QUARTERBACK BAKER MAYFIELD

(On how he's feeling physically)

"Yeah, I got a little ankle injury pretty early in the game [against Carolina]. It's one of those things [where] as the week goes on, it'll feel better and better. I'll get some good rehab and work done on it and see how it goes. Luckily, the blessing is we play on Monday night, so an extra day of rest and recovery for me."

(On how he rehabs nagging injuries)

"I've had the same body-work guy for six years now. He comes in every week, does what we need. He knows my body better than I do. He's a stud. I call him my wizard. He knows what to do. He gets me ready for each week and I wouldn't have been able to survive without him. That's the big routine thing that I do. He's on the same page with Bobby [Slater] – our head trainer here – we've got a good plan going into it."

(On if he does acupuncture or utilizes a hyperbaric chamber)

"A little acupuncture. Hyperbaric is a little different. I've used it before but I don't have one here."

(On how his ribs are feeling)

"The ribs are recovering, slowly. I didn't take any impactful shots. Like we said last week, each day gets better and better."

(On how different things feel compared to the team's Week 3 matchup against Philadelphia)

"We were really trying to find ourselves at that point in the season – trying to figure out who we were going to be, especially offensively. I think we've kind of realized what we're good at [and] the bread-and-butter for us. Also, they've changed on defense. They've had some injuries, a different playcaller now for them, as well – Matt Patricia is calling it. A little bit of different variabilities, but we've got to handle it, got to prepare. Luckily we've had four games where he's been calling the games. We've got to key into that and [figure out] what's his go to. We're just different in the sense that we've been more foundationally better within the run game, knowing what we're good at scheme-wise. We've just got to get the pass game back going again."

(On how win-or-go-home games impact his decision making)

"For me, it goes back to how can we just move the chains? When we have our shots, take them, but stay ahead of the chains – especially against a team like this that has a great front. They're aggressive and it allows the secondary to play aggressively, as well. Staying ahead of the chains, for me, which is taking the easy completions – which I definitely need to improve on from the past couple of weeks. We'll go from there."

(On what types of changes he's noticed in the Eagles compared to Week 3)

"Just a couple of different coverage variations – things that he likes to do differently than Sean Desai did. Overall, it's very similar. It's not like they reinvented the wheel. [There are] just a couple more edge pressures with DBs and things like that of that nature."

(On what the offense has been missing that he hopes to fix by Monday night)

"Like I said earlier, I've got to take the easy completions early on, keep us ahead of the chains, get us going. Between the Saints game and the Carolina game, their fronts are really good against the rush. We ran the ball when we needed to with six minutes left in the game. That's big-time. We've just got to get going early and start fast, where we can mix up our different plays."

(On when he felt that this was a playoff-caliber team)

"From the first time I got here. Just seeing the pieces that we had, if we could put it all together…You're looking at it and saying, 'Alright, we have the pieces that we need. If we can put it together and string a few games together, we'll see where it goes.' We started fast, had that midseason lull. [With our] backs against the wall, we got back to the same form we were in in preseason – everybody counting us out and [we were] leaning on each other and counting on each other. That's where we've been so far at the end of the year. Right now is no time to change your mindset. We've been in this one-game-at-a-time mentality for a while now. Now, it's real. It's win or go home."

(On his level of confidence in his teammates)

"Not just offensively, but defensively, as well – knowing who we have there and also trusting in Chase McLaughlin. Knowing the pieces we have, knowing that you don't have to do anything special – do your job at the highest level you can. You don't have to be Superman. The rest will take care of itself. Luckily, we got bailed out by the defense and special teams, but it's time for us to carry our weight and improve. What better time than now in the playoffs?"

(On the up-and-down level of his play over the last few weeks)

"A lot of it starts with me, I'll be honest. Taking the easy completions, taking the things that are there to put us in position where Dave [Canales] can call the plays that he wants to. Just, overall execution when it comes to little fundamental things that we were doing really well for a couple of weeks in a row – getting back to that and making sure we're doing those right, helping our defense out and letting them get a little bit more break on the sideline and go from there."

(On understanding his own limitations when he's not at 100% yet wanting to attack Philadelphia's weaknesses from a defensive standpoint)

"The best thing about their defense is their front. They've had a lot of studs there for a long time and they just keep reloading them. It's something that we have to be aware of – and we definitely are. For me, it's doing everything I need to do physically to get ready for the game and going from there. Making sure we're all on the same page, gameplanning-wise to where when we get those live reps, we're ready to roll."

(On if he's looked back at his performance this season)

"Not really. Those are all great things – I'm not going to not acknowledge it, at least, but our goal is much bigger than just winning the division and for me to have a great year. We expected that within this building. We're in the playoffs now, so it's singular focus on the Eagles."

(On what's different about the playoffs)

"It becomes real when you see a lot of the changes that are happening – not in your own building – and knowing that we're in a scenario that not many people get to experience. For this organization to do it three years in a row winning the division, it's pretty special. It comes back to the small things. Teams in the playoffs don't beat themselves – that's really what it is. There [are] some plays that they're making – really special plays – but most of the time it's not beating yourself, taking care of the ball, playing penalty free, for the most part. It goes back to a hyper focus."

(On what the feeling after last week's game was like)

"It was awesome. It was a feeling of gratefulness, to be honest with you. We knew what we had to do at the end of the year to accomplish that and to realize that we did it and now we gave ourselves a chance in the playoffs. It was being thankful for everybody being focused every week at the end of the year and realizing that we're capable of doing this, so let's keep pushing."

(On what kept the team together through the ups and downs)

"Great leadership, everybody being on the same page – everybody else just kind of falls into line. We understand what we need to get done, we know where we're at. It's been the same message. Once everybody is on the same page, great things can happen. I've been on the other side of that, where [there were] a lot of mixed messages, but this place is different so we were able to focus on football and trust each other in doing that."

(On if he left the Week 3 matchup against Philadelphia feeling like he knew how to better attack them next time)

"Yeah. Like I said, we were a different team back then and I think they were, as well. We'll see what we can do. We know their front is the strength and we'll go from there."

(On if he keeps in mind how the defense is playing and if that impacts how he plays)

"When they're playing like that – which is great – it's even more of a focus on taking care of the ball. Field goal games, field position games, realizing that if we just take care of the ball, we're going to be in this thing and have a chance to win. Like I said, it comes down to moving the chains, giving ourselves a chance to score three or seven [points] every time, and go from there."

(On how much of an advantage it is from a confidence-standpoint to know that the team is capable of running the ball well and scoring 30+ points)

"It's huge. Knowing that we didn't know who we were offensively [in Week 3] – we were still trying to figure it out. Now, we realize the run schemes and play schemes that we're really good at, so we've got to attack it that way and build different formations to be able to do that and get after it."

LINEBACKER LAVONTE DAVID

(On his fourth consecutive playoff berth after not making the playoffs his first eight seasons in the NFL)

"I love it. Those eight years are in the past now – forget about it. The past four years have been amazing. Just the changing of the guard, the standard this team has, the talent that we have and the urgency we've got to be able to be in these situations. There was one point during the season that we [were] doubted by a lot of people, so we just had to dig deep to be able to get us to this position. Now we're here, so we've got to take advantage of it. It's definitely a blessing. Eight years to not even sniff being in this situation, but now four years in a row… It means a lot."

(On what he has told the rookies about the gravity of the playoffs)

"All I do is just tell them my story. I tell them my story [and] hopefully that scares them. [You] don't want to be in the position I was in my first eight years. When you get these opportunities, you want to take advantage of it. They're very, very hard to come by. I always say you've got to be grateful to be in this position. Don't take it for granted. A lot of people would love to be in our shoes right now today. Just come out, stay focused, stay the course and whenever you get a chance to do it, you've got to make the most of it."

(On what he learned about the Philadelphia Eagles in the Week 3 matchup)

"They're a physical team. They are dominant up front on the offensive line. I feel like their team runs through the offensive line. They go as far as their offensive line goes. For a front seven, we've definitely got to come with our A game. I believe the first time we played them, they probably ran for almost 200 yards on us, or did run for 200 yards on us (201). We know that's something we've got to take advantage of because we hang our hat on the run game. They still do that really well, so we've just got to come focused and prepared."

(On how rookie OLB Yaya Diaby has grown over the course of the season)

"I think [he's] willing to learn and taking the coaching, and he's just putting his abilities with that. I think when somebody learns and then starts to get a grasp of the defense, they start to understand and then their natural talent just takes over. That has been going on with Yaya. He's always [been] a talented, physical specimen. Then once you learn defense, and what you're supposed to do within a defense, you can find ways to be able to use your talent and your ability to your advantage."

(On what it is about the defense that makes him believe the Buccaneers are capable of making a run)

"I think, honestly, it all starts off the field – the team bonding, the camaraderie that we have, the friendships that we have with each other [off] the field to where when stuff goes on on the field, you [are] able to approach people certain ways. You can hold guys accountable better when you have those type of friendships with guys. Guys know how to take constructive criticism and stuff like that. When stuff breaks down or somebody messes up, and somebody is getting chewed out by another player, they don't take it as a sign of disrespect. They take it as, 'Oh man, I feel like I let my guy down. I've got to step up.' That's the type of attitude that we have defensively. We've got that type of bond with each other, and we expect everybody to do what they're supposed to do."

(On being able to lead the team in tackles and play at such a high level in year 12 in the NFL)

"I think it all goes back to me and my love for the game. [It's] me understanding that 52 other guys are counting on me when I'm out there. I have to carry myself a certain way on the field and off the field. Just be a leader when I'm out there whenever somebody needs to make a play, or somebody needs a little motivation. I'm going to show them that no matter what I'm going to give it my all every time. It's a fun game, man. I love the game. I love playing football. I just love the camaraderie that you build with guys and the relationships that you build with guys. Whenever it's all said and done, that's the thing I'm going to miss the most."

(On if he would like to continue playing for the Buccaneers next season)

"Man, that's a straight-up question. Shoot, I don't know, man. I'm just going to take it one day at a time. Right now, I just want to be able to give my all on Monday night to the team, and to my teammates, and be able to take this thing as long as we can go. We're just going to focus on getting through the playoffs and making it to the 'Big Dance' right now. I feel like we've got a great opportunity. When you're in this position, there's always an opportunity. [They're] real one-game seasons, so we're going to put our all into these [games] week to week and see where we go from there. Then when it's all said and done, we will probably have a talk."

SAFETY ANTOINE WINFIELD JR.

(On not being named a Pro Bowler)

"It's unfortunate, but it is what it is. I can't control that.  [The] only thing I can control is what I do on the field."

(On why he thinks people are overlooking what he is doing this year)

"I'm not sure. I have no clue."

(On people saying he's the best safety in the NFL)

"It's cool to see. It's cool to see my name out there. Like I said before, I'm happy with my stats, [and] I'm happy with where I'm at. I can only control what I do on the field, and after that, everyone can have their own opinions, but I just know what I bring to the table."

(On if he works on strip sacks at practice)

"Yeah, it's something… I mean, you don't really fully get a chance to do that in practice, but you can always take your mind there. So, when a runner is coming past me, I'm like, 'Okay, where is he holding the ball at? Am I going to get the opportunity to punch the ball out?' I don't full-out punch in practice, but I'm running it through my mind. I put myself in those scenarios before it happens, game time presents itself, and then I try to make the most of the opportunity."

(On how he has changed since the last time they faced the Philadelphia Eagles)

"I feel like a lot has changed. It's been a while since we played them. It's going to be a fun go around as we face them Monday night. I just can't wait to go out there and perform."

(On his advice to the rookies)

"You know, it's crazy. I'm like, 'Man, year four already.' [The] first year we went to the Super Bowl and all that, it flies by. Just based off of previous years, yeah, I [have] to make sure the guys know that now it's win or go home. Everything is heightened, we [have] to do more, whatever it is we have to do to win this game. We have to do extra because that's what it comes down to. Focus, and just basic fundamentals is really what it comes down to these last games. So really since I've been through it, I'm able to tell the younger guys, 'Y'all have to get [your] minds right because it's going to be a big game.'"

(On if he can feel the energy from the defense after making a big play)

"That's one way we feed off of each other. [If] somebody else makes a big play or a turnover, I feel like it gets the juices going. Everybody is ready to go out there and do it again, and I feel like anytime you make a play like that I feel like it gases everybody up."

(On what he learned after the playing the Philadelphia Eagles the first time)

"What I learned [was] first and foremost, we [have] to stop the run. They gashed us during that first game, so that's one thing I learned from that we [have] to do a better job this time around."

(On the how atmosphere changes during the playoffs)

"Everything's advanced or heightened like I said before. You know, everybody is a little bit on edge because like I said, it's win or go home, and you [are] playing for all of the marbles. We [have] to bring it, and it doesn't start during the game, it starts early in the week, like today just going out and practicing. Just getting it flowing, letting everybody know that it's time to lock in, and make this run."

(On proving the naysayers wrong)

"I never really thought that way, so first and foremost…, but I don't listen to what's going on the outside like I said before, we can only control what we do on the field, everybody else has opinions and that's not really important to us. We don't really use it as fuel, you just come in here, [and] we know what we have. [We] just go out here and try to be the best that we can be."

(On when he realized the team could return to the playoffs)

"I knew that coming into camp. Just looking at our team, I'm like, 'We can do this.' Even just going against each other, I'm like, 'Yeah, we [have] a good opportunity.' You know, there [were] ups and downs during the season, but we pulled through and made it to this point where we are today."

(On how his leadership style has changed being team captain)

"Yeah, it's changed. Coming in, I'm still surprised it's year four for me. It's already pretty much over with. Once you get that 'C', I guess it becomes more official and I didn't really do anything different. I just come to work, and I understood that I have a job to play and [have] to be the leader of this team, of this defense, so that's kind of the mindset that I put myself in."

(On LB Lavonte David)

"He's a baller, man. It's crazy because he's still running around like he [is] 21. He's flying around making plays, he's been the same player ever since I've been here, and it's been awesome to play with him or play around him and really learn from him, see how he

moves around, and it's fantastic. Hopefully, I'm like that one day when I'm his age."

-BUCCANEERS-