Last meeting
The Broncos defeated the host Buccaneers, 16-13, in a 2004 defensive battle.
Streaks
The teams have split their only two meetings since 1999, and the Broncos lead the all-time series, 4-2.
Last week
Kicker Matt Bryant's emotional performance propelled the Buccaneers to a 31-20 victory over the Packers. ... The Broncos' three-game winning streak was snapped by the Chiefs, who stunned Denver at home, 33-19.
The reunion of Griese and Shanahan: Brian Griese was a third-round pick of the Broncos in 1998. He played five seasons in Denver and will be making his first start against the Broncos and his former coach, Mike Shanahan, who once said that Griese reminded him of Joe Montana.
The No. 300: Shanahan's current quarterback, Jay Cutler, passed for a career-high 361 yards against the Chiefs, his third 300-yard game this season. While the Bucs have done a solid job shutting down the run (they limited Ryan Grant to 20 yards on 15 attempts last week), they rank 21st in pass defense.
Did you know?
Under Jon Gruden, the Bucs are 17-0 since 2002 when not committing turnover. ... Griese, 3-0 as a starter this season, has won eight of his last nine starts as the Buccaneers' starter. ... Bucs running back Earnest Graham had his second 100-yard game of the year against the Packers. ... Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall is tied for the NFL lead with 31 receptions despite missing Week 1. ... The Broncos have allowed at least 32 points in each of their last three games.
