HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On T Luke Goedeke getting back into practicing this week)

"He's outside, so we'll see how the week goes with him and see how he's feeling. He still [has] tests to pass."

(On if there is any other injury updates)

"Not right now. With a walkthrough, they're kind of status quo."

(On what impressed him most about S Jordan Whitehead's performance against the Lions)

"I don't know what impressed me. I guess I expect it. He just played solid football. He understands the game plan, he carries it out, he communicates, he makes plays in the process and with a lot of guys being down, he helped the younger guys while he's out on the field communicating. Just his overall game."

(On if S Jordan Whitehead was the 'quarterback' of the secondary against the Lions)
"Yeah, he was."

(On how having LB K.J. Britt and LB SirVocea Dennis rotate has worked out)

"It's not so much going that route. SirVocea is a good football player. K.J is a good football player. I said it in the summer – that he's going to play and he's going to be an impact player for us on down and distances. Both can play all three downs. We feel like we use them both equally depending on the situation and we're happy to have both of them playing."

(On what he's seen from Denver's rookie QB Bo Nix)
"I mean he's fast, he can scramble out of the pocket, he can definitely throw the deep ball. He's quick, he knows his reads and he knows the offense."

(On if he thinks it's easier or harder to come in as a rookie QB than previous years)

"I don't really look at rookie quarterbacks. I look at the team in general and it's about stopping the entire team. If you just look at one guy, you're going to get killed in this league. They all have a skill set and a lot of them went in the first round. They're very good football players. If you don't look at the team, you're going to get killed anyway."

(On what Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton has changed and kept from his past offenses)

"I think Sean is very good at building the team around what he has. He can coach a lot of different [kinds of] football a lot of different ways. He's a very bright guy, very sharp guy. There's some minor Saints stuff but most of it is different and the players are different, the scheme is different, so we have to play what we see."

(On if he has to remind the team to avoid looking ahead in the schedule and focus on this week)

"This is the big game for us. We've only played two games. We can't look ahead for anything. We're not good enough. We [have] a lot of work to do."

(On QB Baker Mayfield following Tom Brady's career here and how he's handled the pressure)

"Well, the biggest thing he did was not try to be Tom and the biggest thing we did was not want him to be Tom. The schemes have changed since Tom was here, the players have changed since Tom was here. Baker is his own guy. I keep saying, 'Nobody's ever going to be Tom.' You know, you put his shoes on the shelf, and you buy a new pair, and you break them in, and Baker [has] come in and he's picked up the system well. The guys have gravitated around him; he has a place he calls home, we trust him, he trusts us, and he's fit in very well here."

(On Mayfield coming in loose and being himself compared to Brady being business oriented)

"I wouldn't know anything about that. Tom was two years ago. He's a Hall of Famer, he's the greatest player ever and there's probably nothing else to talk about."

(On what makes preparing for Sean Payton's offense challenging)

"He's very intelligent. He uses a lot of different personnel groupings. He can run the ball a variety of ways, he has every pass concept known to man and he's [been doing] it [for] a long time. You know, he's very sharp that way and he's always been sharp that way and he's a great football mind."

(On if LB SirVocea Dennis will be getting more snaps and starts)

"Well, he got more snaps but K.J [Britt] is the starter. SirVocea will come in and we'll continue to use him the way we use him because we need both of them."

(On what's allowed the backup role players to step up especially on defense)

"Well, we have guys that make this team for a reason. We don't look at it when [those] guys have to come in – who they're stepping in for. We look at how they can help us and what they do best. [We're] not expecting Greg [Gaines] to be Vita [Vea] or 'Izzy' (Christian Izien) to be [Antoine] Winfield or anything like that. We're expecting them to do the things we know they can do and we're expected to call it that way and we expect them to make plays."

(On what DL Greg Gaines does well)

"Greg can play across the board. He can play the nose [tackle], he can play the three [technique], he can play the four [technique], he can play the five [technique]. He's a very good 'jack of all trades' guy. We kind of had that when 'Nacho' (Rakeem Nuñez-Roches) was here, so he has a lot of versatility, he's a sneaky pass rusher, he's very strong in the run game. We feel like he's a chess piece we can move around out there."

(On what's impressed him the most about the 2-0 start)

"The biggest thing was the chemistry and the culture when we got back to training camp. Like I said before, it helped us going through a hostile environment and pull out a game like this, and it started back in the spring, it started in training camp. We just have to keep building that while we clean up our mistakes."

(On what's allowed CB Zyon McCollum become a better tackler)

"It's practice and realizing what he's doing wrong. I think when he got here, he was lunging a lot. He's a willing tackler, he was just lunging a lot and leaving his feet and putting his head down, so he was missing some. Now he's gathered himself, he's calmer, he keeps his head up and he wraps up and he's playing well."

(On how he and the team keep their focus and the chip on their shoulder)

"Well, we keep the main thing the main thing. We're not out to try to prove everybody wrong. We're out to try to prove ourselves right. You know, we're hungry, we're trying to win. Like I said, we're trying to get to the playoffs and win the Super Bowl and nothing else short of that. The same people that are patting us on the back are the same people that were talking about us and expecting us to win none so – and it's everybody's job. I get that. It's professional, I understand that. We write our own stories. If we play bad, we get talked about. If you play well, you get acknowledged and that kind of comes with the territory."

(On if the best solution to focus on the main thing is to tune out the outside noise)

"You have to. You know, in your mind, once you get out on the field, football is football, no matter where you're playing – 10 people or 100,000 people, football is football, so we don't worry about it."

(On the challenges Broncos LB Zach Allen presents)

"He's a monster. He's similar to [Aidan] Hutchinson. He's a work horse, he's going [to] work you, he's going to out work you, he's very good off the ball, and he's going to play to the whistle so he's going to be dangerous."

(On DL Mike Greene and DL C.J Brewer stepping in and what their strengths have been)

"Well, C.J has been on our practice squad. He's developed into a versatile guy, being able to play the nose, the three [technique], and some four [technique]. Mike played for us last year before he got hurt so we're very confident in the things he can do. He's tough at the point of attack and he's not going to let the ball outside of him. He's going to be where he's supposed to be. We understand what those guys can do."

(On how much C Graham Barton has surprised him and improved)

"We knew he was physical and the biggest surprise is how well he's handled everything as far as stunts, games, different looks – his intelligence and the way he can grasp things has been the most impressive."

QUARTERBACK BAKER MAYFIELD

(On his two long runs against the Lions on Sunday)

"The scramble play before the touchdown run, the first thing I'll say [is] unbelievable protection – I was sitting back there for days. [I was] just trying to find somebody open. They did a good job of changing the coverage, making it look like man[-to-man] coverage and it wasn't. I was trying to find somebody open and then [got] into a little scramble drill. It's hard on the receivers when I'm still in the pocket, where they're supposed to go. It's not necessarily declared whether they're supposed to work with me to the right or to the left. But, yeah, I was just trying to make a play. Then, on the touchdown run, [it was] a good design by our offensive staff. There would be a couple free guys – the safeties and what not – but yeah, [we] did a good job with the line climbing up and getting the [linebackers] and making a couple people miss."

(On his thought process when the designed run play is called right after his scramble)

"Take a couple deep breaths, and let's roll. That's about it."

(On the touchdown pass to WR Chris Godwin on Sunday against the Lions)

"It's a similar look to what we've had in the past of showing a screen to the [running] back, really just trying to play that game on the flat defender – getting his eyes in the wrong place and getting it to where he can't be right. [If] he goes with Chris, I'm able to throw it to the screen, and just not letting them be right. That's why I said after the game [that it was] unbelievable design by Liam [Coen] to put a guy in a bind like that. It makes my job really easy."

(On him having the third-most passing touchdowns in the NFL since joining the Buccaneers and if things have gone better than he could have imagined in Tampa Bay)

"For me, this is what I wanted. This is the group that [I wanted]. Taking a chance to come here, understanding the pieces that I had and the potential that this group could have. For me, there [were] a lot of low moments last year, so it could have even been better. It's never about the individual stats anyway, it's just about trying to find ways to win. It's been awesome so far."

(On the matchup of WR Mike Evans on CB Pat Surtain II)

"That's what a guy like Pat Surtain can offer a defense – true, one-on-one, shut one side of the field down… He's that type of player. He's got unbelievable ball skills, he can run with guys, he understands concepts and can read the patterns really well. He's a guy that is going to have his PBUs (pass break-ups) and make plays on the ball, but we have to design things to be able to get Mike some matchups other than just him. We also trust Mike in one-on-one scenarios regardless."

(On if he will have to pause for an extra moment when he sees Evans being guarded by Surtain)

"Depending on the route, depending on the concept of how he's playing it, you can kind of eliminate it quicker. But, still, Mike is our guy, so I'm still trusting him."

(On him replacing former Tampa Bay QB Tom Brady)

"For me, it's the same answer I gave you guys right when I got here: I'm not going to try to put Tom's shoes on – that's not how I do things. Obviously, Tom did it his way and was unbelievably successful with it. A lot of that – just being my authentic self and the best version of me – is [that] this place allowed me to do that. Any time you're having more success than they did in 2022, you're going to have more fun. It's different, and it's always different year-to-year, and there's a ton of new faces, anyway. [There was] a lot of change within 2022 to 2023. I'm just trying to be the best version of myself."

(On how important it has been to get multiple wide receivers involved in the offense)

"Those guys understand that defenses are going to take away certain guys at certain points, and that's why I mentioned that I let the defense dictate where the ball needs to go. Those guys have to be ready for those opportunities. It might not be often – and they don't know when it's going to come, we don't know when it's going to come – but they have to be ready for it. We trust those guys."

(On his communication with C Graham Barton in the loud environment of Ford Field)

"Graham is a really smart player. Obviously, each game, each rep, he's going to get better and better with all the looks he's going to see. He's just going to put that in the mental bank. But, yeah, especially in an environment like that, I thought Graham played really well and handled the communication well. That's not easy to do for your second career game at center in the NFL."

(On getting TE Cade Otton more involved in the offense)

"Cade is a guy [where], obviously, you saw last year how reliable he is – he always is that way. Obviously, with Luke [Goedeke] being out, having to try and chip the edge [rushers] a little bit more, it's just one of those game plan things. Cade is a team guy, first and foremost. He's a guy that people kind of forget about the talent level that he really has – pure hands and just understanding some of these zone concepts and where the holes in the defense are and how to get there. I love Cade. Like I keep mentioning, the defense dictates where the ball needs to go. Sometimes it will be Cade."

(On the team starting off 2-0 but understanding how much work there is left to do)

"Yeah, I mean, 2-0 is 2-0. [There is] a lot of ball left. We know last year we started out 3-1 and hit the opposite turn. This is a group with a lot of the same pieces [where] we've been through this before together. Your standard is your standard – you have to meet that every single day and each game. Just hit the reset button and it doesn't matter what the outside noise is. We expected to be playing well at this point and we expect to continue to play well."

(On C Graham Barton delivering a great block on his touchdown run)

"Somebody like him, where the guy has a two-way go, Graham doesn't necessarily know which way I'm going – especially on a quarterback draw. It's awesome to see the power [and] the athleticism in space to be able to play with that power."

(On the amount of upsets throughout the league so far and if the Buccaneers need to be weary of the Denver Broncos)

"This group, with the smart players we have, the guys that have been through this understand that if you don't bring your best stuff on whatever game it is – whoever you're playing – you can get beat. For us, it's the singular-game mindset. One focus, one week at a time, and handle it the best way you can."

(On Carolina QB Bryce Young being benched this week, and if he can relate as a former No. 1 pick)

"Obviously, mine didn't happen in the same time frame with Bryce, but quarterback is hard, especially for young guys. When you're not surrounded with the pieces, you're not given the opportunity to have success. A lot of the time, guys have the talent, they might have the brains, but they don't have the right opportunity or right fit. I'm sitting here right now in a way better fit than the other places I've been. That's not to put other teams down, but it's a matter of the pieces around you [and] the coaches. For Bryce – I can relate to this – but finding that belief in yourself again. He'll get it. His story is far, far from finished."

(On Young working with Carolina Head Coach Dave Canales, and what role Canales had in shaping Mayfield's career)

"For me, the positivity…I told you guys, he's an optimist bully. Finding ways to make things work when it's not the best look or things aren't going well but being positive about it and being positive about the next opportunity…Whatever they're doing, I'm sure it's for a good reason. Whether it's to just give Bryce time – I'm not in their building, not in their meetings – so I can't really comment too much on it."

(On facing rookie quarterbacks this season and what he remembers from when he was a rookie quarterback)

"There's a lot. There's a lot that comes with it, especially when you play on the road as a rookie quarterback. The communication, all of that – the environment, the pressure that comes with it…Especially when you play a defense like ours, that gives you so many different looks – that's not easy to do. It's just trying to play within yourself and not trying to be a superhero. I think I learned pretty quickly that the big guys are fast – faster than I am. You can't do the same plays and scramble drills that you could in college. You just try and play within the system and within the play call."

(On the Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation making a donation to a local youth football program to provide equipment so that they could continue to play football)

"One of our biggest mottos is leveling the playing field for everybody. Hearing that kids didn't even have a chance to go play football – a game that I am so in love with – just giving that opportunity is something that was not really a hesitation at all. Just being able to do that and give kids a chance to play football and learn. This game teaches you so much about life: the challenges, adversity, handling your time responsibly, accountability and all of that – there's a lot that comes with. Just to be able to provide equipment so guys get that opportunity is a great feeling."

CORNERBACK ZYON MCCOLLUM

(On starting 2-0)

"We're only human, so of course it's a big win and we are going to feel the emotion of that. We also know that it's a long season. We started 2-0 last year and we all saw what happened. The leadership of this team has been keeping us together and keeping us grinding, staying humble and focusing on the Broncos."

(On getting his first career interception against the Lions, and almost getting two in one game)

"It's just the start. I want to get six, of course, so it makes me even more excited to get the next one. Whenever the ball is finding you, you're doing good things. I'm just going to continue to be in the right spots and let the ball find me. I'm not focusing out there on trying to make too [many] plays – I'm just doing my job and letting the game come to me."

(On what a road win in a tough environment like Ford Field does for this team's confidence)

"It does everything for our confidence. We're already a confident group, and we're always going to shoot for the sky. When you actually go out there and execute and it works and falls your way, it lets you know that everything that you were doing is correct. We're going to go out for this next week and do everything that we've been doing – continuing to grind, continuing to treat it like it's [training] camp, and continuing to get better."

(On how his game has changed since when he first came into the league)

"It's night and day. My rookie year, trying to jump routes, I was always scared, I was always fearful. I didn't necessarily trust myself. Now that I know I have the coaches' trust and I have my teammates' trust and I'm starting to trust myself, I can really know what I see from film. When I see it out there in the game, I just go for it."

-BUCCANEERS-