The Broncos defeated the Buccaneers, 26-7, on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Week 3 of the NFL season.

Here are three takeaways from the victory:

Do you Bo-lieve?

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix earned his first NFL victory with a breakout performance in Tampa Bay. He completed 25 of 36 passes for 216 yards. He rushed for 47 yards and a touchdown. No turnovers. His supporting cast played a large role. The offensive line (minus starting RT Mike McGlinchey) gave up zero sacks and Nix hit nine different receiving targets. Running back production remains mostly stale, however, creative play calling and Nix execution made up for it in a big win.

First series script

Denver won the coin toss, asked for the football, and executed six scripted plays to perfection for a 7-0 lead in Tampa Bay. Kudos to coach Sean Payton. His bold start — four passes and two quarterback runs totaling 70 yards — concluded with a Nix touchdown scamper. It was the perfect confidence builder for a struggling offense to build on positive momentum. The Broncos, later playing with a big lead, melted the clock using a long third-quarter scoring drive (made FG) that crushed hopes for a Tampa Bay rally.

Defense steps up

Safety Brandon Jones intercepted quarterback Baker Mayfield in the first quarter and returned it to inside the Tampa Bay 10-yard line. It led to a Jaleel McLaughlin short rushing touchdown to go up 14-0 over the Buccaneers. Denver disrupted Mayfield the whole game with seven sacks between DE Zach Allen, OLB Nik Bonitto, OLB Jonathan Cooper, DL John Franklin-Myers, S Devon Key and OLB Dondrea Tillman (twice). In the fourth quarter, cornerback Riley Moss forced a fumble recovered by Jones. The Broncos defense is surging.