It was over when ...
Former Buccaneers running back Michael Pittman picked up a first down on a 6-yard carry, which forced Tampa Bay to use its final timeout with 1:38 left in the game. The Broncos were able to run out the clock after that.
Game ball
Pittman only rushed the ball six times, but three of those went for first downs. Pittman's 16-yard run in the third quarter on third-and-5 helped set up Jay Cutler's 10-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Stokley.
Key stat
The two teams were nearly identical statistically, but Cutler was not sacked and did not throw an interception. The Broncos' defense had three sacks and intercepted Jeff Garcia once.
Noteworthy
Buccaneers quarterback Brian Griese injured his throwing elbow in the third quarter and did not return. ... Tampa Bay did not have a pass longer than 6 yards until Antonio Bryant had a 17-yard reception late in the first half. ... Brandon Marshall did not have a touchdown for the first time in four games this season and finished with three receptions for 25 yards.
