Denver Broncos

Chatting With the Buccaneers' Opponent

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 25, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) carries the ball as he attempts a two point conversion against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Broncos won 29-17. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Learning about the Buccaneers’ opponent, the Denver Broncos, ahead of Sunday’s week four matchup.

More from The Pewter Plank

They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. That is what we are doing right here, Buccaneers‘ fans. This week the “enemy” in question is the Denver Broncos.

That’s a little joke with an old expression. But seriously, one of the most gratifying things about being part of the FanSided network is the fact that each team has its own site. Under certain circumstances, we are able to work together in the network to bring some additional insights to you, the fans.

Ty Walden is the co-expert for the Broncos’ FanSided website, Predominantly Orange. He and his team of contributors do a terrific job, please check them out. He and I exchanged some questions prior to the upcoming game. Take a look at our discussion.

Sep 25, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate (84) is congratulated by quarterback Jameis Winston (3) after he scored a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Thoughts on Jameis Winston

PEWTER PLANK: To take the lead from your question, give us your impressions of Jameis Winston from the outside. What do you think, watching from a distance?

PREDOMINANTLY ORANGE: I haven’t gotten to see a lot of what he has done this season, but from what I have heard, he is doing pretty well. It is amazing that he already has eight passing touchdowns this season in just three games.

The only rough game I heard he had was against Arizona when he threw four interceptions in a blowout. And I was listening to Mike and Mike and they said it was a mistake to not pull him out. I thought it was a good move to keep him in, because you win as a team and lose as a team. Unless he was hurt, I am not a big fan of quarterback’s coming out of the game unless they are hurt for most cases.

But back to Winston, I think he has the ability to be something special in the NFL. His rookie year was a solid one. He has the abilities to get Tampa Bay back into the playoffs. But there is only so much he can do. Hopefully the team around him grows. But by reading numbers, I say he is doing alright. I am actually interested to seeing him for a full 60 minutes this Sunday and pay attention to his game.

Sep 25, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Broncos won 29-17. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

On Trevor Siemian

PP: Talk about the growth of Trevor Siemian. I mean, I have to imagine that Broncos’ fans were nervous about entering the title defense with a low round rookie as their quarterback. Now it obviously is different. Talk to us about the kid and what you have seen.

PO:
When preseason began, I was all about the quarterback who starts for the Broncos was the man I would be behind. Siemian impressed me in his rookie year during the preseason last year.

There were times he even did better than Brock Osweiler, which was a surprise. But I like the fact that he stays calm and cool in tough situations. Perfect example is last week against Cincy. His numbers were solid, but could not do a whole lot in the first half when it came to the red zone.

The one thing that impressed me in that game was that he did not turn the ball over. Protecting the ball and limiting turnovers is the one thing that I was hoping for in regards to whomever started at QB for the Broncos.

He has the Broncos to 3-0 and as long as he keeps it up, he could be one of the biggest surprises of the season. He is learning through the success and the growing pains and has excelled in more ways than one.

Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

On the Defense

PP: Danny Trevathan defected prior to the season and now DeMarcus Ware is out for multiple games. How is coach Phillips so effectively compensating for the changes in personnel?

PO: Let us not forget that Malik Jackson also left via free agency. But back to the question.

I really like what Wade Phillips has done with this defense. I like to describe it perfectly as having a second starting team at times. With players like Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett to name a few, this defensive unit has enough backup power to create a whole new defense in my opinion.

Wade has been coaching in the NFL longer than I have been born. So, his has seen just about everything. The players love playing for him and the bond he shares with them. So the fact that they have that bond and how great Wade is as a coordinator shows how well he can adjust at moments notice.

PP: They may be 1-2, but the Bucs can put points up on the board. What is the biggest key to shutting down the Bucs’ attack?

PO: Getting Jameis Winston off of his game. That is going to be the biggest thing. His numbers indicate that he has done a solid job at helping the team get the points. But the Broncos defense enjoys getting to the quarterback.

I mean, just look at the last five quarterbacks that the Broncos have faced since the AFC Championship Game and look at their numbers.

The Carolina Panthers were an offense that could score at will and the Broncos limited them to 10 points in Super Bowl 50. With players like Derek Wolfe, Von Miller, Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib, and others, this defense makes offensive coordinators throw fits.

Offense wins games, but defense wins championships.

Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) greets Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) following the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.The Broncos defeated the Colts 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

On New Broncos

PP: Give us a couple of new players we should look out for, that Bucs’ fans might not be so familiar with, and give us a little scouting report on the players.

PO: The Broncos decided to get back to the full back position this year, and this man has surprised me in more ways than one. His ability to block has opened up holes that C.J. Anderson could not normally find last year.

He is a strong guy coming from Nebraska. The Denver Broncos drafted him with their sixth round pick this year. I can see him becoming a huge force for that running game and the goal line offense this year.

Defense- Derek Wolfe, DE

When you think of the Broncos defense, names like DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller, Aqib Talib come up. But perhaps the most underrated player on the defense who makes plays is Derek Wolfe.

The Broncos signed him to an extension before the playoffs and they made such a great choice. His abilities to stop the run and get to the quarterback are traits that we do not see a lot in defensive linemen now and days. It is normally one or the other.
I really like what Derek Wolfe brings to the table. His toughness and speed are perhaps the best I have seen by a defensive end. I hope he is in Denver for a long time.

A big thanks to Ty Walden for sitting down with us. Check them out at Predominantly Orange for all of the information you could ever want on the Denver Broncos.

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