After a messy game that ran 90 minutes longer than expected thanks to a lightning delay, the Denver Broncos have a clean 4-0 record, their jerseys, on the other hand, weren’t quite as clean.

The Orange & Blue made easy work of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 27-7 at Raymond James Stadium, proving that this team is well deserving of the being named the No. 1 team in the NFL. Both the offense and defense played lights out under the lightning-filled Florida sky. Even though they were filthy, these three players were able to shine brightest.

Aqib Talib

Talib, who was drafted in the first round by the Bucs in 2008 returned to Tampa for the first time on Sunday. He didn’t waste any time showing why he was worth the high pick way back when. No. 21 intercepted the first ball James Winston threw on the afternoon, returning it to the 12-yard line of the Bucs, setting up a Siemian-to-Thomas touchdown the very next play.

“He’s playing special. Obviously, he’s having a big year. We’re only one month into it, which is where you got to start,” Head Coach Gary Kubiak said after the win. “I had him talk to the team last night. Aqib was a hell of a player. He’s really turning into a leader and obviously played big today.”

The Pro-Bowler would pick off another pass from Winston later in the contest to place him second in the National Football League in interceptions with three, second behind Marcus Peters of the Kansas City Chiefs who has four.

Derek Wolfe

Derek Wolfe is starting to come into his own on this haunting defense. The Latter half of the “Ware-Wolfe” combo has recorded at least one-half sacks in 11-of-14 games dating back to last season, including a career-high 2.5 Sunday afternoon.

Also, the fourth-year defensive end is tied for third in the league with four sacks this season; only Kerry Hyder of the Detroit Lions and some guy named Von Miller have more.

“He’s come back, and he’s been exceptional,” Kubiak said after practice. “I think his ability to stay on the field a lot of plays right now is panning out, playing well for Defensive Line Coach Bill Kollar.”

Kubiak later added that Wolfe was named a defensive player of the game by coaches and staff also.

Paxton Lynch

Making your debut in the National Football League is a lot easier when you have a 10-point lead and a monstrous defense backing you up.

Rookie Paxton Lynch saw his first action of his career late in the second quarter Sunday when Trevor Siemian was wrestled to the ground, then, carted off the field. Siemian suffered a sprained AC joint and is listed as “day-to-day.”

The kid came out and performed well, going 14-24 for 170-yards and one touchdown to Emmanuel Sanders, who capped off the score with a cartwheel that would score a 10/10 in any competition.

“He’s really doing a good job,” Kubiak told Denver media. “John Elway and I sat down and talked about it today before the game, and I said ‘John, I think he’s really growing.’ I’ve been watching him practice and prepare.”

Lynch has matured at a rapid pace and is prepared to do whatever it takes to help his team.

“Like I said from the beginning, my thing had been prepare like you’re going to play every game, so when Trevor came out with the injury I was prepared to go in,” Lynch said after the win. “Obviously I was a little nervous just because it was my first time going in, but I was definitely prepared and ready to play.”