Take a peek into the Broncos' photo archive with these photos of games throughout the series history vs. the Buccaneers.
Robert Delpino eludes the Buccaneers during a 17-10 loss to Tampa Bay on December 26, 1993.
Reggie Rivers crosses the goal line on a 5-yard-rush for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Broncos' 17-10 loss on December 26, 1993.
Reggie Rivers looks upfield as he rushes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Broncos' 17-10 loss on December 26, 1993.
Linebacker Bill Romanowski tackles a Buccaneer during a September 15, 1996 win (27-23) against Tampa Bay.
Running back Terrell Davis runs the ball upfield during a September 15, 1996 win (27-23) over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Shannon Sharpe makes a reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL in Kansas City, MO on September 26, 1999.
Terrell Davis rushes the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL in Kansas City, MO on September 26, 1999.
Brian Griese drops back in the pocket against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL in Kansas City, MO on September 26, 1999.
The Broncos and Buccaneers line up on the line of scrimmage against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL in Kansas City, MO on September 26, 1999.
Neil Smith moves in to make a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL in Kansas City, MO on September 26, 1999.
John Lynch at his safety position during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 3, 2004 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Jake Plummer rolls out of the pocket during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 3, 2004 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
John Lynch stuffs Mike Alstott during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 3, 2004 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Denver Bronco Patrick Hape spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown on a five yard pass in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the NFL game on October 3, 2004 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Champ Bailey and his teammates stuff Mike Alstott during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 3, 2004 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Reuben Droughns rushes the ball during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 3, 2004 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Denver Bronco safety John Lynch is nearly brought to tears after fans in Tampa Bay applauded the former 11 year Buccaneer veteran as he left the field Sunday night during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 3, 2004 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
John Lynch celebrates and thanks his teammates after receiving a game ball during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 3, 2004 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Brandon Marshall gets into the pregame introductions with Jay Cutler prior to action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Invesco Field October 5, 2008
Jay Cutler pass to Tony Scheffler in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Invesco Field October 5, 2008
Dre' Bly and Nate Webster ties up Earnest Graham in the first quarter of action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Invesco Field October 5, 2008
Elvis Dumervil dives after the quarterback during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. the Denver Broncos, October 5, 2008.
Ebenezer Ekuban flexes after a sack during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. the Denver Broncos, October 5, 2008.
Brandon Stokely heads to the end zone on a 10 yard reception for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Invesco Field October 5, 2008
Nic Clemons sacks Jeff Garcia for a five yard loss in the fourth quarter action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Invesco Field October 5, 2008
D.J. Williams takes the ball-carrier to the ground during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. the Denver Broncos, October 5, 2008.
Eddie Royal returns a punt during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. the Denver Broncos, October 5, 2008.
Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil (92) puts pressure on Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freemna (5) during third quarter action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Dec. 2, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) looks for extra yards after a reception during second quarter action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Dec. 2, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) and defensive end Elvis Dumervil (92) pressure the quarterback during third quarter action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on December 2, 2012.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown after an interception during third quarter action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Dec. 2, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) celebrates with Von Miller (58) after Miller intercepted a pass and scored during third quarter action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field December 2, 2012 in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Trindon Holliday (11) returns a punt for 45 yards during third quarter action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on December 2, 2012.
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Mitch Unrein (96) reaches for a Peyton Manning pass in the end zone for a touchdown during first quarter action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field December 2, 2012 in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) congratulates Demaryius Thomas (88) after a catching a touchdown pass during third quarter action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Dec. 2, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) readies at the line of scrimmage during first quarter action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on December 2, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during first quarter action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Dec. 2, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tiquan Underwood during third quarter action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Dec. 2, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) scores on a one yard run during second quarter action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Fl. October 2, 2016.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) scores on an 11-yard pass for a 1st quarter touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Fl. October 2, 2016.
Denver Broncos linebacker Todd Davis (51) pressures Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) on a pass during first quarter action in the NFL game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Fl. October 2, 2016.
Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) intercepts a Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) pass and returns it 25 yards during the first quarter in the NFL game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Fl. October 2, 2016.
Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) intercepts his second Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) pass and returns it 15 yards during second quarter action in the NFL game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Fl. October 2, 2016.
The Broncos' regular-season opener isn't for another four months, but over the next few weeks, DenverBroncos.com will take an early look at each game on the Broncos' 2020 schedule. We don't know how injuries could impact each contest, but we'll present the pressing storylines, matchups, questions and more.
It's never too early to start talking football.
We continue with Denver's Week 3 game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Storylines to monitor:
The Broncos' rivalry against Tom Brady will be renewed this fall at Empower Field at Mile High. Brady last faced the Broncos two years ago, as he and the Patriots earned wins in both 2016 and 2017 over Denver. The Broncos, though, won the most recent playoff matchup, as they defeated Brady and the Patriots in the 2015 AFC Championship game. And while Brady will be wearing a new uniform, it won't be any less enjoyable to watch him and Von Miller square off. The Broncos remain the only team against which Brady has a losing record (8-9, including postseason games).
This Week 3 game will also mark Shaquil Barrett's first trip back to Denver since he signed with the Buccaneers ahead of the 2019 season. He signed just a one-year deal, but it proved prescient as he recorded 18.5 sacks and led the league in the category. He'll try to replicate his success in 2020.
Player to watch:
TE Rob Gronkowski
After a one-year hiatus, Gronkowski returned to the NFL this offseason to rejoin his former Patriots teammate. In his prime, Gronkowski was one of the most dominant tight ends of all time. A four-time first-team All-Pro, he has posted five seasons with at least 10 touchdowns and four seasons with 1,000 yards. He'll have to bulk back up to handle the demands of the position, but he should remain a go-to target for Brady. Whomever the Broncos put on Gronkowski — Justin Simmons, perhaps? — will face a big challenge. Can Denver hold up against the future Hall of Famer, or will he bully the Broncos' defense?
The question mark:
How far along is Tampa Bay's offense?
The Bucs certainly have the pieces in place to light up scoreboards, as Brady and Gronkowski join wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in Tampa. Evans is a three-time Pro Bowler, and Godwin earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2019. Brady and Gronkowski's success, meanwhile, is well-documented. The Broncos' secondary will be in for perhaps its toughest test of the season's first month. How, though, will a virtual offseason impact Brady's ability to get settled in a new offense? If the Bucs go through some early season offensive struggles, the Broncos could be primed to pull the upset against Tampa, which is currently a slight favorite. If the Bucs already firing on all cylinders, this matchup becomes much more daunting.
An opposing view:
Carmen Vitali, a staff writer for Buccaneer.com, on QB Tom Brady signing with the Bucs this offseason:
"I think the overarching feeling by everyone was just a sense of disbelief. I don't know how much the current climate played into it, not being able to have a press conference with him, actually have him in the building [and] see him in Bucs gear, his Bucs uniform. None of it felt real for a really long time. But I think that the biggest thing was it already shifted the dynamic. To have someone like that with that much experience and that much invested in another franchise jump ship — no pun intended — to come to Tampa, I think it really gave a lot of the guys a confidence boost in a lot of ways. It was like 'We have a great team, and now people might know that we have a great team.' So I think everyone's really excited to learn from him. [It's] the attitude and the work ethic that he brings in addition to the experience. I know that obviously our receivers are super excited, our defense is even really excited just to know that they have that kind of guy on the other side of the ball. But yeah, it's still kind of surreal in a lot of ways."
For more from Vitali on the Buccaneers and how the Week 3 matchup could unfold, click here.
The last meeting:
The Broncos haven't played the NFC South since 2016, and both teams looked drastically different during Denver's 27-7 win in Tampa.
Trevor Siemian started that contest and officially earned the win as the Broncos improved to 4-0 on the season as they tried to defend their Super Bowl title. Siemian, though, was knocked out of the game, and first-round Paxton Lynch saw the first action of his career. Lynch finished 14-of-24 for 170 yards and a touchdown.
The Broncos cruised for most of the afternoon, as Aqib Talib snagged two interceptions against his former team and later was given a game ball. Both Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders caught touchdowns and C.J. Anderson also recorded a score.
The only drama was whether the game would finish, as a nearly 90-minute weather delay postponed the game in the fourth quarter.
