HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On WR Mike Evans not practicing)

"Yeah, he's fine. It's a vet day."

(On how intense the competition is for the No. 2 cornerback spot is)

"It's intense. It's intense at more than just that spot. Everybody has got to make plays. You've got to show that you're making plays, you've got to show that you're making progress, you've got to show you belong. It's a new offense and everybody has got to grasp it."

(On what WR Kameron Johnson brings to the offense)

"He's very athletic. I think he's very good run-after-catch. He can return punts and kicks. Again, I'll be able to better evaluate him once we get in pads, but he shows great athleticism right now. He's one you want to keep an eye on. Again, it's early in the stages. We've got to see how he performs when the pads come on."

(On how the defense has performed at the start of training camp)

"They did some good things. Obviously, we're working on concentration. I think there were penalties on both sides of the ball that helped drives and negated drives. We're working on finishing and being smart in situational football. I thought it was tied with the flow of practice today. In two-minute [drill], they did some good things that they didn't yesterday. At the end of the ballgame, guys have got to make plays. The offense made a play at the end, so it's been good competition."

(On the competition at the outside linebacker position)

"They work hard and they're all athletic. They work very hard, they're very strong, it's a close-knit group. It's going to be tough in there. There are a lot of guys that can play, a lot of guys getting opportunities to play. We're going to see how that pans out, but they work extremely hard."

(On what he's looking to see from OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka)

"Just continuing to get better. Obviously, you want to see a couple of sack numbers when he finishes, but everything else he does very well. We move him across the line [of scrimmage] a lot. He's probably our most athletic guy down there that we do a lot of things with. Just continue to get better and understand the defense and take advantage of his opportunities."

(On viewing Tryon-Shoyinka as a chess piece and whether or not he can still be a starter)

"Definitely. Lavonte [David] is a chess piece, [Antoine] Winfield Jr. is a chess piece and they start as well. By chess piece, I just mean they can do more than two things. But, there's a competition down at outside linebacker. We expect him to play outside linebacker. There's no difference there."

(On WR Sterling Shepard)

"He's coming on. Obviously, he got here late. He's made some plays the last two days. He's still grasping the offense and still learning some things, but he's a true pro. He's here bright and early in the morning, not too long after I'm here. He gets himself ready. He's got great quickness when healthy. He's a heck of a football player. It'll be interesting to see how he fits in."

(On how he sets the training camp schedule)

"We try to go three [days] on, one [day] off. That's usually about the [schedule] we try to do where they can get the proper rest and not strain any legs or anything like that. We try to go three on and one off. Sometimes it's a little off right there, but they get their legs back and we meet and we do all the other things. We're trying to make it feasible for the healthiness of the season."

(On what he saw from the quarterbacks in practice today)

"Baker [Mayfield] has been great the last three days. He's been getting the ball out with rhythm. He understands what he has to do. He gives it to the playmakers. He's been in a good groove this early on – I really like that. [Kyle] Trask and [John] Wolford have made some good throws, as well. They're still getting the offense down, but I like the mindset of where they are right now. They've just got to continue to grow."

(On the status of RB Chase Edmonds)

"He's nicked up right now. He's got to get treatment and got to get rest. We'll be ready for him when he gets back out there."

(On where CB Tavierre Thomas might fit into this defense)

"We're still working that over. He's playing nickel, he's playing strong [safety], he's playing free [safety]. As the [training] camp weeks go on, we'll see how that pans out, but it's good that he has a lot of versatility."

(On how to build discipline to prevent mental errors and penalties)

"Well, it's discipline. It's mental toughness. When you come down to Florida in the heat in the first couple of days of training camp, you're fresh the first day, then the second day you get through it, then the third day and it gets a little hotter and you get a little sore, the mental toughness has to come in. It takes a little bit to get used to, and they're getting acclimated – I understand that – but you've got to make them understand this is what we can't have. We can't beat ourselves."

(On how the offensive line is looking)

"They're smart and they're playing together. When the pads come on, you'll be able to tell more about the offensive line. All of them look strong and all of them look tough, but we're trying to keep people off the ground right now. I think right now, they're working well together. We're moving some people around in there. When pads come on in the next week and a half, you'll really start to see how it develops."

(On DB Tykee Smith having positional versatility)

"All of them have their initial home – it's safety. He can play nickel and he can play free [safety] as well. Between him, [Antoine] Winfield, Jordan [Whitehead], Tavierre [Thomas], all of them can play all three spots. That's a plus when you go into game planning. He's been great. He's a true [veteran]. He understands the defense. You neve see him with 'M.E.'s' (mental errors). He plays with a calmness and a patience of understanding what people are trying to do to him. We don't say much about him because he's almost like a vet – he does everything right so much that you kind of forget that he's a rookie and that he just came in here."

(On where he wants to see LB SirVocea Dennis grow)

"Just commanding the defense. 'Voss' is going to be a big part of what we do this year – he's going to play quite a bit. He's learning both [linebacker] spots, whether it's K.J. [Britt's] spot or Lavonte [David's] spot. He understands what to do. He's very instrumental in what we do this year and the packages that we're going to have for him. He's been a great addition. He's stayed healthy right now, and, knock on wood, we've got to keep that up. He's grown as a person. He understands the defense more and we look to see more from him."

(On if Dennis will be deployed in coverage)

"Depending on the gameplan, you never know. He can do that, but he can blitz as well. He's very good at that."

(On what he wants to see from OL Cody Mauch in year two)

"The biggest thing for him was strength coming into year two. He's got some more weight on. He understands, he's tough as can be. He's tough as can be. Just continue to grow and understand schemes more. When you come inside and start as a rookie lineman, you're going to see pretty much a Pro Bowler every week. He understands that. He keeps his nose down. He's tough, he's gritty, he's got more strength now. I just look for him to continue to get better."

(On if he sees a big jump in offensive linemen from year one to year two)

"I'm not really looking for them to run a 40[-yard dash], if that's what you're saying. When they come, they've got to get acclimated to whatever the strength system is. We've got to see if they have any injuries or any kinks, or whether they're flexible or not to work out. But, you know by the tape if they can play football. Everything else is a plus. You've got to make sure you find the right guy to fit the right scheme that you want. Cody [Mauch] has done that and the guys we've brought in have done that. So, we just look for coaching them and getting them better down the road."

(On when the first padded practice is)

"Monday."

(On WR Mike Evans saying that this year's team is better than last year's)

"I feel like we've got better chemistry and they're closer with each other than last year. Other than that, we still have steps to take to grow to be a better team."

(On what steps need to be taken for this team to improve)

"Again, [not] jumping offsides, understanding the offense and the defense, and execution. It's all going to come down to that."

(On the transition to Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen's scheme)

"I mean, it's definitely not seamless. We feel like we lost some good coaches, but we feel like we got some good coaches. The guys have been studying – they do a good job of teaching, they do a good job of going over things and just making sure the communication is open both ways. It's been a seamless transition that way, but there's a lot more to learn, a lot more to go. We're not game planning or anything, we're just running plays right now. As it goes on and it gets forward, it's a good start to it. I'm not going to say it's a seamless transition because everyday is a learning day."

(On how much easier it makes his job when the team has good chemistry)

"It doesn't make it easier, it makes it more enjoyable to coach – that everybody is together and everybody is on the same page. We have a lot of vets to thank for that, keeping us acclimated and everybody on the even-keel right now. It makes it more enjoyable to coach."

QUARTERBACK BAKER MAYFIELD

(On adjusting to the new offense)

"Yeah, information-wise, I think the guys definitely retained a lot. Normally the first couple of days, there's quite a few mental errors or missed assignments. There's still a little bit of that, but for the most part, we didn't take steps back. That's the important thing – we kept going forward, we made the foundation of the system in the spring, and guys carried that over. Now, it's just time to continue to improve on the details, continue to communicate, and get on the same page."

(On the offense playing loose and if that's a product of players having confidence and trust in each other)

"A lot of it has to do with the chemistry that we had last year, just understanding who each of us are as people – not just players. We enjoy playing for each other, and that has a lot to do with it. But also, we got on the same page in the spring like I just mentioned. So, we're having fun, but this is a group [where] we know when to enjoy it, we know when to turn it on when it's really serious, but when you're having success, it's a lot more fun. When you're with a group that you want to play for, it's definitely a lot more fun. For us, just keep enjoying it during some of these long days. Obviously, it's early in [training] camp. During some of these long days in [training] camp, it's going to get hard – continue to lean on each other and support each other. You've got to enjoy it."

(On what the No. 1 priority is to make this offense better)

"Just more [consistency]. There were some games that we ran the ball well last year, there were some games where we didn't throw it well. It's just the consistency. We started out 3-1 and then lost six-of-seven in the middle of the year. So, just more consistency. For us as an offense, being more consistent overall. I have the utmost faith in our defense and the guys that we have and [Head Coach] Todd [Bowles] calling that and leading those guys. So, for us, just being more consistent. Consistently putting on a show out there and putting points on the board. It's just everything – being more detailed in the run game, being more detailed in the pass game, the screen game, everything. The offense goes to the next level when everybody is on the same page when we just do it consistently."

(On WR Jalen McMillan saying that his main goal for training camp is to earn QB Baker Mayfield's trust)

"Quarterbacks and receivers, the more reps you get, the more you trust them – the more you see their body language coming in and out of cuts and understanding how they're moving around. He's going to make plays when the ball is in the air, and that's one thing that I'm continuing to learn – really, just give him a chance. He might not be the biggest guy, but he's going to go up and highpoint the ball and that's a natural skill that he has. My trust is going to continue to grow as long as he keeps doing the right things, and he is. I think he's got the right attitude. He brings a lot of juice to that room. I think him and Sterling [Shepard] [are] a couple of little mighty mouses running out there, screaming at people and talking trash. It brings energy. Chris [Godwin] and Mike [Evans] are pro's pros. They've been doing it for so long at such a high level that sometimes it's hard for them to get excited over a touchdown, especially in practice. So, it's good to see Jalen and those guys bring juice to it. For Jalen to enjoy football, bring a little pep to it, and just continue to get better and work on his craft is very important."

(On his impression of QBs Kyle Trask and John Wolford battling behind him)

"Obviously, I went through this with Kyle last year. Kyle can make every single throw you want as an NFL quarterback. Obviously, another new system, again, for him to learn and try and get down. Obviously, John and I had a little bit of a head start and John more-so. He had years of experience in this thing, terminology-wise and knowing what the system is, the alerts, the cans, and all of that – everything that comes with it. I mean, yeah, every single room should have competition going on. We're competing against each other when it comes down to completions in practice, doing the right reads, getting graded during that. It goes with everything. But, for those guys, you want to try and be your best self everyday and continue to improve. That's what training camp is for."

(On him, LT Tristan Wirfs, and TE Cade Otton all becoming fathers this offseason)

"It must be something in the water out here. I don't know what it is, man [laughs]. It's just awesome. I feel like there's more than just us three throughout the building that are having new kids. It's great to see. You see life-changing moments and it makes you appreciate the moments that you're in the building a lot more with these guys. You're able to talk about the struggles and figuring out this thing as we go, with each other. It's another fun thing that I don't think anybody has it figured out, but we're going through it together."

(On if it's scarier to face an imposing defense or being sent home with a child)

"It's definitely the baby. I've had a lot of reps of going against people that are twice my size. I should know when to get the ball out and what to do. With a child, it's a little different."

(On if he thinks he's had a good first few days of training camp)

"I'd say yes, based on the operation. Today was probably the worst, in terms of completions in the pass game with quarterbacks and receivers, but there was some good. It was just the most up-and-down day we've had, I'd say, especially for me. But yeah, good so far. You're going to have those days where the completions aren't happening, but as long as I'm making the right reads, making the right calls and doing those things – that's what [training] camp is all about, ensuring that we're on the same page on offense. The physical stuff will come."

(On how he's seen RG Cody Mauch grow from year one to year two)

"Obviously, he had a big offseason in terms of trying to gain weight and trying to get muscled up. That's something he took upon himself. You've seen him grow in the physical aspect in terms of taking care of his body and getting ready for the year. He's definitely not as uptight anymore. You can see him a little bit more loose. That O-line room is so close and those guys have so much fun together. Now, Cody is kind of in the mix of it. He's still not the loudest guy by any means, but he's in the mix with those guys now."

(On how having stability and comfort impacts his work with his teammates)

"I'd say the biggest thing would be the communication part. Understanding the routes and the receivers – how they're going to come out of it and the timing of that – and the communication with the guys up front. I'd say some of the terminology is different, but understanding what we're trying to get done [and] to be able to do it quick, to be able to make adjustments on the fly. That's the biggest advantage and benefit I have going into year two with these guys – having chemistry. It's like, 'Okay, when I see this look, this is what I'm going to try and get to…Try and run this route this certain way.' We're just on the same page and things happen quicker."

(On how valuable the 'call-it' periods of practice are)

"The call-it periods are so vital, because the scripted stuff…Obviously, you need to study the script and what's coming the next day at practice, but you see what's in what order, what plays are canned with what. It's so different when it comes to a game. Like, yes, you know the game plan, but you don't know what play call is coming next. So, to be able to see the play calls come in, how guys react, how quickly they get lined up and understand and know what they're doing and get it executed – that's real ball. The call-it periods are when, to me, I really start judging guys if they're playing fast and doing their job at a high level. Yesterday, I think our guys did that really, really well."

(On Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill saying Mayfield was a top-five quarterback and if they have any sort of relationship)

"No, I don't have any relationship with him. I watched him return a punt for a touchdown to beat Oklahoma in 2014 when I sat out. That's about as close as I've gotten to touching him, maybe ever. He's too quick for me. But, no, he's obviously a guy at a high level so that means a lot when somebody gives you that credit."

(On if his motivation changes now that he has a long-term contract)

"My NFL career, has it been what I want it to be? No, but it's gotten me to this point to where I signed a long-term deal. When I settle in, good things happen. I know how I am, I know how I operate. When I can truly dig my feet in to make a difference in the culture and the people around me and make people better – that's when I'm at my best. I haven't been in a place for very long without coaching changes in a long time. I go back to Oklahoma for four years was the longest point and then to Cleveland – but we still had coaching changes in and out at pretty much every year. It's just different. I have no doubt in my mind."

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER JOE TRYON-SHOYINKA

(On embracing his role on the team)

"You love getting sacks. Those feel great, but with a defense like this, we have a lot of smart players, a lot of versatile players. I have no problem with opening up, dropping in coverage, covering a receiver, peeling on running backs, so that other dudes can eat and ultimately, get turnovers, surprising offenses, all of the disguises that we like to do on the defense. I love my role. I love doing whatever Coach [Bowles] schemes up, and I'll do it 100% every time."

(On his fifth-year option not getting picked up)

"That's just one of those things that's just an opportunity to take it as a challenge. Overcoming adversity – there's a point in everyone's life where you have to do that and just put your back against the wall and trust what got you here and lean on your teammates, your brotherhood, and ultimately just continue to stack these days and I think we'll get to where we want to go, and that's the Super Bowl. That's what I'm looking forward to right now."

(On his main focuses this season)

"Continue to get wins, shutouts on defense for sure, so we have to get a lot of turnovers. We have to get the ball out of the quarterbacks' hands, strip sacks, we have to punch the ball out of the running backs [hands]. We have to just make havoc and I think that will be the goal. After that, we'll see what happens."

(On the objective of the defense this season)

"Main objective is just to keep flying around, having that passion, being the life of the defense. We're all leaning on each other. We all can't take plays off – there's no plays off. Everyone has to be accounted for and we can lean on each other and continue to just have the electricity that this defense has had for the past couple years and just keep enhancing it. [It's] a lot of fun so far and it's just the beginning."

(On the small things he's changed since previous seasons)

"I'm just changing my habits. I have certain things that I just like to play around with, whether that's food, diet, and I'll always get better sleep – just try to get an eight hour sleep every night - and you sweat a lot out here. I lost like seven pounds in practice, just from sweat, so I just have to stay lean. You don't want to eat bad foods - you'll feel slow out here. A lot of things just go into play, especially in the offseason. But I had a lot of fun this offseason and I'm ready to go show it on the field."

(On the mindset he has on defense)

"Ultimately like I've always said, just having it on your mind that this is going to be the play that I get the team off the field. Mind over matter – having that on your mind, keeping those conscious steps every day at practice. [The] quarterback is never live but you can still do the mental reps and the drills – taking those to the game day and just ultimately, the dudes who get paid who make big time plays are the ones who finish and end up All-Pro and take their teams where they want to go."

(On the goals of the group on defense)

"Sacks aren't everything but those are the things that definitely are looked at, and those are the goals that we have as an outside linebacker group. Me and Yaya [Diaby] just compete to get off the rock every time. I can't say enough how much I love that dude. [I've] just been leaning on him this offseason and he's been a sponge and I've been a sponge to him. We teach each other a lot so [I'm] just excited to keep growing with that dude and the rest of this defense."

(On the group becoming a defensive force)

"It's up to us. [We have to] take that in our hands. We have to have it on our mind every day we go out to these drills, these practices, the one-on-one periods, the team periods, the two minute drills – we have to have these situations on our mind that we're going to be that force that gets the defense off the field and ultimately I think we'll be happy if we take our mindset every day and just continue to grow from that. I think we'll be happy with the results."

(On being a veteran of the group)

"I like it. It's another challenge that gives me an opportunity to have someone to … I can have my rookie [Chris] Braswell, he's been super receptive to anything - questions after every play, asking how he can do something better, so it just keeps me on my toes and elevates my game when I have to have that right answer for someone. It definitely improves my game."

GUARD CODY MAUCH

(On if he feels differences in his play after gaining weight in the offseason)

"Not really, no. You'd think putting on a little bit might slow you down a little bit, but I haven't really noticed anything like that. It's tough to say without shoulder pads on if it's really helped much in anchor or pass [protection], but I feel great, so hopefully, it translates well once we get the pads out here."

(On where he wants to grow as a player entering his second NFL season)

"I would say just more consistency. I really thought every game I played got a little bit better last year, but now, to just eliminate some of those stupid mistakes, stupid losses on different reps, try to get rid of those, and just play better consistently, if that makes sense."

(On his confidence level and how teammate chemistry can affect it)

"Yeah, really confident. You know, I think the biggest thing is seeing so many reps last year, which was just huge for me. You really understand the speed of everything now. It's kind of day-to-day here for practice now, too. You know what to expect; your head is not really spinning as much for that so that you can focus on other things, but we've got a great O-line room, too, and the team; everyone is just great to be around. So, it makes it really easy when the guys that you're working with every day are such great guys."

(On the biggest change in Tampa Bay's offensive line entering the 2024 season)

"Not that we weren't on the same page last year, but just guys collectively playing better and more together, I guess, if that makes sense. That's the biggest thing with O-line: if one guy is off, there is going to be a leakage somewhere, and someone will get through. So, just kind of being on the same page all the time, and we're a lot more comfortable with each other now just playing together for a while."

-BUCCANEERS-