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Broncos looking for defensive improvement

Sep 30, 2008 - 5:41 PM TAMPA BAY (3-1) at DENVER (3-1), 4:05pm, EDT

DENVER (Ticker) -- The Denver Broncos' defensive deficiencies finally caught up to them in last week's 33-19 loss at Kansas City.

The Broncos will be looking for a much better defensive effort Sunday when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a battle of 3-1 teams.

Denver won its first three games despite allowing an average of 28 points. The Broncos were not as fortunate last week against the previously winless Chiefs, who scored one more point than in their first three contests combined.

Denver is now 29th in the NFL in scoring defense, surrendering 29.3 points per game. Sunday marked the third straight contest in which the Broncos yielded more than 30 points.

"We don't want to give up as many points as we've given up the last three weeks," Denver cornerback Dre' Bly said. "But Kansas City was getting good field position. We did do a good job of holding them to field goals a couple times. To be good in this league, you have to try hold teams to under 20 points."

There is nothing wrong with the Broncos' offense as Jay Cutler passed for 361 yards to add to his gaudy numbers. The third-year quarterback has passed for 1,275 yards, second in the league behind New Orleans' Drew Brees.

However, Denver committed four turnovers against the Chiefs and scored only one touchdown on four trips inside the red zone. The Broncos also allowed Larry Johnson to rush for 198 yards.

"We're 3-1," Cutler said. "There's a lot of football left. We're still a good football team. We can't go into a panic here."

The Buccaneers have won three straight since a season-opening 24-20 loss at New Orleans and, unlike the Broncos, have been getting superior play from their defense.

Tampa Bay intercepted Aaron Rodgers three times and also forced a fumble in last week's 30-21 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Buccaneers quarterback Brian Griese also was picked off three times, but he was picked up by the defense.

Linebacker Derrick Brooks, a 10-time Pro Bowler, has been slowed so far this year by a sore hamstring, but it did not seem to limit him against the Packers. He had an interception and forced a fumble that Jermaine Phillips returned 38 yards for a touchdown - Tampa Bay's third defensive score this season.

"We've got some guys back there (in the secondary) that are very opportunistic," Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden said. "We have some playmakers back there and we're trying to emphasize getting turnovers and scoring, finishing the plays."

This week, Tampa Bay's secondary could be challenged by Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall, who is tied for the league high in receptions with 31. He has scored a touchdown in each of the last three games.