Ellie Lewis, Senior, Marquette

TAMPA — The biggest play of Bo Nix’s first NFL win won’t go on his career highlight reel. The critical juncture of the Broncos’ first win of the season didn’t even really feel like it in the moment. On a day in which head coach Sean Payton preached aggressiveness, even he approached this particular moment with caution. Third-and-9 from Denver’s own 7-yard line.

By DOUG PADILLA LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani hit a tying home run in the ninth inning and Mookie Betts followed with a game-ending drive as the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied for a 6-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday to maintain their three-game lead in the National League West. Ohtani had four hits and added two stolen bases, giving him 53 home runs and 55 steals on the season. Leading off the ninth after the Dodgers rallied to within a run, Ohtani lifted Seth Halvorsen’s fourth offering, an 89-mph split-finger pitch, over the wall in right-center. “To start that ninth inning with Shohei continuing to do what he does, he just doesn’t seem human right now,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.

Ahead of the Broncos’ matchup with Tampa Bay, Sean Payton challenged cornerback Pat Surtain II. Denver’s head coach told Surtain about the success Saints star Marshon Lattimore had against wide receiver Mike Evans, and jokingly said he might have to call New Orleans head coach Dennis Allen about exchanging cornerbacks for a week. Surtain got the message.

The spotlight will remain on the Colorado Buffaloes in Week 5. On Sunday, the Big 12 announced that Saturday’s game between CU and Central Florida will kick off at 1:30 p.m. MT and be broadcast nationally on Fox. The game will be played at UCF’s FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando. Fox also announced that its Big Noon Kickoff show will be in Orlando for the matchup.

The Denver Broncos beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-7 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, to secure the team’s first win of the season. Related Articles Denver Broncos | Renck: Broncos’ Sean Payton finally produces signature win with decision to take ball first Denver Broncos | Broncos’ third-quarter mega-drive ended in a field goal, but it powered 26-7 win at Bucs and provided blueprint going forward Denver Broncos | Broncos CB Pat Surtain II shuts down Mike Evans in win over Buccaneers: “He’s the best in the league” Denver Broncos | Broncos OLB Dondrea Tillman logs two sacks in NFL debut as part of dominant defensive outing: “It’s a dream come true” Denver Broncos | Broncos Four Downs: That’s Bidet, to you.

TAMPA — Dondrea Tillman could hardly get the words out over the ruckus in the Broncos’ postgame locker room. He smiled as he tried to put his dream NFL debut — two sacks in a dominant 26-7 win against Tampa Bay — into perspective. Mostly, his teammates did it for him. From down the row of lockers came chants of “TILLLLLL.” Hoots and howls.