OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR BYRON LEFTWICH

(On this week's matchup against the Cowboys)

"I feel as though we're capable of doing what we need to do, at this point. I think there's been a lot of work put in [by] a lot of different position groups – we've been having consistency over the last month of who's in the huddle, who's not in the huddle. It hasn't has been as much 'grab and go' – guys are beginning to practice again, so we're beginning to get people to practice. I think we're getting to the point where we're capable of doing things that we need to do to get the job done. What it looks like, what it ends up being – we'll see, but I think we're getting capable of doing those type of things."

(On QB Tom Brady's willingness to take a hit)

"It's good-on-good now, right? It's good-on-good. This is true varsity football, right? True varsity football. And he's been in a lot of these games, right? He's been in a lot of these games. He understands how these games have to be played. The last of my worries, really, is Tom. When you get in these moments, it's [about] making sure we're good around him, making sure we're all on the same page. That's what bit us early in the year – it's hard to get people on the same page when you're not practicing and there's a different guy in the huddle every day and there's youth in the huddle. With all the reps – I said earlier in the year – with all the reps that the young guys [got], hopefully it will help us as we get to the end of the year, and I think we have benefited from some of those young guys playing a lot of playing time."

(On what made the Buccaneers effective running the ball against Dallas in Week 1)

"Health. Health started there – you cut the tape on and you realize we lost 'Donny' (Donovan Smith) in that game and you're like, 'Man, it started in Week 1, really.' Then [Aaron] Stinnie [in preseason] – all those things happened right around each other. You look at the tape and you realize man, we've been fighting this thing right from the beginning, really. It's good to have a lot of the same guys in the huddle. Obviously, the gameplan the first time we played [those] guys – will it be different, we'll see? I'm quite sure they've worked on things – they're a different football team, we're a different football team. Especially when you get this [deep] – I mean you're really talking, what, 20 weeks? Really 20-something weeks since the last time we played [those] guys – that's really an eternity. But you try to take what you can from it and just look and see where both teams are at right now."

(On if WR Chris Godwin is totally different from when he played in Week 1)

"I think the more he played, the better he was going to get. It's been 20 weeks since that moment. Like you said, we didn't see a lot of Chris because he went out early – he went out early with the hamstring – that was disappointing. Julio [Jones] went out. It's good to have our guys back now – like I said, what that means, we'll see. But it's just good to have those guys back – to see Chris moving at a better pace than he was in Week 1. That's an exciting thing."

(On what he sees from Dallas' defensive front at this point in the season)

"It's the same thing you saw in the beginning, right? You knew they would have guys getting after the quarterback. You just cut the tape on and '11' (Micah Parsons) shows up everywhere – he's a hell of a football player. The motor that he has – he's a great football player, really one of the great football players in this league. We'll have that challenge. But it's not just him – they have a lot of guys with their hand in the ground that know what they're doing and [are] very capable and really good at what they do. We've got to prepare for that, that's what we're doing, that's what we'll do this week to get ourselves ready for this good football team. People can say what they want but this is a 12-win football team. We've only got eight of them so we look at anybody above us as a great football team, so we'll prepare that way."

(On the health of the offensive unit)

"We'll see. We'll see. This is probably as healthy as we've been really since OTAs (organized team activities) – we were banged up in OTAs. It's good to have our guys out there."

(On if C Ryan Jensen might play)

"I'll let Todd [Bowles] answer that question – we'll see."

(On if he would use the word resiliency to characterize this year's team)

"It didn't feel that way, it just felt like we were fighting every week. It felt like we were fighting every week for a win and we were in a battle every week. None of them came easy this year – the wins or the losses – nothing was easy for us. Sometimes you have years like this in this league. I think it's good for players and it's good for coaches because I think we all grew. I think our players got better, I think we as coaches got better – we were faced with a lot of situations that we've never been faced with in the past with this group. I think we got better through it, I think our players got better through it. Sometimes you have these moments. When you have them, you accept the challenge. You accept the challenge of what you're faced with week-in and week-out. Nobody really understands those challenges that you're going through every week. To be sitting right here as one of the teams that has the opportunity to be in the tournament, I think it's a sign of our players, I think it's a sign of how good of a job our coaches have done throughout the year. This was a different year – this was a different year to say the least. To be able to fight through it and still end up in the tournament says what type of players we have and what job I think our coaching staff did – offense, defense and special teams."

(On if he's seen if the playoffs are too big of a moment for some players)

"I don't think it's too big of a moment, I just think when it's a new moment, right? I remember us going to Washington in 2020 and I was telling the staff, my biggest worry is that we've never been here with this group. This group has never been here in this moment, where it's a playoff game. I wished that fans could have been there – there was no one there. That made it tougher. But you knew if we could just get through the initial point that it's a playoff game – because we were youthful then – it was all new to us at the time. Coaches had been through it but our group as players and coaches, we had never been through that together. I knew that there would be some moment where we're going to have to fight, we're going to have to face some adversity – just on the history of me understanding playoff games. It was there, right? You watch the Washington game – a lot of things showed up that didn't show up throughout the season, but that's part of the growth. That's part of the things that allowed us to have the opportunity to win the Super Bowl that year – going through those moments. Those moments are coming for your team, so when you go through them, you face them, you stand tall through them and you come out through them – it's always beneficial for your team."

(On the biggest difference between the regular season and the playoffs)

"It's different – that's all I can say – it's different. It moves faster, you can't get [anybody] ready for it. You couldn't explain it to them because they have to see it and go through it themselves. You get the best of the best. Like I said, you get true varsity football playing at its highest level. No one wants to go home this time of year – everybody is fighting for every play. Every play, every yard, everything is so meaningful. When you're in those moments, you've got to understand the focus that it takes, the preparation that it takes for you to play your best and that's what we're trying to do now – prepare our best."

(On if QB Tom Brady shouldered more of the load this season than anticipated)

"[It's] not that he shouldered more of the load, it's just that we had to play the way we had to play. We had to play the way we had to play to get to this point, because the ultimate goal was to get here. A lot of teams in that situation wouldn't have been here, I'll say that. We see it every year, throughout the NFL, that team just didn't do enough to make it, just didn't do enough to get to this point. I'm proud of the way we responded in those tough moments when nobody knew what was going on – nobody really knew what was going on. Everybody stood tall in those tough moments – that's what you appreciate about this group when you build something like that. You build something like that so when tough times come, everybody is going to stand tall in that moment. I've just got a lot of respect for that – you guys know how I feel about the players here. I just have a lot of respect for this group and the way they handle challenges, right? The way they approach challenges when tough times come. I've got the ultimate respect for that because I ultimately know that's what gets you to the next level, when you have the type of players and the mindset that we have, that gives us a chance every week."

(On the Buccaneers being resilient despite struggles)

"We were built the right way, though. Everything was built the right way here. It starts with the players – it starts really with the locker room – the way they approach it, their mindset, how together they are, how close they are, the moments they've already been in. They're willingness and ability to accept tough coaching, good coaching – however you want to put it – they accepted it when times were bad. They easily could have went right or left also and they stood tall in the moment, which allowed us as coaches to always stand tall. That's why I love this group – you love this group because whatever situation comes our way, we've always faced it and tried to break through it. I've got a lot of respect for that in today's game with the players we have in that huddle."

(On if the team is ready to be back in the spotlight this week)

"It is what it is, right? It's the playoffs – there's only 14 of us here. We're all happy to be here. We don't really care about that – it was just funny. It's just something that you notice throughout the year. We've got our mind on something that's bigger than publicity or what the talk is outside of us. We understand that when you're a good football team, you're going to get talked about – good or bad. We took the good when the good came our way the last three years – we accepted it, right? We accepted it. Like I always tell you guys, we are great winners. We are great winners. We understand that and we stood tall. We know how to stand tall in tough moments. When you have a group like that, you're just appreciative of that."

(On it potentially being QB Tom Brady's last season)

"No, I didn't think about that in 2020, I didn't think about that in 2021 and I'm not thinking about that this year. I'm trying to stay focused – we're trying to stay focused and make the main thing, the main thing. Right now, we have a really good football team that we've got to play Monday night that we've got to get ready for. We'll worry about that when we need to worry about that – right now, we need to worry about the Cowboys. It's a good football team that we're about to play [so] we've got to get ready."

PASS GAME COORDINATOR/INSIDE LINEBACKERS COACH LARRY FOOTE

(On what he's seen from the Cowboys recently)

"Well, they're running the ball [well] – you see [Tony] Pollard starting to come into his own. No. 88 (CeeDee Lamb) is starting to rip the league up, you've got to know where he's at. Rough week for Dak [Prescott], but he's coming off of injury, but they've got weapons. They've got weapons and their line is getting healthy, so it's going to be a big test for us."

(On the differences of playing in the postseason)

"It's special. You hear in this league how different it is from college – the speed. You get in the playoffs and it gets even faster. First downs feel like points and everybody's standing up. All our dreams are right there, and you only get 60 minutes. But it's a special time and I'm happy for the young guys that get to experience it, but you can't explain it, you've just got to go through it and understand how special it is."

(On how the injuries in the secondary have affected the guys up front)

"Well, it starts up top in the organization. When get those rings, everybody played a role in it. You've got to have depth, you've got to find free agents, you've got to get guys in college in late rounds because you're going to need everybody. Until you go through it, you understand it's not just 'coach-talk.' We need everybody in the building and they're going to play a role at some time in the season and the more depth [you have], the chances of winning goes up."

(On the benefit of having two linebackers like Lavonte David and Devin White who consistently play every game and every snap)

"When they're healthy, it makes my job easier, I'll tell you that. You've got to be ready. It's one play – backups – as coaches in this league, you've got to make sure that the last guy on the roster knows what to do. And if we call you, we keep you on this team, we expect you to make plays, but you've got to keep those guys' attention, keep teaching – even the practice squad guys. You never know who's going to play for you on Sunday."

(On if fans should be encouraged by Dallas' performance last week against the Washington Commanders)

"I don't buy none of that. It's a whole [new] season. From my eyes, we went 17-0 – everybody's 17-0. I don't buy that. You hear from your family, friends, you hear that. All the talk shows blast them – I don't pay no mind to that. Those guys are a good team, they're 12-5 and we know what type of game it's going to be on Monday night."

(On if NT Vita Vea, OLB Carl Nassib, S Mike Edwards and CB Carlton Davis are in play to play on Monday)

"A lot of times, they're still in that mode – let the week speak for us. We'll see by Monday, who's up and who's down."

(On how LB Lavonte David has handled the challenge of playing as he's gotten older)

"One thing I can speak for myself as a player, when you start getting towards the end, that kind of motivates you a little bit. It rejuvenates you because you know that the end is near. Lavonte, he's a pro. He still looks good. I really judge how he looks on the practice field and he's still breaking, getting out of his cuts. I call him the screen-sniffer because every time they run a screen, he finds a way to make the play, but he's playing at a high level. Those type of guys, when you're playing that well in your thirties, God has truly blessed you."

(On if younger players struggle to handle the pressure that comes with playoffs)

"Definitely rookies, you know, they didn't hit the 'rookie-wall' until probably back in November, but if you've got a lot of older guys, the main thing is, just follow their lead. We set the tone – the veterans on this team, they set the tone and if you're smart, you're going to pay attention and follow them."

LINEBACKER LAVONTE DAVID

(On what it means to make the playoffs)

"I don't take it for granted. Like you said, it takes a while to get here. It's hard to get here. As you guys have seen, this season was rough – it was a battle to get here. We're here now. But you definitely don't take these opportunities for granted – you never know when you're going to be back here again. Luckily, three years in a row we've been able to be in this tournament – but it's definitely a situation where every football player would dream to be in. Myself, I love to be in this moment. Last year, I [almost] didn't play in this situation, so I'm definitely not taking it for granted. Obviously, I'm happy to be here and enthused to be able to be here and get this thing going."

(On if he feels a difference when everybody on the defense is healthy)

"Yeah, obviously. Guys who you've been through the grind with, guys who you know, guys who you've been communicating with throughout the season – stuff like that. It's tough because injuries are a part of the game, but just having a revolving door of different guys you're working with and trying to understand who you're working with and how they play the game – stuff like that. I believe this is probably the first time since the first couple of weeks where we've all been on the field with each other. And you saw what was happening when everybody was together – we were playing at a high level. Now we have a chance to get everybody back so hopefully we can pick up where we left off. It's definitely good to have those guys back and we're definitely excited."

(On how much the Week 1 game against the Cowboys is a source of confidence)

"Like you said, that was 17 weeks ago – it's a different football team. We thought we were hot stuff back then but they've got the better record [now]. From what it seems like, they've got the better football team, but we're definitely a confident group, it feels like. I'm sure they're a confident group. We understand what they're bringing and we're going to be ready for it. It definitely should be a fun football game – we're definitely looking forward to the challenge. It should be fun."

(On if regular season records matter in the playoffs)

"Not at all – the regular season records don't matter. Whatever happened in the regular season doesn't matter – it's a whole new season. We've got it in the locker room on the board, it's a new season. We want to go 1-0 in this season and that's the goal. We're definitely getting prepared – we've got an extra day to work so we're using the day to put in some things, to be able to watch our opponent a little bit. We're getting ready to go."

(On the team's resiliency this season)

"It goes back to what you said – lead the ship. I always say, 'When things are going [well], anybody can step up and talk, but it's the people who step up and bring guys along when stuff is going bad.' I think we've got a lot of guys in that locker room that are like that. Like you said that, Mike [Evans] is one of those guys – a lot of people don't kind of see me talk, but I feel like I try to talk at the right time, when guys need to hear it. I hope I was kind of a part of that – having guys battle through the tough times and understand what's still ahead and that's getting to this moment right here. We definitely were able to prevail, get over those tough times. Like I said, it's a whole new season now – it's a fresh start. We've got a lot of our guys back, so we're definitely happy to be here and definitely are going to try to reach our goal."

(On how he feels about how he played in the regular season)

"Obviously, I'm proud. Every time I step out on the field, I want to play at a high level. From my understanding, I've been doing that so far this year. I missed a couple things out there, but I'm definitely continuing to be motivated. I love this game so much – just stepping out there on the field, practice, whatever it is, being in the locker room – it just motivates me to be my best. The guys that we have in the locker room, those guys and the work that they put in just motivates me to be better for them. How they view me as a leader and as a football player just motivates me to be better and every time I'm on the field, I just want to put my best foot forward and show everybody that I still belong."

(On QB Tom Brady's leadership)

"For a guy who's played in this league for a long time – he's been through a lot of things. He's a guy who could have easily been like, 'Man, this is my twenty-whatever year, I could just turn this thing in and just go on about my life. His career is already set, he's already a hall of famer – but the way he carried himself, coming to work even through the hard times, being the leader that he is, smiling with everybody, just being Tom – he never changed. He's always that competitive guy who just comes to the locker room and works and just wants to be around the guys. He never switched up – he stayed the same guy. Guys like me see that and you appreciate it. A lot of people don't know how to handle tough times, but he did it and that's something that you appreciate about him. That's why he's our leader."

(On the job that Head Coach Todd Bowles has done this year)

"I feel like he handled it really well. I always have a certain type of respect for Coach Bowles – obviously because he was my defensive coach – but now seeing how he works as a head coach and how he handles tough tasks and tough situations. Obviously in this past year, he's been put in a tough situation – the way he handled it and the way he carried himself throughout the whole thing definitely upped that level of respect you have for Coach Bowles. Everybody in the locker room has respect for him and how he carries himself – he's a guy who we definitely play hard for."

WIDE RECEIVER MIKE EVANS

(On how he's feeling)

"I'm feeling good."

(On the team being the healthiest it's been all year)

"We want to be at full strength – we have a talented team and when we're at full strength, we're tough to beat. Hopefully we can play our best ball come Monday night."

(On what playoff football is like for him)

"It's a little more intense but it's the same, really. Of a big time, primetime game – it's kind of the same feeling as that. It's just a win or go home mentality and that brings out the best in players and in teams. I like being in those types of games."

(On his impressions of Dallas' secondary)

"They're down at corner – they've got two guys injured that were some solid players. The backups are solid, we're watching more film on them. '26' [DaRon Bland] has made some plays. But when we're healthy, it doesn't matter who the DBs are. Hopefully we get a lot of Cover-1 – you know I love that. And [Trevon] Diggs is a really good corner as well. He matched me in 2021 and the first game of the season, he was on me a little bit but not the whole game."

(On his performance in Week 17 vs. Carolina)

"That got us a win, that put me over 1,000 yards. There were some good plays…It felt good – it always feels good to get big plays and win."

(On how the team has grown since Week 1)

"We're going to be at close to full strength and they're going to be close to full strength. They've had a better season than us, so far, but that's the regular season – it's over. Now we start off 0-0. It's going to be similar. I hope it's the same outcome, but anything can happen in the playoffs."

(On the team's resiliency this year)

"It was everybody staying together – we stayed together. We've been through tough times together, so we know how each other respond to moments like that. We've been doing it all year. Our division helped us out – it was a low division this year as far as record. But we got the job done to punch our ticket."

(On finishing the season strong)

"We wanted to finish the season better, obviously. But we just kept playing hard and that's what we're paid to do – to play hard and give our best week-in, week-out, and we did that."

(On if he can take anything from Week 1 to help prepare for this week)

"They're a team that's simple – they're a good team but they're simple. They don't run anything exotic, defensively. Offensively, they're a really talented team and they want to play straight up and see if you can beat them. We've got to come with our best."

-BUCCANEERS-