The Denver Broncos (0-2) are set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) in Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season. Here are five things to keep an eye on during Sunday’s game.
1. Denver’s new right tackle: After losing Mike McGlinchey to a knee injury, the Broncos will start Alex Palczewski at right tackle. “Palcho” will be making the first start of his NFL career after filling in for an injured McGlinchey for two snaps last week.
2. Other lineup changes: Denver coach Sean Payton hinted this week that we could see personnel changes against the Bucs. Payton did not say where the changes would be made, but all of the team’s skill players (wide receivers, tight ends and running backs) have underwhelmed through the first two games of the season.
3. Establishing a ground game: Javonte Williams and Co. have struggled to find success on the ground through the first two games of the season. This week, the Broncos will face a Bucs defense that has allowed 277 rushing yards (14th-most). Denver needs to get its rushing attack back on track.
4. Pat Surtain vs. Mike Evans: Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain is expected to follow Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans on Sunday, an elite-on-elite matchup. The Bucs also have Chris Godwin, but he usually plays in the slot, so he’ll likely be matched up against Ja’Quan McMillian.
5. Bo Nix’s quest for improvement: Nix took small steps forward in his second game, but he has yet to throw his first touchdown pass in the NFL. After throwing two interceptions in each of his first two games, can Nix protect the ball and find the end zone on Sunday?
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