HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On how he felt the offensive line performed in the Week 6 matchup against Detroit)

"I thought they did a good job of getting pressure on him and guys not getting open. They did a good job. They've got a good front. It's going to be a tough matchup for it. Between Alim [McNeill) in the middle, and the two outside guys, they present a lot of problems. We've got to do a lot better job of running and throwing the football if we want to win this ballgame."

(On the best ways to replicate the crowd noise that the team might face on Sunday)

"It's going to be tough. We can turn it up as loud as possible, music-wise, and have noise brought in and everything else, but Sunday is going to be at a whole other decibel [level]. We're preparing for it and we've got to have a few silent [count] things ready. The best way to do that is to try and make some plays and keep them quiet."

(On what's allowed the team to have success on the road this season)

"Mental toughness, guys playing for each other. Going on the road, everybody is around each other. We've been around each other. I think the trip that we took to New York in the summer when we had a couple of days up there with the Jets, getting to know each other, everybody spending time around each other, we got a little closer that way. Really, just the grind of the season, going through some mental things, some adversity, and coming out on the other side and just staying together. Staying together will keep us together."

(On what CB Zyon McCollum provides the defense)

"He gives us speed, he gives us versatility from a coverage standpoint. He's a willing tackler [and] he gives us matchups against tight ends that we wouldn't normally match up against very well."

(On preparing for a team for a second time)

"You really don't like it that much, especially if you lost, because you've got to throw everything out and try to do some different things. You've got to see how much of it was scheme and how much of it was mistakes in playing. You try to mesh the two together and come up with something different."

(On how much of the loss to Detroit was due to the scheme as opposed to mistakes)

"It was both. It was both. We didn't coach it well and we didn't play it well. It's never one without the other. We know we've got to coach it better and put them in a better position, and they've got to make plays."

(On if CB Zyon McCollum might eventually play safety)

"It's too early to tell at this point. I love him at [cornerback] and I like him at safety."

(On what he sees from Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown)

"[He is] unbelieve. His stop-start, his route running, his aggressiveness after he catches the football, his quickness, his toughness. He's a pro bowler, he's an All-Pro receiver to us."

(On how he balances being a head coach while still calling the defensive plays and acting as a defensive coordinator)

"It gets me in a lot earlier, I can tell you that much. I used to be a 5:30 [a.m.] guy and I migrated to a 4:30 [a.m.] guy and now I'm like a 3:20 [a.m.] guy. You get a lot of work done in the mornings. I still love that part of it – I still enjoy it very much. It's getting tiring. I'm getting old – I don't have that many years left in this league. I still enjoy it."

(On how many years he has left as a coach)

"I'm not going to make 70. I can tell you that right now. I guarantee you I'm not making 70 [laughs]."

(On if players still sleep in his office)

"That's an afternoon thing now, that's not a morning thing. That's an afternoon thing."

(On if there's a succession plan in place for when he's ready to leave football as just happened with the New England Patriots)

"If I coached as long as [Bill Belichick] in one place and I had all of that under my belt and my kids were out of school and already with me and I could put myself in his lifetime, yes, but for me, probably not."

(On the 'us against the world' mentality)

"We've had that all year long. This is nothing new. Every time we go on the road, we feel like we're by ourselves and we've got nothing to prove but to ourselves. Our narrative is the one we write. We've been going by that mantra since we started the season – this is no different. Although it's a big game, the minute you stop doing the little things, you're going to make the mistakes and you're going to end up losing the ballgame."

(On if he feels like he has to change up his game plans because there's so much film on the team at this point in the year)

"I don't feel like I have to be different every time. We get in there as coaches and we see what we can get away with based off of what we've got to protect. You've got to protect certain things as well. We don't go in there and try to create and recreate football. I'm sure every blitz has been run, every front has been seen – whether it was years from now or whether it's right now. We didn't create any of these plays. We try to find out what best suits us and what best to defend against the other team. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. You're constantly trying to do things to win the ballgame. You definitely don't try to do the same thing you've done when you got your head beat in."

(On why the team was able to defend the run against the Lions in Week 6)

"I think they had some guys nicked up at that time. Running backs, [wide] receivers, and offensive linemen, as well – as did we. You don't really know until they have their full arsenal. Obviously, they've gotten to be a lot better team since the last time we played them and we've gotten to be a lot better team since the last time we played them. It'll be a good game on Sunday."

(On if there's one area of the team that has had the biggest growth)

"Getting the ground game going a little bit and not just being stale every week and getting the ground game going has helped the passing game."

(On what he remembers about Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell)

"I was in Dallas as a [defensive back] coach when he was a player. We coached together in Miami. [He is] an outstanding coach, a very fiery guy, extremely intelligent, extremely loyal. He'll do anything for his team. [We are] very good friends to this day. I've got a lot of respect for him on and off the field. As good of a coach as he is, he's a better guy off the field."

(On if the Lions have taken on Campbell's grittiness)

"You can see the mental toughness. It started last year when they hit a stride midseason when they had lost a lot then they won a lot of ballgames. It carried into this year. They never looked back. Dan is that type of guy."

(On if there are similarities between the Buccaneers and the Lions)

"When you lose ballgames…I'm sure they feel like they have grit because they came on last year and they came on to be very tough and they've proved to be mentally tough this year. We got mentally tough this year. They've probably got a year head start on us, but there are some similarities that way. We're still two different teams. It's going to come down to who makes [fewer] mistakes."

(On how he would describe his team's defensive identity)

"I think we've gotten tougher over the course of the past few weeks. Everybody has finally gotten back and is playing at the same time. We've been subbing guys in and out of there – a lot of guys have been playing. If you add the young guys with that, there was a lot of consternation going on there. The communication has gotten a lot better. Everybody is trusting the guy next to him and they're playing for each other."

(On if he could use one word to describe this year's team)

"Prideful."

(On the challenges of facing a coach that likes to go for it on fourth down)

"The last year and a half, it's kind of been the norm. Whether it's this team or any other team, if you get to around the 40-yard line, the minus 40[-yard line] or 45[-yard line], you plan on four downs unless it's fourth-and-forever. You kind of prepare for it and you know it's coming."

QUARTERBACK BAKER MAYFIELD

(On how he is feeling)

"A little sore. Quick Wednesday turnaround, but [it was a] walk-through – we've been on a good schedule. It's just like everybody else – just recovering and getting into the gameplan. Do the mental work and get your body ready."

(On if he feels good by a Wednesday standard)

"By Wednesday standards, yeah. I didn't take too many hits. I feel pretty good. It was a physical game, but for the most part we came out all right."

(On how much fun the ride has been with this team to reach the NFC Divisional Round)

"It's been great. Obviously, our backs [were] against the wall, like I mentioned after the game. Just the stretch and the run we had to go on, it makes it even more enjoyable to get to the point that we're at right now. Like I mentioned, as well, we're happy, but we're not satisfied. We have bigger goals, so we have to keep working."

(On Lions S C.J. Gardner-Johnson's comment: 'If you give that Tampa Bay group a good quarterback, that's a great group… [Mike] Evans, [Chris] Godwin, [Russell] Gage, that's a great group')

"I don't think he has really watched film because he mentioned Russell Gage. We love Russell, but Russell hasn't played a snap all year for us. He must be going off of the preseason stuff that the media was talking about. He didn't play our first game, so I'm excited to see him. I think he's a really good player – he has been for a while and he's been a really impactful player on every team he has been on. He's a good player, but yeah, he's got to do a little more film study."

(On using smelling salts and if it's part of his gameday routine and how it helps him)

"It's a routine. Help? I don't know. It just gets your mind right. I only do it pregame. A lot of guys do it on the sidelines and stuff. It's not exactly something I should be going mid-game trying to run people over and stuff like that, but just more pregame."

(On if the smelling salts are used pregame to get him amped up)

"Yeah."

(On the expectations for the crowd noise and environment in Detroit, and what have been the best environments he has played in so far in the NFL)

"For me, Minnesota is always a great environment, but playing in Kansas City in the playoffs was great, as well. Just talking to some of those Rams guys, they said it was the loudest thing they've ever heard. We've got to be completely ready for that. It just comes down to everybody knowing exactly what our gameplan is – all the calls to and from, because there could be certain times where they can't hear certain things. They might have to plug and play some of the words. [It's] just everybody doing the mental work to get prepped for that, but it shouldn't be a surprise for us. It's going to be a great atmosphere."

(On the team's success on the road this season)

"I think road games kind of fit the mold and our identity of this team – backs against the wall in a different environment and only counting on each other. I think it just fits who we are."

(On his focus level going into playoff games)

"Specifically for playoffs, it's heightened awareness. Obviously, it's always a great atmosphere for the playoffs because of what is on the line, what is at stake. It just comes down to the details, the little things – executing correctly. I mentioned it prior to last week – teams in the playoffs don't beat themselves. The team that makes the least amount of mistakes is usually the one that wins, so [it's] taking care of the ball [and] eliminating negative plays. [It's] just knowing your job front and back, knowing whatever plays and schemes we have in the gameplan, knowing exactly what looks we're going to be expecting and go execute."

(On the final touchdown vs. Philadelphia to WR Chris Godwin)

"We had one play called and said, 'Alright, when we come out of the timeout, expect some pressure.' They gave us that look, so I checked the protection and Chris did a great job. It's one-on-one ball for the three guys that were running routes, and he did a good job just looking up and finding it. Not exactly a perfect throw by any means, but a great play by him."

(On his ability to find increased success in chaotic and high-pressure situations)

"I wouldn't necessarily say that. For me, when you talk about fourth-quarter drives and some sort of hurry-up offense late in the game, you go back to the fundamentals. You go back to whatever your foundation of your offense is. Also, looking at the defense, they can't get some of their crazy calls in, so they're going to go their base calls, as well. It's just doing the little things right. That's some of the stuff that Dave [Canales] has done such a great job from day one of installing what we're going to be doing in an up-tempo, two-minute offenses. Everybody is on the same page when it comes down to that. We've had a lot of reps at those plays."

(On beating the Eagles with big plays from wide receivers David Moore and Trey Palmer, as well as TE Cade Otton, and how much that can open up the offense moving forward)

"It should. I think teams just have to respect obviously [that] D-Mo (Moore) can roll and when he gets the ball in his hands, special things happen. And then Trey's speed is just elite. People just have to respect it. And, obviously, Cade has had an unbelievable year for us. He's been so reliant over the middle [with] some of these catches he has had. It makes our job easier to where teams can't just do one thing and take everybody away. For me, [it's] just going through my reads, finding the one-on-ones, finding the open guys and just trusting in our system and the way we're calling things. You're going to move people around, move Mike [Evans] and Chris [Godwin] around so they can't get double teamed every play."

(On how much he was able to learn from talking to his old teammates on the Los Angeles Rams after they played the Lions in the Wild Card round)

"Talking to them about what exactly their gameplan of attack was, but mostly environment stuff of what kind of atmosphere it was. They said it was an unbelievable one, so we're expecting the same thing. Obviously, in the next round, it's only going to be even more exciting. We've got to be prepared."

(On if being the underdog is helping this team)

"Not necessarily – I think that's just the title. I think our mindset as a team is an underdog mindset, so it wouldn't really matter what people are saying on the outside. It's more of just the mentality that we have and that we carry."

(On going up against Todd Bowles' defense and if it is a lot to prepare for)

"It sucks to go against [laughs]… It is because he has always got wrinkles in there that you haven't seen or haven't prepared for. He does things that make you have to get the ball out on time. When you have the coverage players that we do, it makes it really hard for opponents. For us, offensively, we've got to play complementary football and start fast so they can some of those things. We have to do that – it's a team game."

(On if there have been any conversations regarding contract extensions)

"Still nothing – we're taking it one day at a time. Obviously, like I've mentioned in the past, it's taking care of business here in the playoffs and [taking] each game [one] at a time and everything else should happen."

(On how wide receivers David Moore and Trey Palmer being more involved can help open up the offense)

"A lot of those things they're getting are easy completions because the focus isn't on them and they're taking advantage of that. For us, and for me specifically, it's taking the easy completions, taking what's there and then when we do have our plays designed for Mike [Evans] and Chris [Godwin] and Cade [Otton], then we will take those shots. If they're going to take those away, there is nothing wrong with just completing the ball and letting those guys go to work."

(On what the Lions did well in the first meeting this season to make it for the offense to get going)

"It was earlier in the year, so we weren't exactly the same team offensively. They're still really, really good against the rush. They're really good at stopping that, and then like I mentioned postgame, I missed a ton of throws that game so obviously I have to play better. When there are plays to be had, we have to take advantage of them. It's staying consistent – they play extremely hard. It just jumps out on film, obviously [with] the way Dan Campbell runs that team – everybody swarming to the ball, playing for each other, playing extremely hard with a lot of effort at all times. They're a tough opponent and they make it hard on you."

(On what stands out when watching the Eagles film regarding his connection with WR Mike Evans)

"We were still really close on a couple of those. Obviously, we would've both liked to have them back, but we're going to take our shots with him one-on-one. That's the kind of guy he is. When he is one-on-one, we're looking for him. He's a special player that's always been a safety blanket for me so far. [He] always has a knack for getting open one-on-one and finds a way to do it. For us, [it's] continuing to move him around, find ways to get him the ball in different ways and go from there."

CORNERBACK ZYON MCCOLLUM

(On how amped up the team is to play the Detroit Lions after beating the Philadelphia Eagles and being in the final four of the NFC)

"Crazy. I mean, this is rare and there aren't a lot of teams left. We're all good, so we're amped, hyped up, any way you can put it."

(On if he looks forward to playing the Detroit Lions again after losing against them in Week 6)

"Exactly. To me, it's like we're on a revenge tour at this point. Beating the [Philadelphia] Eagles and then facing the [Detroit] Lions, who we lost to earlier in the year, this is everything we would want."

(On if he had an opportunity to talk to his brother, Philadelphia Eagles S Tristin McCollum)

"Oh yeah, we shared the moment before the game, during, and after the game. It still feels like a dream almost. As kids, we thought about this and to see it actually play out, it's like a dream come true."

(On what it was like playing safety)

"Yeah, I'm starting to get more and more comfortable at the position. I mean, any position I'm very, very comfortable with. I have the right people around me teaching me, guiding me, so any position I'm playing, I'm confident."

(On if he could see himself playing cornerback long term)

"Sure. I love corner. Corner is my baby right there, but in any position, I see versatility. I like playing it all."

(On is he has to keep an eye on Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown)

"We definitely have to respect everybody that they have, but [Amon-Ra] St. Brown has been playing really, really good ball, so we have to keep an eye out on him in particular. Him, [Sam] LaPorta, they have a lot of weapons. So, not necessarily, but yes."

(On playing in Head Coach Todd Bowles' defense)

"Yeah, you never know what to expect with (Head Coach) [Todd] Bowles. Every week the game plans change, and there's so [many] different guys in the room and versatility. You just kind of have to roll with the punches, and the biggest thing is just trust. I trust in him, he trusts in us, so he's going to put us in the right position."

(On preparing to play in a loud environment)

"Yeah, most definitely. That's what they've been harping on, especially early this week. It's a big-time game. I've never played in a divisional playoff game, so this is a first for me, [and] a lot of the other young guys too. We're just taking it day by day, attacking, and seizing the moments."

(On if he has a routine that gets him fired up for a game)

"Oh yeah, I just remember the offseason and how hard it was for me [with] the training that I do and that I put it. I just remind myself of the offseason and how challenging that is, but how that pain is for this exact moment. That kind of brings everything up to speed and it just makes me go fly around."

(On if it has hit him that the team could go further in the playoffs)

"It hasn't necessarily hit me, not that I even want it to. I mean, I'm so in the moment that I'm just focused on playing football. When it's all said and done, and they tell us to stop playing, then I'll reflect back on everything."

LINEBACKER K.J. BRITT

(On the defense playing well over the last seven weeks)

"It's just communicating. Learning how to fly around, communicate, and play together. It's coming together as one. We know what it takes to win in this league. We know no matter what the offense does, we know that if [the opponent] can't score, they can't win. We're just trying to come together as a defense, communicate, fly around and make plays."

(On the key to containing Detroit Lions RB David Montgomery)

"Everybody knowing where the gaps [are] and fitting in them. He's a very explosive running back and knows how to run. He follows his blocks well, so everybody has to be in their gap and know where to be at. Everybody has to play the ball that we've been playing this last month."

(On what it's like when Head Coach Todd Bowles shares the defensive gameplan for a game)

"It is different. [There are] a lot of new calls. Really and truthfully, we don't have to sit there and think about what Coach Bowles is doing, because we've got a lot on our plate, as well. While we're diving in, week-in and week-out, looking at the gameplan, making sure that everybody is where they need to be – especially as a linebacker, trying to make sure everybody knows their job. So many calls and so many defenses that we've got to make sure that everybody is on the same page. While he's making those gameplans, we're just trying to dive into it. We understand after we win."

(On if he likes the varying nature of Bowles' defensive gameplans)

"I do love it. I come into work on my tippy toes. I have to dive in. When we get off work, that doesn't mean you're off. I go home and you can ask my fiancée, I'm busy. I'm busy in the playbook. I don't want to be that guy, so I'm trying to make sure that I know the gameplan and do the best I can. I've got to communicate."

(On how much of a challenge Detroit's offensive line presents)

"It's a huge challenge. Every week in this league, there's going to be a challenge every week in this league. We've got to come in and be ready for what we've got to do and make sure that we're ready to play."

(On anticipating a loud crowd in Detroit on Sunday)

"I'm just excited, man. This is a playoff game on the road. We're blessed to be in this situation. I'm going to make sure everybody around here knows this [doesn't] come around this easily. We've got a chance to play and we're going to make sure that we're able to play."

(On what he sees from Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff)

"Jared Goff is a really good quarterback. We've just got to make sure we get in our throwing windows, make sure we're taking away what he's really good at. He knows what he's good at. We're trying to make sure that we've got to limit him, because he's a really good quarterback – one of the best I've seen on film."

-BUCCANEERS-