The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ran into a buzz saw named Peyton Manning, with some help from Von Miller and the defense, as the Bucs traveled to Denver and fell to the Broncos by a score of 23-31, although the game wasn’t really that close.
The Bucs took an early lead late in the first quarter when Josh Freeman hit Dallas Clark, Manning’s former teammate even though they are both in new jersey’s this year. Clark’s touchdown put the Bucs up 10-7, but the third quarter was all Broncos. Manning hit Demaryius Thomas twice in a five minute span for two of Manning’s three TDs, and then Von Miller returned an interception 26 yards to put the Broncos ahead 28-10.
Manning finished the day 27 of 38 for 242 yards with 3 TDs and 1 INT. Freeman struggled a bit, completing less than half his passes and finishing 18 of 39 for 242 yards with 2 TDs and 1 INT. Miller led the Broncos in tackles with 6 (5 solo) along with 1 sack, 1 pass defense and the interception return for a TD.
The win advances the Broncos to 9-3, while the Bucs fall to 6-6 and will continue to struggle for a playoff spot.
