OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR DAVE CANALES

(Opening Statement)

"Always good to win going into the Bye because you stay a winner for two weeks. A coach taught me that a long time ago and I'm sticking with it. We had a good time. My parents are in town. We're running around, going to flag football, volleyball, soccer – the whole thing."

(On if he watched the tape from the Seattle Seahawks game against the Detroit Lions to see a similar offensive attack against Detroit)

"Oh yeah. We played them last year, too, in Detroit. So, two games right there – really valuable stuff for us. Even on a micro level, just the techniques of how they play, the different shades that they play on the defensive front, some of the secondary players and how they stack up against similar bodies. D.K. [Metcalf] and Mike [Evans] are bigger guys, Chris [Godwin] is a bigger guy, so they can kind of see some of those things. Of course, they have a few new players, but it's really helpful. Honestly, just crossing over, there's some similarities with Detroit's offense. I really regard them highly and have kind of followed their progress over the last three years – just the development of their offense, the run game, the play actions, the attitude. It's really a style [where] I would love to look like that eventually as we put things together and really get polished. This is a team that's in their third year, looking pretty polished. That helps, too, for our defense, looking at some of the things they might see similarly to our attack on offense."

(On if he did any self-scouting over the Bye and what he'd like to alter)

"I really don't want to share a lot of that, as far as self-scouting [goes]. Some of the general things I would say is just [that] I love the variety of things we have and where we're headed. I think that's also a challenge for us – the styles of runs. We talk about this a lot with our running backs, understanding we have a bunch of different styles. When a certain run game goes a certain way – if you're a wide-zone team or you're a gap-scheme team and that's all you do – you get better, muscle memory happens faster. There's a little more challenge. My thought process long-term is that we have a product that's so much variety that we can attack different fronts different ways and be able to execute them all very well. We're not there yet. We have a long ways to go with those things, but that's kind of some of the things. And honestly, just really appreciating through four games the job that these guys have done – our offensive players: Baker [Mayfield], the whole group, the offensive line – finding a way to win games. Even if it's not going all smoothly, I think that league-wide that's pretty similar, but just finding a way to win in different situations was encouraging."

(On if he's seen progress in Tampa Bay's running game)

"I know one thing I shared with our guys, with our group, which I don't mind sharing with all of you is [that] there's going to be a game – in Seattle, it was different groups over different years – but there's going to be a game that is kind of like a statement game, where it all comes together, [where] the run game is hitting, the [play-] actions are there, not that you're perfect, you know? Known pass situations are crisp, the red zone passes are on time, all those things…there's a game that that happens and that's what we're striving for – for that game to come together for us, but at the same time, knowing while we're figuring things out, do we have enough offense to gain yards and make first downs? The Saints game was just one of those things – what are they giving us that we can take advantage of to just get a new set of downs so we can get a few more runs [and] so that we can take some shots? Things like that – trying harder for first downs."

(On the Lions defense and if they try to disrupt at the point of attack)

"Well, first of all, discipline. Everybody is where they're supposed to be. [Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator] Coach [Aaron] Glen has done a great job of really making sure they're gap sound, they're sound in their assignments and then just run like hell – run to the ball. When you look at their stats over the last couple of years, the explosive runs, there are just not a lot against these guys because it's group tackling. Even if a guy takes a shot and misses, there [are] two more guys running full speed to pick it up and finish the assist really quickly. I think those things, hand-in-hand, the discipline and the effort – absolutely. This is a group [where] really there's one guy to talk about in [Aidan] Hutchinson but '54' (LB Alim McNeil) is pretty fantastic inside and then the whole group in general, they play so well together and they all play tough. They never quit. Another great challenge for us up front."

(On Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson and needing to know where he's lined up)

"Every play, Hutchinson, where is he at? Is he on the right? Did they flip him over for a series? Just being conscious of that – whether it's the run game or the pass game."

(On how much growth he's seen in the offensive line)

"Yeah, a ton of development. Of course, Tristan [Wirfs] has played ball, a lot, but even just his level of comfort on the left side is huge. [Matt] Feiler is the guy who's kind of played in a similar spot and he really has brought kind of an experienced calm to the group where he's never really out of his frame – everything is controlled, he uses his hands with power. I think that's something that Cody [Mauch] can kind of see…here is this fantastic athlete – he wants to be an athlete all the time – but some times you just need to be controlled and have detailed hand placement and footwork. Of course, [Robert] Hainsey, just working through having a veteran on one side and a rookie on the other, him just being able to bring the whole thing together. They've been working through those challenges. I've seen a lot of progress there – you already talked about Luke [Goedeke], so I don't have to. It's still: we know what to do but mastering the different run types, mastering the [play-] actions and how the defensive line reacts to things. That's where we need to get to. Even up front – and I keep saying it about the whole group – that's where we're heading but we're not quite there."

(On if it's fair to say that WR Deven Thompkins plays bigger than his size)

"Yeah. [He is] lightning in a bottle. He brings juice. I shared with you guys, the ball finds energy. When he screams across the field, it grabs the eyes of the quarterback. You don't have to be that fast and quick – any size, any speed – when you break decisively, the quarterback sees you and then you find the ball. He's doing a great job with that."

(On if the team is better in the second halves of games because they're still getting acclimated to the offense)

"I would say so. I would say when you know exactly what you're doing and why, you just come out and it's like the first play is the 70th play. The execution is at a high level, there's no indecision up front with the quarterback, with the [running] backs, with everything. We're learning each other right now. Baker [Mayfield] is still learning how to throw to Mike [Evans], Chris [Godwin], all the other young guys, you know? So, that whole component is a part of it. We'd love to just come out and start ripping it from the first quarter on. I love the fact that our guys kind of regroup, see what's happening, we talk really quick in the half – we don't really make a big deal out of micro-adjustments and then we kind of move forward. We're the type of offense, from a character standpoint, that is built to finish – high-character guys, guys that are tough minded, guys that are great teammates. Nobody is flying off the handle at each other throughout a game, they just stay together, and then we finish. I love that about our group."

(On QB Baker Mayfield's decision making)

"Fantastic, right? Playing to win, playing to win the situation while we're learning stuff, playing to win the game, win the situation – where are we on the field? He's done a fantastic job of that, outside of a few decisions. That's the part that we kind of take for granted but he's playing really good football in this league, looking league wide. We're fortunate to have him here."

(On if the Lions play is a reflection of their Head Coach, Dan Campbell)

"Well, it's two of them, because [Lions Defensive Coordinator] Aaron Glenn, he's a competitor. You see him on the sideline [and] he's animated, he's fired up. If they give up something silly that they shouldn't have, he's flying off [the rails]. I think it's a combination of both guys. I don't feel like Coach [Dan] Campbell feels like he has to be over there, telling those guys what to do when they have a coordinator like Aaron Glenn, who's really leading the charge and demanding a lot out of that group."

LINEBACKER LAVONTE DAVID

(On the defense's propensity to create turnovers so far this season)

"It's just a mindset. We know that taking the ball away can change the game at any time. We definitely make an emphasis on that in practice – taking the ball away once you get your hands on the ball, you want to come down with it – forcing fumbles, whatever it may be. We know takeaways [are] a big part of the game and helps us change the game and it gives the offense a chance to get the football back. We always take pride in that."

(On if the defense can improve on forcing fumbles)

"For sure, that's the main thing. I put that on me. I take pride in that. When I have my opportunities, I go for it. Everybody else [does] the same thing. When those opportunities come, you want to see guys attacking the football."

(On him being the last remaining player to have worn the Creamsicle uniform previously)

"I am the only one. I am the only one. I've got a lot to brag about. I mess with guys and I'll be like, 'Hey, have you worn it?' Nobody has ever worn it, so I'm the only one who can brag about it and show them how to dress it up, show them how to look in it. I've got that title right now."

(On if he's keeping the Creamsicle uniform)

"Back then, I didn't know I could keep my jersey. They ended up taking it from me. I asked like maybe a couple years down the line and they said they gave them away. This one, I'm definitely keeping. I might even keep the helmet, as well."

(On DT Calijah Kancey and what he can bring to the defense)

"It's wonderful when you have a guy like that who can move and occupy the O-linemen and gives you a chance to react quicker and use your instincts more – especially when you're playing behind him and you know what he's going to do and make a quick move. It frees up stuff for you because he's disruptive and it gives guys like me and Devin [White] a kind of flow over the top and kind of run through gaps and stuff like that. We've seen glimpses of it. Obviously, the first time against Minnesota, he had a couple QB hits and stuff like that for 11 snaps. It's definitely dope to have him back. I know he's excited to get back. That's hometown [family] so I'm glad to have him back myself."

(On having the team mostly back at full health)

"It's lovely. When you get a bunch of guys and you know how they do things on the field and you get used to working with guys, to have all those guys back, you know how to communicate with them and stuff like that is a great feeling. Our defense is not our best when we don't have all our guys out there. Now that we have all our guys out there, we can reach our full potential. Hopefully we can keep guys healthy but you know how this football thing goes. The Bye Week was definitely helpful for a lot of us. It's pretty cool to get everybody back."

(On facing the Detroit Lions after they've started off the season so well)

"We already know what type of game it's going to be. We know what they bring to the table. We know what we bring to the table. We're looking forward to a full four-quarter football game. Obviously, we've got all the confidence in the world where we feel like we can pull it out. We feel like we've got a great gameplan going in. Obviously, they feel the same way. It's an opponent that we have a lot of tremendous respect for, so it should be a fun football game. We're looking forward to it."

TACKLE TRISTAN WIRFS

(On joking that he is QB Baker Mayfield's "handler")

"I'm not his handler. It's just if he gets in a situation, then I'm going to help him out. He talks a little crap. I did see that though yesterday, it was funny."

(On how the offensive line is coming together)

"I think it's been great. We are such a close-knit group. We just lean on each other for everything. We are happy with where we are at now, but we know there is a ton of work to be done. We have a lot of room to improve. I think we are close to last in yard per carry or something, and that's unacceptable for us. We have to be better and do what we can in the run game improve."

(On how comfortable he is at left tackle)

"Yeah, I'm feeling pretty good. It's just everyday finding something that I need to work on, that I want to focus on, and not just going out there and flying around with bad technique. [I am] just picking something to get better at that day. I'll have days where I feel really good, like I'm moving good, and everything is super natural. There are some [days] where I feel like I can't take a set, and I keep telling myself, 'How did it feel your rookie year doing technique on the right side.' It's going to come, and it's going to get to a point where I feel like I did the past couple of years. You know, I'm feeling great right now. I love [Offensive Line] Coach Joe [Gilbert], he's on me every day just helping me trying to be the best that I can be. I'm feeling good."

(On Pro Football Focus rating him the number one Left Tackle)

"That's awesome. I told myself, 'Don't let people dictate how you feel about how you play.' As players, we know how we did, if we played like crap, had an alright game, or whatever. I'm trying to play. Play at a level [that] I am happy about. Coming off the field [knowing] I gave it my all, I did my best, worked to the best of my ability, best technique I could do, [so] that's what I'm trying to do."

(On the mood preparing for the Creamsicle themed game)

"I think the mood has been great. [There is] definitely, an exciting atmosphere in here. We know it's going to be crazy in Raymond James [stadium]. They have all the orange lights going, we have all of our Creamsicle stuff, [and] seeing all of the pictures on Instagram is incredible. This summer, I did get a sneak peek of the uniform at the photoshoot, and they are pretty slick. I'm really excited, [and] I think everyone is going to be really happy on Sunday with how they look. Hopefully, we go out and have a great game as well."

(On Detroit Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson)

"Aidan Hutchinson is a great player. He's very high energy, very high motor, [and] everyone knows that. You know, he's relentless. He loves getting to the quarterback, so me and Luke [Goedeke] know what we are in for. We know what we have to do on Sunday. We have to come out with the same intensity like we always do, and go play to the best of our ability. We know as tackles what we have to do this week."

-BUCCANEERS-