TAMPA, Fla. — The Broncos started fast and finished strong.

In a wire-to-wire performance, Denver defeated the Buccaneers 26-7 to earn their first win of the 2024 season.

The Broncos took an early 7-0 lead as they chose to receive the opening kickoff, and they didn't look back in a stifling performance over the Bucs.

Led by quarterback Bo Nix, who earned the first win of his young career, the Broncos put up their highest point total of the season. Defensively, the Broncos limited the Buccaneers' offense and held Tampa Bay to a single score.

These were the players and plays that made the difference in the Broncos' Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

GAME-CHANGING MOMENT

The Broncos were already off to a quick start when Brandon Jones made his most impactful play since joining the team. On third-and-4, Baker Mayfield looked toward Mike Evans, and Jones undercut the pass. The Denver safety then weaved his way 37 yards to the Tampa Bay 9-yard line.

Denver pushed its way to the Tampa Bay 1-yard line, and running back Jaleel McLaughlin made a tremendous individual play to score on fourth-and-goal. McLaughlin evaded a defender in the backfield and then sprinted to the pylon to put another touchdown on the board.

The 14-0 lead was the Broncos' first time leading by 14 points in the first quarter since Week 14 of the 2021 season, and it set the tone for Denver's win.

DEFINING STATISTIC

7 sacks.

While the Broncos' offense took a step forward in Week 3, the defense was able to maintain its strong level of play. Denver's defense sacked Mayfield seven times on Sunday, and the unit held the Bucs to 132 net passing yards. On several occasions, the Broncos used a well-timed sack to thwart a Buccaneers drive and maintain their lead in the second-half.

MEMORABLE HIGHLIGHT

Nix made several impressive throws on Sunday, but he also showed off his speed in the third quarter as he evaded a sack and then dodged defenders for a 22-yard gain. Nix picked up several big first downs with his legs on Sunday, and the long scramble was just the latest example of his mobility.

BOX-SCORE STANDOUTS

Bo Nix was 4-of-4 for 70 yards and a touchdown run on his first drive, and he completed 18-of-23 passes for 169 yards and a 97.3 quarterback rating in the first half.

Dondrea Tillman was one of six Broncos to sack Mayfield on Sunday, and he recorded the first two sacks of his NFL career.

Brandon Jones posted an early interception that changed the tone of the game and later recovered a fumble forced by Riley Moss.