TAMPA, Fla. — After a gritty win last Sunday in Detroit, the Bucs took it easy on Wednesday morning, having an indoor walk-through with no pads or helmets. Although practice was more relaxed, the team is not taking the winless Denver Broncos lightly ahead of Sunday's game.
“This is the big game for us. We’ve only played two games. We can’t look ahead for anything," head coach Todd Bowles said after practice.
Off to a 0-2 start, the Broncos don't have many things going for them. They are ranked second-to-last in total offense in the AFC. They have also scored the third-least points in the NFL, mainly because rookie quarterback Bo Nix hasn't thrown a touchdown pass yet.
In contrast, the Bucs are 2-0 for the fourth straight season and have scored the fourth-most points in the league.
"Yeah, I mean, 2-0 is 2-0. [There is] a lot of ball left," said quarterback Baker Mayfield. "We expected to be playing well at this point and we expect to continue to play well."
Wednesday's injury report is an estimation because the Bucs conducted a walk-through, however, right tackle Luke Goedeke was listed as a non-participant and needs to pass a few more tests to pass concussion protocol, per coach Bowles.
Without him on Sunday, Tampa Bay allowed five sacks. That includes 4.5 from defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. The Bucs will face a similar threat with Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen. He recorded eight quarterback pressures and a sack in Denver's loss to Pittsburgh last week.
"He’s a work horse, he’s going [to] work you, he’s going to out work you, he’s very good off the ball, and he’s going to play to the whistle so he’s going to be dangerous," said Bowles.
The Bucs host the Broncos on Sunday at 1 p.m. inside Raymond James Stadium. With a win, Tampa Bay will have its first 3-0 start since 2005.
