HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On how Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff has grown as a player over the course of his career and the challenges that he presents)

"I mean, he is the engine that makes it go over there. He has been playing great ball. As you get experience in the league – not turning the ball over, throwing touchdowns, commanding the offense. He was always very accurate. He is a competitor. He is playing great for them."

(On if he pleased with the progress of the injured players coming out of the Bye Week)

"For the most part. We've just got to continue it throughout the week and see how it ends up at the end, but a lot of guys came back."

(On if the performance of CB Zyon McCollum the past few weeks has made it difficult to take him off the field)

"He has played well. Carlton [Davis III] and [Jamel] Dean are still ahead of him. He has a bright future and we've got to find ways to get him on the field, but not enough to replace the other two if that's what you're asking me."

(On his impressions of Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell)

"Great leader, extremely smart, a very tough guy. He demands the best from his guys. A heck of a human being, real good friend and a hell of a coach."

(On QB Baker Mayfield's success in the second half of games this season)

"You make adjustments. He has played in big games in college, and he has played in big games in the NFL, so that's nothing new to him. Him and Dave [Canales] being on the same page making adjustments as the game goes probably helps him a lot more. And we've got playmakers for him to throw to, which probably makes it a little easier."

(On the type of challenge that Lions TE Sam LaPorta presents)

"Well, he's tough. He doesn't play like a rookie, he plays like a six-year pro. He can block very well, he runs routes like wideouts, he has great hands, he's got good run-after-catch. By no means is he playing like a rookie. He is playing good football."

(On the impact of DL Calijah Kancey on the defense)

"Well, he gives us another option as a pass rusher inside where we didn't have viable options before. I think Logan [Hall] is getting a lot better and we really like what he is doing, but with his quickness and his savvy as a pass rusher, hopefully that helps us."

(On what he sees from Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson on tape)

"I see the same thing you see – he is a game-wrecker. He has great instincts. Obviously, he was a great pass rusher coming out, but the instincts he has in the passing game and the few times they drop him, he's outstanding. He is a heck of a competitor. Luke [Goedeke] and Tristan [Wirfs] have their work cut out for them."

(On the balanced offense that the Lions present)

"Just be very disciplined. Obviously, we've got to make plays to win the ballgame, but be very disciplined because they can hurt you either way."

(On if the coaching staff has talked with QB Baker Mayfield about limiting the hits he is taking or if they have just accepted that is how he plays)

"You want him to throw from the pocket, but at times, the pass rush gets through and they've got to make plays. He's just got to be smart about it… know when to get down and know – when the game is on the line – when to take that chance as a quarterback. He has been smart about it for the most part. One or two hits I didn't like that he kind of took a chance on, but for the most part we trust him to make the right decision."

(On the progression of the confidence in wide receivers Trey Palmer and Deven Thompkins)

"Just the accumulation of plays. When you play more or become an every-down player and get subbed in a lot, you gain confidence as a rookie. That's what those two are doing right now. They're playing fast, they're playing free. Obviously, you've got Mike [Evans] and Chris [Godwin] to go along with them, but they're playing very free right now and they've come along [well]."

(On what makes QB Baker Mayfield a good fit for this offense)

"I think it kind of fits his game. It is kind of like he was in college – some half rolls, some bootlegs, some drop backs. It's not like he is handicapped, he can throw the football. He can throw a deep ball; he can throw from the pocket. He is a good quarterback. I don't think that needs to go unnoticed. At the same time, he understands this offense [and] it fits him. He has been around a couple teams since before he came here. He has matured a lot and a lot of it has to do with timing. It was perfect for us. As a leader, he was perfect for us and, as a team, I think it fit both parties."

(On the mood of the team coming off the Bye Week, approaching a big game against the Lions and wearing the Creamsicle uniforms)

"It's the second quarter. We haven't done anything. We went 3-1 – that's it. That doesn't mean anything. Nobody remembers September once you get to December. We've got to take care of business, we've got to grind, we've got to work, we've got to scratch, we've got to claw. The Creamsicle is nice for the fans, even some of the players looked at it nice, but the game is played the same way. We're not going to win the game because we put on different colored uniforms. We've got to get back to the grind, we've got to work, we've got to scratch, we've got to claw, we've got to do all of the little things right to give ourselves a chance."

(On what has changed to allow the defense to come away with a lot of takeaways early on this season)

"I don't know if it has changed. I think a few years ago we started out fast and kind of tailed off – not good. So, we've got to continue to try and punch at the ball, take it away when the opportunity arises and get chances at it."

(On the keys to the success in red zone defense)

"The biggest thing is getting them in second-and-long. If you win first down, you have a chance, knowing it's going to be a pass most of the time. We play more third-and-longs in that category, so right now, we do a good job of keeping people from just working all three downs. They get two to work with and then they get one to work with – it makes it a little easier to call from that standpoint. Sometimes it works just not letting them down there. We've just got to continue that and be smart when they do."

(On if the red zone defense has been key in the 3-1 start)

"It's been huge to hold them to three [points] instead of seven. It keeps us in the ballgame."

(On if the offense is getting to a place where it could keep up against a high-scoring team like the Lions)

"It's coming, it's getting there. Every game is going to be different, whether we run it better, whether we throw it better, whether we get turnovers, whether we make stops. You want to win in different ways – it builds the character of your team. You don't know how you're going to win going into Sunday, you just cover everything in hopes one unit covers the other unit. That's kind of where we are right now as we get going. If it gets to be a shootout, I hope we can shoot it out and win the ballgame. You want the game to go a certain way, but like you said, at the end of the day you've got to score one more point than the other team."

(On WR Mike Evans' chances to play on Sunday)

"He is coming along. I will have a better idea on Friday when we will probably see him doing some more running and then kind of go from there."

(On if Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson lines up more on the left or right side of the line and how good of a matchup it could be if he goes against T Tristan Wirfs)

"He can go either way. With the way they move him around, he can go either way. It will be a good challenge for Tristan, it would be a good challenge for Hutchinson. You've got two warriors going at it – it should be a great challenge."

(On if he remembers playing the Buccaneers in the Creamsicle uniforms during his playing career)

"Geez, you're taking me back [laughs]. I picked off [Steve] DeBerg in preseason and I picked off Vinny [Testaverde] in regular season. That's about it."

QUARTERBACK BAKER MAYFIELD

(On when he knew the Buccaneers might be a good fit for him)

"Just, honestly, watching how they were over the years. Knowing Coach [Todd] Bowles and the interactions I had with him coming out of the draft and just knowing the organization now, just knowing what the standard is, the culture – all of the things. It takes a lot of hard work to have that groundwork laid. Coming in here, they've always said from the beginning to just be myself and be the best version. When you allow people to be confident in that and believe that's more than enough to have success, good things will happen. They've been, obviously, really welcoming since the beginning."

(On his Bye Week and being on ESPN's College Gameday)

"It was so much fun. If you're a fan of football, College Gameday is something you watch every Saturday. It's just one of those things where I used to get up every Saturday and watch as a kid. Being able to get up there and make the picks with those guys is a dream come true for me. It was so much fun getting to go back and be around the guys. Obviously, nothing like that [Oklahoma]-Texas game in the Cotton Bowl. It was obviously a good outcome – that always helps – but yeah, it was awesome."

(On his performance in the second halves of games)

"In this league, you have to be able to adjust. I think, as a team, as a whole, we've done a good job of adjusting. You go into halftime, you have your script, you have your gameplan ready to go – but a team can play you differently then you expect. You have to be able to adjust, make adjustments at halftime, communicate with the receivers on different looks – what we're going to get to and being on the same page. For us, it's doing the little things right and just staying on the same page when it comes to getting in the second half."

(On what he's seen from RB Rachaad White)

"He's got no ego to him. I think, yeah, obviously he wants to have more success but the time will come. We're just continuing to press the issue that we have to be better in the run game. For us to have success down the road here, we have to have that. He's patient and I think one of those underrated plays for him was getting him out in space [and] throwing that ball to him and he made a couple guys miss down [near] the goal line. He's a special player with the ball in his hands and we have to continue to find ways to do that as we get the run game going."

(On if he feels confident that this team could win a shootout game if need be)

"I'm not going to compare us to [Detroit's] offense, but for us as a whole, [the game against New Orleans] was a game that we had talked about scoring in the redzone and improving in that aspect. For us, it's continuing to do all the little things right, which is why we haven't had the best offensive game yet. So, continually improve as the year goes on and this is one of those games that we can't look at their score, we just have to continue to do our job and put up the most points possible. They play with so much effort so we have to match that effort and then outdo it, honestly. [We have to] do our best to execute, as well."

(On being able to rely on so many different players on offense like WRs Trey Palmer and Deven Thompkins, plus TE Cade Otton)

"That comes from the reps early on in [training] camp. It's a blessing to be able to practice here in the heat where you have to rotate guys in and everybody is getting reps. Those guys have seen a lot of looks, but for them to translate it onto the field on a gameday is extremely important for us. They played really well and their roles will continue to grow as this offense goes. We design plays to get it into our best players' hands, but at the same time, we don't force the issue. The ball is going to go where the defense dictates it. We're just calling the plays and Dave [Canales] trusts me to go through my reads and distribute how it needs to be."

(On Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson and the importance of limiting him)

"Yeah, he's one of those guys that can ruin your day – he has that potential and he's capable of that. We've got to know where he is. They move him around quite a bit – they do a good job of that. The thing that jumps out on tape is his effort – he never quits, he never stops on a play. Even if you have him blocked for a second, he's going to find a way to break free. Any time you're stepping up in the pocket, he's going to be chasing – there's going to be pursuit. You've got to have eyes on him at all times."

(On Hutchinson already having four career interceptions)

"There's plays that you want to stray away from when it comes to guys like that. He's just a good athlete. He gets paid a lot of money to make plays like that, that's why he's so talented [and why] he got chosen that high. He's a good player. Like I said, we've got to have eyes on him."

(On him being named a team captain this week)

"It's truly an honor, because you're voted on by your peers on the team. It's the highest level of respect you can have, I'll say that. We have a ton of good leaders. It doesn't change anybody's leadership roles, even if you don't have a 'C' on your chest – I know it's cliché to say. We have a great team, we have a lot of good leaders and that's why we're going to have success as the year goes on, because we're able to lean on different guys. There's guys that have been here for a long time that are captains, there's some new faces in there as well. It takes all of us to contribute and steer the ship the right way."

(On his ability to improvise as a result of his offensive line's blocking)

"Yeah, the O-line on [the Deven Thompkins' touchdown] was great – obviously, protecting for as long as they can. They had a little bit of man coverage, but a lot of droppers in between. They almost double [or] triple covered Chris [Godwin]. Trey [Palmer] was going to have a touchdown coming across and there was a collision in the end zone, as well. At that point, [I am] just trying to make a play. Looking back on the film, I probably could have stopped in the middle and thrown it to Rachaad [White] while he was standing by himself. I make things look a little bit harder and they're a little bit more fun, but the O-line played great. I think that just shows that we worked on scramble drills and we talked about staying alive. There's going to be movement, so 'D.T.' (Deven Thompkins) made a great play on that one, too."

(On if he's ever played with a wide receiver like Deven Thompkins who plays so much bigger than his size)

"No. Tutu Atwell will probably say he does, but no. I love him, but no. 'D.T.' – you see when he gets the ball in his hands, he never shies away from contact. He plays very big. He's so explosive. He's just a talented guy. His role is going to continue to get bigger."

(On if the coaches have been telling him to take fewer hits when he runs the ball)

"Dave [Canales] mentioned one time after the Minnesota game that there was an unnecessary hit I took right on the sideline. It's just about being smart – I know that. I've been there where taking unnecessary hits and putting yourself in harms way [happens]. Like you mentioned, when the game is on the line, you've got to do what you've got to do."

(On if he likes getting outside the pocket)

"Obviously, I want to play on time. You have your plays designed and you practice it and you get them on time out there on the practice field. Things happen in a game, so your guys have to stay alive, the O-line has to block forever if they have to. You've just got to make it work somehow. It never goes perfectly as scripted on the practice plan to the game field. You have to find ways to make it work."

(On what he thinks about Lions QB Jared Goff)

"Jared is a stud – coming from somebody that needed a fresh start, as well. Jared is a stud. I think he's playing really well. I think you can tell his leadership and all of the [reasons] why he got chosen that high – he's truly showing that now. Not every fit is perfect. For him, I think his confidence continued to grow and he's got all the tools you want – tall guy, he's got a good arm, really, really smart. He's able to make plays. The sneaky thing about his game is his play action, all his fakes and stuff – he's really, really good at that. He's almost got it down to a science. I love his game. He's a good guy, too."

(On LT Tristan Wirfs saying that he needs to look out for Mayfield after plays are over if Mayfield is engaged in trash talk)

"He's my handler? Is that what he said? Self-proclaimed handler? [laughs]. He's definitely got his money's worth now. Sometimes it's Luke [Goedeke]. It's definitely Luke a lot more than I thought it was going to be. But, yeah, there's definitely the team aspect – we're all looking out for each other."

(On where he could improve his game the most)

"Taking the easy throws – easy completions early on – getting some of our skill guys going. When we started slow in the past couple of games, you look at it and we had a couple completions in a row to get the offense rolling. I think, early on, trying to do that more and more and just taking what's there. If we stay ahead of the chains early on in the game, we get into a rhythm, Dave [Canales] is able to call the plays he wants to and good things happen."

(On his thoughts on the Creamsicle color scheme)

"I don't know about [it for] a couple of our redheads on the team, but I'll take it."

WIDE RECEIVER CHRIS GODWIN

(On being named a team captain for the first time)

"I think it means a lot, because it's indicative of what my teammates think of me. I pride myself on being a hard worker and doing things the right way, and I think that fits right in line with that. I'm grateful and appreciative of my guys."

(On if he feels rejuvenated after the Bye Week)

"I think so. I think any time you're able to get a week off, it's good for the mind and for the body. I think you saw a lot of pop from some guys on the field – rejuvenated legs. It's good to be back."

(On if he's confident that the team could win a shootout game against the Lions)

"I think I'm confident in our offensive ability to score points, but I'm also confident in our defense. They've been scoring at a high clip, but we've got a great defense, as well, so that's something that they've got to contend with."

(On what he sees from the Lions defense)

"I think the first thing that kind of jumps off is the effort that they play with – they've got a lot of guys with a high motor. Adain Hutchinson is doing a great job, I think they've got some experienced DBs that fly around. From the top down, their coach is a high-energy guy and they've really built that team around playing their tails off and playing with high energy. That's probably the first thing that jumps off. And then, they play with a lot of physicality. It's going to be a physical game. I'm looking forward to it, though. We've got to go out there and we've got to get to it."

(On if he feels like the Buccaneers are a tough, physical team)

"I think so. I think we're playing a really physical brand of football. I think it's something that could be sustainable for us as the season goes on. Those things don't just happen – you have to be intentional about it. We have to work on those things throughout the week at practice and continue to reinforce it, day in and day out. We have the right guys for it, and I think that's the most exciting part. I think we're all having a lot of fun, I think we're all excited about where we're headed – but we can't get too far in front of ourselves, we've got a big challenge right here."

SAFETY ANTOINE WINFIELD JR.

(On the Detroit Lions)

"[They are a] good team. They have weapons all over – good receiving corps, good quarterback, [and] good running back. They have weapons all over, so we have to do our best to contain them as much as possible."

(On what being named a team captain means to him)

"Yeah, it's awesome. I just appreciate all my teammates, all of the coaches that voted [for me] and made me captain, or made me one of the captains – not the captain – and so it's just awesome."

(On if he liked how Head Coach Tood Bowles waited to choose captains)

"Yeah, because it gave us a chance for everybody to make their own decision instead of getting those names right away. It gave us the opportunity to lead and show people that we are captains of this team."

(On what it's like having Cornerbacks like Dee Delaney, Carlton Davis, and Jamel Dean)

"It's awesome having those guys. We've been playing together for the last four years. I know how they are going to play, so it allows me to play [in] a little different way. Having them out there doing their jobs is amazing for this defense."

(On what it means to him to wear the Creamsicle uniforms Sunday against the Detroit Lions)

"Oh, I can't wait. Personally, that's my favorite combo right there, the Creamsicle. I don't think you can top that, so I'm excited to put those on."

(On what QB Baker Mayfield's toughness does for the team)
"It's just makes you want to go harder. You see him going out there balling, making plays, fired up, and it gets everybody jacked up, so that's what you need on the team like this. Having him up there has been huge for us, and he's playing well."

(On when he realized Mayfield was a good fit for the team)

"I'm not going to lie. It was the first game when he stiff armed somebody, and then he was talking his trash. I'm like, 'Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about, that's my type of quarterback right there.'"

DEFENSIVE TACKLE CALIJAH KANCEY

(On if being hurt has been frustrating)

"Yeah, at first. I just had to embrace the suck. I know there are guys that had this game taken away from them, and I'm still able to recover and get back out there. I still have a chance."

(On watching the defense play well in his absence)

"It's been great watching those guys fly around and make plays. Me knowing what I can do to help the team, it'll be a boost."

(On what he can add to the defense)

"I definitely know I can bring that extra juice to the table with what we already have, with guys already flying around making plays. I think I'll help out a lot."

(On if his calf injury lingered longer than he expected)

"Yeah. This is my first soft-tissue injury. It's kind of hard to deal with. You don't know if you're actually hurting it or helping it and that's what I'm actually going through right now – not knowing if I'm doing too much or not doing enough."

-BUCCANEERS-