Denver Broncos 2016: AFC West Preview – Week Four
By Craig Hurst
The Denver Broncos hit the road for the second time in as many weeks to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they attempt to improve their record to a perfect 4-0. Please continue reading for my general thoughts on this game, as well as other games featuring teams in the AFC West.
Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: After a 29-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Broncos head to Florida to face the 1-2 Buccaneers. I am not sure if Broncos will run or throw more today but I do expect them to put on another impressive offensive performance considering the Buccaneers defense is ranked last in points allowed per game (33.7). The Bucs are ranked 19th in passing defense (272 yards/game) and 15th in rushing defense (98 yards/game).
On the defensive side of the ball, obviously the main threat the Broncos will have to contain is second-year starter Jameis Winston. I haven’t seen or followed the Buccaneers a lot but I did shake my head when I saw that Winston threw for four touchdowns and nearly 300 yards in their 31-24 season-opening victory over the Atlanta Falcons; that performance was followed up by a four-interception game that saw Arizona Cardinals thrash the Bucs 40-7. Based on that stat alone, the Broncos defense may be primed for another big game.
When playing in Florida this early in the season the weather, more specifically, the temperature always has to be taken into consideration. The high temperature in Tampa is forecasted to be 90 degrees with 55-60% humidity and a slight chance of rain. The Broncos will be wearing orange jerseys today since the home team gets preference and the Bucs chose white. No doubt, this was an attempt to deal with the high-temperatures, and possibly get into the heads of the Broncos.
Prediction: Denver 31, Tampa Bay 10 – the Broncos overcome the heat, the defense dominates and makes Winston look like a second-year quarterback going against the defending Super Bowl Champions.