If you’re a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers then you know pretty well what the outlets covering your team have to say about Week 3 against the Denver Broncos. What you may not know however, is what the people keeping an eye on the opponent are saying. In this post, we’ll fill the information gap for you, and give you a full circle view of this weekend’s game.

MILE HIGH REPORT (SB NATION)

If you’ve been listening to the Locked On Bucs Podcast this week, you know we’re not sold on this game being a slam-dunk for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We do believe they should leave Denver with a win, but never underestimate the abilities of NFL talent. Especially when they’re being told they have no chance. Tim Lynch of Mile High Report may be playing to the underdog here, but the thing we’ve learned about football is, he may also be correct.

“I am glad I usually kick things off, because you all are going to have to suffer through several very negative predictions from our fellow Broncos fans here. I get that Jeff Driskel doesn’t inspire a whole lot of hope long-term. The thing is, he isn’t the long-term guy. He just needs to manage the game and get enough points on the board to help the Broncos get a win.

With all of the negativity and people counting the Broncos out this week, I would expect them - especially the defense - to come out swinging. Tom Brady will lead a potential game-tying drive late, but the defense comes up big to stop the two-point try. You know, like that time Bradley Roby picked off Brady in the AFC Championship Game.” - Tim Lynch on picking the Broncos to beat the Buccaneers, 24-22

(From: “Broncos vs. Buccaneers score predictions: Everyone counting out Denver in Week 3”)

PRO FOOTBALL NETWORK

Identify ‘three keys’ to the Denver Broncos sending the Bucs home with their second-loss, Zach Segars outlines what he believes has to happen for the upset to take hold.

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

“If the Broncos want to win their matchup with the Buccaneers in Week 3 with Driskel at quarterback, they can’t rely on him for all of their offense. That means the run game needs to take on a bigger role in the offense, which is easier said than done now that Denver’s passing game is much less of a threat to opposing defenses. This was reflected against the Steelers, when Gordon averaged nearly 10 yards per carry with Lock in the lineup, before finishing the game with fewer than four yards per carry.” - Zach Segars on the Broncos needing to lean on Melvin Gordon in Week 3

(From: “Three keys to a Broncos victory over the Buccaneers in Week 3”

Of course, the Broncos can’t just run the ball and expect to have success. This is true of any defense, but especially against the Buccaneers. Patrick Chiotti understands this too, and put some thought in to what Jeff Driskel’s first start of 2020 might look like.

“After taking six sacks against the Steelers, it was apparent that Driskel had issues with his timing and connecting with the core group of receivers. Specifically, on the final play of the game for the Broncos, Driskel had receiver Tim Patrick and running back Melvin Gordon open in the middle of the field for a conversion, but held on to the ball just a bit too long and took a sack to essentially end the game. Against Tampa Bay, who feature pass rusher’s Jason Pierre-Paul and former Bronco Shaq Barrett, it’s going to be just as crucial for Driskel to get the ball out to his receivers in a timely manner.” - Patrick Chiotti on the importance of Jeff Driskel getting the ball out quickly against the Buccaneers’ pass rush

(From: “Projecting Jeff Driskel’s first start for the Denver Broncos”

THE DENVER POST

Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant might be the best fantasy football option from their side of the field, and he’s going to be impactful whether he’s productive or not.

Nate Jackson had some comments about the young tight end specifically geared towards his toughness on the field, and how much the team will need it in order to beat teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“Quarterback keepers and roll outs are effective because the defense chases the run fake in the opposite direction. That’s when Fant can be extra dangerous — coming across the middle with nothing but space in front of him. But for that to work, the opposing defense has to believe he’s a blocker. That hasn’t happened yet.” - Nate Jackson on the need for Fant to get better in the more physical aspects of tight end play

(From: Jackson: Broncos tight end Noah Fant knows how to dance. Now he needs to learn how to get dirty)

KOA COLORADO (BENJAMIN ALLBRIGHT)

Photo From Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Twitter)

Appearing on the “Dual Threat Podcast hosted by JC Cornell & Paige Dimakos”, KOA Colorado host, reporter and Denver Broncos analyst, Benjamin Allbright had some thoughts about what he’s expecting to see against the Bucs in Week 3.

“He’s going to have an advantageous match-up in this game...and I know he’s got a little chip on his shoulder too, because the Broncos drafted Bradley Chubb instead of paying him, and he’s got a little bit of a chip and wants to come back and show them, ‘Hey, this is what you missed out on by not giving me that big money contract.’” - Benjamin Allbright on the return of Shaquil Barrett