TAMPA, Fla. – When Broncos coach Sean Payton’s decision came to light after the coin flip Sunday, wide receiver Courtland Sutton was momentarily confused.
Denver won the toss before the game against Tampa Bay at Raymond James Stadium, and certainly Payton would defer to the second half, right? After all, that’s what he usually does.
Instead, Payton called for his team to receive.
“I guess he had whispered to (linebacker) Alex (Singleton) and (kicker) Wil (Lutz) that he wanted to receive the ball,’’ said Sutton, referring to fellow captains. “I’m out there (for the coin flip) but it still kind of caught me off guard. But I was all excited because I knew what the first play was.”
On the first play, rookie quarterback Bo Nix completed a 22-yard pass to Sutton to the Buccaneers 48, and Denver was on its way. The Broncos (1-2), playing much more aggressive than in their first two games, walloped the Buccaneers 26-7 for their first win of the season.
“I ain’t going to say we’ve been conservative, but we haven’t taken all the shots that we needed to,’’ said wide receiver Josh Reynolds. “So, I think taking them early backed that defense up a little bit.”