, it was exactly what the Broncos needed – a balanced, hands-on approach that played to their strengths.

Bo Nix, QB

Nix, the freshman who looked shaky in his first two games, found his stride with 25 successful passes for 216 yards. He played flawless football and even scored a 22-yard touchdown.

This was the composed performance the Broncos needed, as Payton finally took the pressure off Nix and allowed him to play to his strengths.

Tyler Badie, RB

Badie was electrifying, rushing for 70 yards on nine carries, including a 43-yard run that tore Tampa's defense to shreds. His 7.8 yards per carry showed the potential of a balanced Denver offense.

Broncos O-Line

Not allowing a single sack and gaining 141 rushing yards, this group quietly dominated the trenches. Nix had time to make plays, and the running game blossomed in the second half behind an O-line that gave Nix the protection he desperately needed after a rocky start to the season.

Courtland Sutton, WR

Sutton caught seven balls for 68 yards, providing safe hands and key catches when the Broncos needed them most. Although he didn't score points, his ability to extend drives was critical to Denver's success.

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Vance Joseph, DC

Joseph's defense delivered a near-perfect performance, holding Tampa Bay to just seven points and forcing Baker Mayfield into mistakes. Joseph made blitzes at the right moments and kept an eye on the Bucs offense all day.

If this defense continues to play this well, the Broncos could give their opponents a real headache.

Zach Allen, DE

Allen caused trouble, recording three tackles and a sack. His pressure on Mayfield forced him to make hasty throws and slowed his offense, throwing Tampa off rhythm.

Dondrea Tillman, OLB

Tillman was a force with two sacks and two tackles for a loss. He made life difficult for Tampa's offensive line by blocking running lanes and collapsing the pocket quickly.

Wil Lutz, K

Lutz was automatic, making four field goals, including one from 43 yards, and was instrumental in turning stalled offenses into points, keeping the momentum firmly in Denver's favor.

Javonte Williams, RB

Williams struggled to get anything done, managing just 12 yards on five carries. Worse, he dropped the ball, a dark sign on an otherwise clean Broncos game. With Badie playing well, Williams' role in the offense seems to be diminishing.

The Broncos found a winning formula in this game: take the pressure off Nix, establish the run and let the defense dominate. If Denver sticks to this plan, it could still turn the season around.

It's not about asking Nix to be a hero – it's about playing brilliant, efficient football and letting the defense do the rest. Broncos fans, the season just got a lot more interesting.

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