TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS QUOTE SHEET 12-13-23

HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On which players would not have participated in practice today)

"Will Gholston did not participate. [Chris] Godwin, Ryan Neal, Vita [Vea], Carlton [Davis III]. There are probably two more I'm missing."

(On what Gholston's injury is)

"He's got a leg – an ankle and a knee."

(On the job that young players like LB K.J. Britt have done when stepping in for injured players)

"Most of them have played early in the year – probably except K.J. They're not making the mistakes they made in the middle of the season, coming down here towards the stretch. They're playing confidently. K.J. has been itching to play for a long time. He's very smart. The guys believe in him. He's into it – he's all ball. If you talk to the guy, he's all ball. He got an opportunity to play and he made the most of it."

(On if Britt graded well in his performance last week)

"Yeah, he did."

(On if players missed practice as a precaution or because they were too hurt to practice)

"Some of them will be game-time decisions. It's probably half and half. There are some of them that are hurt and we'll see how they trend during the week."

(On if there's an update on LB Devin White's status)

"Hopefully he does something tomorrow. Until he gets better, we've got to move forward with K.J. It's early in the week, we'll see – with two weeks off – what he does towards the end of the week and kind of go from there."

(On the Green Bay Packers having a talented group of young wide receivers)

"The biggest thing about this week – these guys are young, but they're route runners. Normally you either face speed guys or big guys that can catch. They've got size, speed, and they've got precision. They're very good route runners, they have very good hands, and they compete. At any point in time, any one of them can beat you. That's what makes it hard about these guys – they're all pretty much on the same level. They're very good football players. You might not have heard the name, but if you watch them play, those guys can play."

(On what makes it difficult about playing the Packers at Lambeau Field)

"I'm sure the weather plays a part in some of the things they do, but they have a good football team. They're very well coached and they finish up ballgames in December. We're trying to finish up ballgames in December. I don't know too much about the history that they had against the Buccaneers, but we're going up there to win a game. This is this year's Buccaneers and we've got to go by this year."

(On what he's seen from S Kaevon Merriweather)

"[He is] always prepared. He's one of the few rookies that if you call his name, he pays attention in meetings [and] walk-throughs. Even when he doesn't get the reps, he mentally takes reps, so when you put him in there, it's not a surprise and it's not a shock to him. He plays like he's been there, and that's the best thing about him."

(On Merriweather having a big play against the Falcons)

"He did, he got a PBU (pass break-up) on that one. Again, the game isn't too big for him."

(On if LS Zach Triner is dealing with an injury as the team signed LS Evan Deckers to the practice squad)

"He's another one that didn't practice today. He's got an elbow. Obviously, when the long snapper gets an elbow, it's a problem. We put [Deckers] on the practice squad and we'll see where Triner is during the end of the week. If he can't go, we're going to have to bring [Deckers] up."

(On what OLB Markees Watts has to do to receive more snaps in games)

"He's got to continue to get acclimated to the system. The mental errors have got to cut down and we've got to be comfortable just calling anything when he's out there – we just can't call certain things. He's getting used to that part of it. That takes a little bit of time."

(On S Antoine Winfield Jr.'s high level of play this season)

"It's his mental approach. It's always been there, but the game has slowed down for him immensely. His study habits are outstanding – the way he prepares, the way he takes notes. He takes notes every day like he's a rookie. He prepares that way. He practices like he plays – he doesn't leave anything to chance. He'll pick a ball off in practice and no matter where he picks it off at on the field, he's going to run to the other end zone and stick it in there before he goes back to the huddle – even if it's 90 yards. That's rare these days for people to do that. His constant work habits are outstanding."

(On the Buccaneers running the ball effectively over the last three games)

"It definitely gives the offensive line confidence. Dave [Canales] is a very smart guy, figuring out what we can and can't do and what they're trying to take away. He tries to make them pay the other way. Baker [Mayfield] understands the game very well, as well. Between the O-line, Baker and Dave, they get a lot done as far as communication-wise and understanding what we have to do to win."

(On what the biggest factor in improving the running game has been)

"We probably cut down some things and made things a little simpler. Those guys up front [have been] just getting after it, Rachaad [White] is understanding the run game a little more and [we have been] staying with it."

(On if he thinks wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin can both contribute at the same time now that the team is running the ball well and preventing defenses from covering the pass as consistently)

"Hopefully. With the run game, we've got to do it more consistently for them to do that and make them do that. But, when that happens, regardless of whether it happens or not – if we get Chris and Mike going at the same time, we're a dangerous team."

(On what he's seen from Packers QB Jordan Love)

"[He is] very poised. He understands the offense. He's great in play action when the play breaks down – he can buy time to make a play or he can use his feet and run with the ball. There's nothing panicky about the guy. He sat behind Aaron [Rodgers] for a couple years. He's very poised in the pocket – I think he's a good football player."

(On being back in first place in the NFC South)

"Like I said, the next four weeks are going to be a round-robin tournament. It's the playoffs for everybody right now. We've got to show up and do the right things we can to win the game. We're all banged up, we're all fighting for spots, and we're trying to get ours in there."

(On potentially having a home playoff game and if he feels like the team is ascending right now)

"I don't really care where we play at, as long as we get in. I think we're scrappy. I think we're not making all the mistakes we made in the middle of the season. If we are, we're finding ways to overcome them and win those ballgames, instead of giving them away."

(On K Chase McLaughlin's success from long range this season)

"I don't know if it changes the way it approaches us scoring, because we still like to be aggressive and get seven [points], but it's nice to know you have three [points] and a guy that can get three [points] when you cross midfield that can kick the 50-something yarders and kick the rest of them if you need it."

(On DL Calijah Kancey's performance in stopping the run)

"He held up some. I think he's still learning part of the run game, as far as the blocking is concerned. He gets off the ball and he plays fast and that's what we want him to do right now. There's time to figure that out as we go week-by-week. I think Coach [Kacy] Rodgers is doing a good job getting him prepared and ready to play. As long as he comes off the ball, he's going to do damage for us, and that's what we want."

(On how RB Chase Edmonds adds to the running game)

"He gives us more confidence to leave Rachaad [White] on the sideline and give him a longer breather because of the success he's had and the experience he brings and the calmness with which he plays as a one-cut runner downhill. You're not in a hurry to put Rachaad back out there before it's time."

(On DL Logan Hall's production)

"It's hard for inside guys, especially four-techniques, to get sacks. We like where he is in the run game. Last year, we thought he got up field too much and he didn't play the run at all. This year, he's playing the run a lot better. He's gotten close a few times – he hasn't gotten the breaks everybody else has gotten. It's just one of those things. We like where he's at."

(On the parity in the NFL this season)

"It's week-in and week-out – everybody is beating everybody. You don't know what an upset is right now when somebody is beating somebody. All we can do is control what we can control. Right now, we control our own destiny. We're going to try to win them one at a time."

(On the growth from CB Zyon McCollum)

"Zyon has been great. His confidence has been great, because he understands the scheme now. He knows what he can and can't do within the scheme. He takes that and he makes that his own. He's a heck of an athlete, he's a heck of a football player. He's probably our unsung defensive hero right now."

QUARTERBACK BAKER MAYFIELD

(On playing at Lambeau Field in December)

"I've only played there in December, so yeah, it's kind of hit or miss with the weather and what you're going to get. Guys just have to be prepared for the grass. That's something I learned pretty quickly – it's slick. This late in the year, obviously it's not in the best condition. It's a little bit longer, so you've got to be ready for that. Then, in the football aspect, it's a historical place. I grew up a huge Brett Favre fan, so the first time I got to go up there, I just kind of took it all in pregame. When it comes down to it, it's still a football field when the game comes. It's a special place to play and a great opportunity for us in this end-of-season push that we have coming on. They're in a similar situation as us, so it's going to be a good matchup."

(On what made him grow up a fan of Brett Favre)

"Just his love of the game, his love for his teammates and how he enjoyed it all the time. I just fell in love watching him when I was younger."

(On the development of the run game within the offense)

"The run game sets up the pass. You have to be able to run the ball to win games and to get to where your ultimate goal is. The overall improvement for the past couple of weeks has been guys just trusting all of the little things and not trying to do too much. Do the little fundamentals, the great footwork – your first step is so important. Obviously, the targeting of it, 'Bob' [Hainsey] has been great at doing that all year. Everybody is on the same page and getting on the same track. Just the more reps they do, the better they get. That goes hand in hand with Rachaad [White] getting the same amount of reps behind those guys, understanding how they're going to set up blocks, their body language and all of that. It's been a huge difference, and obviously, you guys saw it take over late in the game for us, and it was the big difference for us to win."

(On if the run game is needed this time of year)

"Yeah, you've got to be able to run the ball. You just need it. Whether you have a lead, or just to stay in the game to keep defenses off track to where they can't just send their pass rushers in a three-point stance and just haul it off the edge. You've got to keep them off balance a little bit. In short-yardage situations, and obviously in the redzone, you've got to be able to run the ball."

(On G Aaron Stinnie's involvement in the run game)

"He is a guy that, once he got his chance, has taken advantage of it. He's been great for us. Obviously, he's played a lot of ball before. He's had some injuries but it's good to see him back healthy and playing the way he knows how. He's been a huge difference just running on that left side, obviously Tristan [Wirfs] is who he is, so we trust that left side. Stinnie has been blocking his ass off for the most part. I mentioned him on that screen pass after the game, but then looking back on it, Cody [Mauch] and 'Bob' [Hainsey] both had great blocks on it too, downfield. Those guys are all playing really well together. They've come a long way. That's the growth you just want to see throughout the year, especially in a new system. They're all on the same page and getting it going."

(On what stands out about the Green Bay Packers defense)

"They present different fronts and they have the personnel to do it. It starts up front with Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark – two really good players. It's good to see Rashan back healthy after his injury. He is a great player, so we've got to know where those two guys are. Then, their linebackers are really aggressive, physical guys. Bigger linebackers that know how to fit the run. They present issues similar to some of the teams we've seen, and they have great players. In the backend, they have smart guys who know how to disguise coverages. They all play really well together. That's a big difference. We have to know certain looks they're going to give us and be able to handle the battle and physicality up front."

(On trying to get wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both going at the same time)

"We'd love to have that, but football is the weird sport where some guys have unbelievable games, and some guys are just role players. But yeah, we'd love to be able to have both of those guys have huge games. That comes down to being able to move them around to different spots, present different looks and not letting them dictate how we're going to play offense based on coverages. We try and be multiple formation-wise, motion guys over and do certain things. The Falcons presented us with some issues, so we're going to have to learn and go from there."

(On if the improved run game will force the defense into different looks and open up one-on-one situations for Evans and Godwin in the passing game)

"Yeah, and that's what you want to be able to do. When you say you have to run the ball, it's to present those one-on-ones for our skill players that can take advantage of those matchups. It opens everything else up. Like I said, it keeps them off balance to where they can't just sit back in a [Cover] 2-shell look and stop the run with their front. That helps everybody. Then when those one-on-ones happen with our receivers, they need to take advantage of it, as well."

(On the late-game penalty on Kansas City Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney, and if the officiating around the league is cracking down on the little things late in the season)

"Yeah, those are the little things that… Obviously, I'm not going to get into the specifics of that one, but yeah, it's the little things that you can't do to hurt yourself. Those are the chances that you can have a great look and whether it's a penalty… The pre-snap penalties – there is no room for that. That's the kind of thing you want to eliminate. Some of the post-snap stuff is going to happen. That is just the nature of the game. Late in the season, if you hurt yourself, it's going to cost you. It's just everybody doing the little things right, whether it's formations, run game, lining up right – all of those things are a big factor and can play a big [role] in a win or a loss."

(On the continued sense of urgency down the stretch of the season to stack wins)

"It's the playoff mentality. We've mentioned it, and it sounds a little bit corny, but that's just how it is for us right now. It's a playoff mentality. We've got to win to continue on to get to where we want to go. It's a singular focus. It's a good mindset to have to where you're only worried about this play. How do we win this game? Find a way to do that and move on from there. Our only goal right now is to find a way to beat the Packers in Lambeau, go on from there, get to .500 and see where we can go."

(On if he has noticed a difference in the practice and preparation to where he can sense the singular focus)

"A little bit. I think part of it is a little bit credited to our schedule. Later in the year, we're doing the walk-through Wednesdays. Guys are really having to lock in mentally to get on the same page. There are a lot more conversations that can happen throughout that to where you can really slow it down and talk through some of the looks. You see the attention to detail even more so when you slow it down a little bit. Then you get the full-speed reps Thursday [and] Friday. By that time, you're on the same page and ready to go."

(On his desire to stay in Tampa and if he thinks about the future)

"I love it here. That's a big reason why I chose to come here – organization-wise, the team, the guys, everybody around. I'm having fun playing football. I'm enjoying that. That's something that, if you get a chance to pick or choose, this is a good place to be. But I'm a firm believer that everything happens as it should and how it's supposed to. Take care of business here and we will see what happens. To get to that point, winning games will help everything, so that's where I'm at."

(On if he thinks the offense has found its identity yet or has had its signature win or if they're still searching)

"Probably still searching for both. There have been times where we've had the great passing game and then, obviously, we've had some good running games the last few weeks, but we need to put it all together and play a complete football game [and] not have any three-and-outs. That's the one thing – between redzone scoring and the three-and-outs, just continuing to have consistency between drives. That will be the big difference in us feeling, I guess, fulfilled about an offensive game that is complete. We've still got to put it all together."

(On if the 'signature win' has come too late in the season or if it's something that can propel the team forward)

"It's never too late for that, especially within the new system. And guys in the run game [are] all getting on the same page – there is a big difference now. It's not too late. We need it pretty soon."

(On the satisfaction of the final offensive drive in Atlanta)

"Like you said, not my best game by any means, but I'll take a win whenever you can get it. That's the biggest thing. Put us in position with the best chance to win. We got the ball right there and we had one goal in mind. For me, you're never out of the fight. You have to play the next play. Even though everything happened before that, and it wasn't pretty, find a way to win. That's what people remember. It's just a win on the column."

(On if it says a lot about a quarterback when he can put together a game-winning drive even in a game where he may not have played his best)

"Yes and no. I'd say that obviously I'd like to be more consistent throughout the game and have some of those plays that we would've had success on. But yeah, you see it all the time. Guys miss a couple of throws, but then they get their opportunity, and they take advantage of it. That's what people talk about. You can always learn from a win. It's not fun to learn from a loss. We're looking at it to try and be better still and continue this [winning streak]."

(On if he feels a collective excitement about late December football and being in contention)

"Absolutely. I think just in the situation we've been put in, and that we've put ourselves in, guys have really woken up and realized, 'Alright, we only have this amount of time left together.' Every year is different. Guys leave and it changes. Take advantage of this opportunity with each other, continue to grow and fight for each other. The goal is still the goal, and it's still right there in front of us. Don't lose sight of that. Then just the sense of urgency, like we talked about a couple of weeks ago. You can tell guys are even more attentive to details. You can feel the energy for sure."

(On giving back during the holiday season)

"We're blessed in an unbelievable position. We're playing the game of football for our job. It's a great platform to be able to give back to those less fortunate. A bunch of guys have had events and it's a great thing to see. Guys prioritize that to give back and to realize the blessing that we have. That's another reason why I enjoy being here – it's a great group of men, too, that understand what life is really all about. That's why we enjoy playing together and going out and also being able to give back, as well."

(On if he has a favorite memory in Tampa Bay so far)

"I don't know yet – we will see. I think there are still some good memories to have upcoming. I'm looking forward to that."

SAFETY ANTOINE WINFIELD JR.

(On him not playing the last time the Buccaneers went to Lambeau Field)

"I didn't play in that one. I had a sprained ankle in practice and I couldn't go in that one."

(On what it means to be able to play in Lambeau Field)

"Last time when I was there, [I saw] what the atmosphere is going to be like. I know how it's going to be – it's going to be fun up there."

(On if it was difficult to miss Tampa Bay's last game at Lambeau Field)

"That was tough. That was tough. It was the NFC Championship game, of course I wanted to play in that one. I'm glad we had a good team – they pulled it through and we made it to the Super Bowl."

(On Packers QB Jordan Love and how he plans to defend him)

"We've just got to make sure we give him different looks – I feel like that's one thing about him – but he's been doing a great job. That's our plan, to just show him different looks."

(On every week being a must-win game)

"Every week is a playoff week. That's kind of been the theme – every week is a playoff week."

(On his strip sack of Atlanta Falcons QB Desmond Ridder)

"What's kind of funny is when we played him the first time, I feel like I got in that same situation where a tight end was supposed to block me on a blitz and I got past him and he threw it just as I got there. It kind of happened the same way, but this time, I got there. He double-clutched the ball and once he did that the second time, I knew I was going to be able to get to him and just smack the ball out of his hand."

(On if pressure continues to build as the weeks go by)

"I wouldn't say pressure, because I've never been the type of person that would fall under pressure. I don't know, I just don't really like that saying. Every week is important, just because it's the next week and, like I said before, we've got to treat every week like a playoff week. It's win-or-go-home and that's our mentality."

-BUCCANEERS-