Broncos set the tone on first drive against Buccaneers

NFL teams often hesitate to receive the ball after halftime and start the game on defense after winning the coin toss.

When the Denver Broncos won the coin toss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, they decided to get the ball. That was an early statement from Broncos coach Sean Payton.

“Yes, you see, I will usually give in, like most coaches, and every now and then you send a little message and we felt like we had a good start,” Payton said after the game.

After receiving the ball, Denver marched 70 yards in six plays and took a 7-0 lead on a Bo Nix touchdown run. The team never looked back.

“I think he made that decision simply because of his fast start. And I wasn't necessarily shocked, but whatever he wanted to do, we did it, and we came out and did exactly what we wanted,” Nix said of the decision to receive the opening kickoff. “We went down and scored a touchdown. And I think that set the pace and tone for the game.”

After setting the tone early, the Broncos dominated the rest of the game, eventually winning 26-7 on the road. Nix came out with the ball and Denver's offense put together its best performance in three games this fall.

“When you start the game with an explosive passing game, you get 'Court' (Courtland Sutton) is involved early, you win a one-on-one, you turn the field around in a game – that opens the for a coordinator,” Nix said. “I thought Coach Payton did a good job of getting right back there.

“We hit Josh (Reynolds) on the other side and then we get points and a touchdown on that first drive. That's really important to start explosively, but you can't just hit one. You have to come back and keep finishing drives. It was good to see that on the first one.”

Nix managed a total of 263 yards on Sunday, with no sacks or turnovers. It was the best performance of his career so far and perhaps a sign of things to come for the Broncos' offense.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos set the tone on first drive against Buccaneers