OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR JOSH GRIZZARD

(On QB Baker Mayfield having a lower completion percentage to start this season compared to in 2024, and if it's due in part to the offense's aggressiveness in taking deep shots down the field)

"I think that's part of it. We placed an emphasis on trying to push the ball down the field really from the spring and he's done that. We just need to connect on them. There's some that we've just not connected on, whether it was an errant throw or dropped passes, but it's something we want to continue to do. It puts pressure on the defense [and] makes them defend 53-and-one-third yards versus some of the dink and dunk – at times that's needed as well – but being able to push the ball down the field and connect on those would be huge for us."

(On if he has a target completion percentage for Mayfield by season's end)

"I've never really looked at it like that necessarily in terms of an actual percentage for a goal going into the season. At the end of the day, we just want to have these guys open and be able to complete the passes. I know last year, you said it was around 70…I wasn't even sure what it was, but there's never really been an exact number that we're trying to hit right there."

(On WR Emeka Egbuka winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month)

"That was pretty cool. [Head] Coach [Todd Bowles] just actually told him out there so everybody was able to hear that together…We saw it even from day one of rookie minicamp in what he can do, and just being able to see the things from the Ohio State tape show up early and often in the spring and then now that it's happening in the games…It happens every game and it [was] fantastic to see another huge play that really brought some juice to the sideline when we were down, and people rally behind that. And, just the conversations he was just having out there with Mike [Evans] on how to run routes – these guys just soak in all the knowledge from Chris [Godwin Jr.] and Mike [Evans] and he's in a great spot right now."

(On the team's red zone struggles to start the season, and if that's due to the team's numerous offensive injuries)

"Yeah, I wouldn't say it's personnel whatsoever on it. Last week, we get down there and went backwards on first down, which was not good. We've got to have an efficient play in the first half. Then, the one to Bucky [Irving] we had out there on that bubble [screen] essentially was a shoestring tackle. We had a hat for a hat, so that one was close. It comes down to execution at the end of the day. Whether it's in the run game or whether it's in the pass game, being able to get seven [points] and not three. We talked about that a little bit in here on the four-point plays and how that can shift the game – but it's about the execution. And then 'Bake' (Baker Mayfield) hit on it – it is what it is with the interception right there. [That was] another opportunity down there in the low red, but something we definitely focus on each week and we've got to get seven points and not three points, or in that instance, zero points."

(On if the lack of targets for the tight end position are because the tight ends are being asked to block more with the injuries to the offensive line)

"It's that Cade and those guys [are] being selfless and being able to be in that alignment to try to help out on some of the protections where he's not necessarily getting out into a route, or if it is a route, it's not something that's vertical down the field. So, that's really where that's coming from. We do intend to try to keep getting him the ball when we can on those kind of things, but what he's been able to do – what those guys have done – by taking the team first and being able to say this is what's needed, at least at this current time, to get some of this stuff off…He never complains about it. [He] goes out to practice, had a hell of a practice today, and I hope to get him the ball moving forward."

(On WR Chris Godwin Jr.'s return)

"[It is] just great to see, just seeing him in pregame warmups, just welcoming him back. I mean it was a long journey – what was that, 11 months, something along those lines? He was back there in practice and talking to the guys and you [finally] get him in the meetings. Then, just seeing him out there because whenever the ball is getting thrown to him, you're assuming good things are going to happen…So, it was great to have him and I look forward to seeing him progress each week and get back to full strength."

(On Seattle already having seven interceptions and how much of a threat they pose in that regard)

"Yeah, it's definitely something when we put on the tape each week on how do we handle some of their game-wreckers from a defensive standpoint? Then, you look at other things that they do really well, and that is turning the ball over, and how we have to be great with our decision-making. We've got to be great with our route conversions if they are into certain coverages. That way, we're in the right spot for the quarterback, because they have some ball hawks back there. They do a really good job with it, and the D-line does a really good job of getting a pass rush, as well. So, we've got to be on top of that for sure."

(On the third-down conversion rate being down compared to last year)

"I wouldn't say it's one thing. It's really collective from each position group on being able to convert those. It's still early – we're still working through some things on that end of it, but it's something we focus on each week. Today is our third-down day in terms of focusing on that and the protections and getting the routes out there. It is definitely something that needs to improve because it allows you to sustain drives by getting that done. That was very common sense, but, starting the game like that last week on the two third downs, we've got to be able to convert those, stay on the field, and try to get the ball down the field to get some points."

(On how the offense changes if RB Bucky Irving is unable to play)

"It's something a lot like we do with the offensive line or the wideouts, where we've got all the confidence in the world in those guys on being able to play and step up and have a bigger role if he's not able to go. You try to tailor it to them like you would the offensive line on what can they do differently on a pass concept or a run concept to try to put those guys in position. I'm really fired up for Rachaad [White]. Rachaad in a really good spot. He's been doing a hell of a job this year really in the run and the pass game. So, if it gets to that, [I have] full confidence in him to go out there and make some plays."

(On who has taken over the running back room in the absence of Running Backs Coach Skip Peete)

"Yeah, so Blaine Stewart, one of our [quality control coaches] – he's able to handle those guys in the meeting room in terms of running it and the corrections from practice. Then, once we get on the field, it's been really by committee because then he goes to the scout team side of it. So 'Fence' (Kefense Hynson), the pass game coordinator, he's able to help. Thad [Lewis] has been able to help on just the communication on what do we need to adjust here, who's in the game. So, I wish Skip nothing but the best, I talked to him last night, talked to him this morning, and [we've] just been able to adjust that to Blaine [Stewart] and go from there."

(On WR Emeka Egbuka drawing top coverage with WR Mike Evans out)

"Yeah, you saw a little bit of it last week with [Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Coordinator] Vic [Fangio]. He was putting the cloud over top of 'Mek' (Emeka Egbuka) a little bit that you would generally see, from that scheme, going to Mike [Evans]. So, it's something we will – and he will – have to adjust to if it gets to that, based on the defensive structure of that week. But we'd like to believe, whether it's 'Mek' (Emeka Egbuka) or Mike [Evans] or any of these guys – we move them around a lot where they're not just singled up to the boundary or in the slot to the field or number one to the field, where it's a little bit hard to get a beat on exactly where they're at. It definitely could happen moving forward."

(On RB Josh Williams' behind-the-scenes work in practice)

"Even from the time that he got here, you could tell…As a rookie, it's hard to be a pro's pro as a rookie, but just the way that he studied and the way he communicated…One of the things he just told 'Bake' (Baker Mayfield) in one of the protections during practice was not something you would hear from a rookie. I don't want to get into the schematics of it, but even in the walkthrough that we had yesterday on the reps that he was in there – he knows what to do, knows where to go, and when the ball's in his hands, he's a really good player. So, we're excited for him."

(On potentially getting RB Sean Tucker more involved)

"Yeah, I think it's [dependent on] each week on what are those plays where we want to get him in there to try to get him the ball? Then, once you get in the game, sometimes those are adjusted based on how it's going, if one guy is getting more or less. Last week, of course, got a little sideways early in terms of the score, so it made it a little bit harder to try to get the ball to different guys, but he's doing a good job in practice, and his time will come."

(On kickers being able to make field goals from longer distances and if that alters his line of thinking as an offensive play caller)

"Yeah, that's a very good question and it's something I've thought about, but we do want seven [points]. So, once we get to that point… And, Vic [Fangio] should know – Vic golfs a lot – so, he knows the ball goes further when it's hot outside, he should know that as well."

DEFENSIVE PASS GAME COORDINATOR GEORGE EDWARDS

(Opening Statement)

"In preparation for this week, guys have really locked in and we are just trying to look at different personnel groupings and those kind of things. These guys use a lot of different personnel groupings. They are good at run and play-action on first and second down -- probably as good as anybody in the league -- and we have to do a good job at keeping leverage in the run game and in the pass game."

(On if the Seattle Seahawks want to run the football)

"No question about it. They have got two really good backs, they are good up front. There is no doubt it. They are ranked in the run game in our league, I mean they are going to do it. I was with [Klint] Kubiak in Minnesota for about three or four years and that tree is going to run the football and the play-action is set up right off of it. It will be a tough task for us, but we are looking for it as we keep preparing through the course of the week."

(On the difficulty of figuring out where reserve players will fit on a defense due to injuries)

"It is definitely tough. At the end of the day, right now you are trying to get the best 11 out there to be able to handle situations that they are going to put you in from an offensive perspective. We feel good where we are at right now, and we will just follow it through the course of the week and see how everybody comes to the game. When that decision is made, [we have to] make sure that we are good as far as matchups and what we are trying to get accomplished."

(On what he would point to as the success for not allowing the Philadelphia Eagles offense to get going in the second half of Week 4)

"I think guys got focused after the first 15 plays. I think everybody locked in and were accountable, holding to their responsibility within each call and each situation. We have a good group of guys. They believe in what we are doing, they work hard at it and I think the competition part of it -- they are competitive -- and really wanted to go out there and compete at the hardest level."

(On DL Elijah Simmons and DL Elijah Roberts)

"Both are doing a good job. We thought seeing [Elijah Roberts] come in, he would play the pass very [well], pretty easy. He was a very good pass rusher coming out, but he has done a good job in the run game as far as keeping his pad-level down and him understanding what we are trying to get accomplished from block protection to destruction to getting off blocks and making plays. From that aspect of it, he will continue to grow, hopefully, as we keep going down the road. The other one (Elijah Simmons), when he came in, we saw what we saw on tape. Our scouting department did a great job of catching us up to speed. He came in and just hit it running. He is a very explosive guy inside, as you saw last week coming off the ball, really wreaking havoc in the backfield. We are excited to see that out of him and look forward to keep working with him as we continue to go forward."

(On NT Vita Vea's production four weeks into the season)

"Vita [Vea] is one of those players that comes along every once in a while. Ever since I have been here, I have said it, he is one of those players that there is not much that he cannot do. I have even gone back and looked at him from when he was in High School as a tailback and all that. I am telling you now, that guy is a phenomenal athlete, he is a hard worker and a great team guy. [He is a] great teammate, great locker room guy, so he can pretty much get done what he needs to get done. I am excited to be a part [of it] and glad he is on our team at the end of the day."

(On NT Vita Vea's endurance during games being better)
"He did a good job of getting isolated inside on pass protection last week and being able to come off and get some sacks. Vita [Vea] is doing very good right now. We are very pleased where he is at and look forward for him to continue to get better as we keep going down the road."

(On how hard it is to get interceptions on defense)

"The big thing is we have to do it in practice, we have to emphasize it in practice, we have to emphasize it with every opportunity. We have gotten our hands on balls and have not closed the deal. I know that does not count, because we are not playing horseshoes at the end of the day. That is one of our main goals is to get turnovers, to set up our offense in a scoring position and those things. It will just keep coming, and it is going to come in bundles as it keeps coming as we keep emphasizing it and getting guys to focus on bringing it in and catching a football as it comes to them."

(On what is working for QB Sam Darnold in Seattle's offense)

"I think he is really operating their offense at a high level. This system -- like I said, I was with them for a while in this system -- you can just tell through his reads and his progressions, he is getting the ball out of his hands, he understands what they are trying to accomplish unselfishly in the run game, with the play-action, doing a good job with the play-action fakes to try and get the ball down the field. He has done a good job looking off in coverage where he is looking to one side, going to the other, so you can see he has grown a lot over the course of his career. I know he has been in a couple of different systems, this system is very similar to the [Los Angeles] Rams, so I think he has a lot of carry over there. I think there is a lot of similarities to Minnesota [Vikings]. I think of the last few years, him being in very similar philosophies offensively, I think it has helped him grow as a player. He is really having a good year, [he] had a good year last year, but really is kind of taking off of that."

SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR THOMAS MCGAUGHEY

(Opening Statement

"Obviously, over the last couple weeks, there have been some plays that have been made, the game-changing plays…We know that we can't do that, right? I mean, it goes without saying in this league, it's hard enough to beat your opponent on game day, and then you're trying to beat yourself and the opponent – like, it just doesn't happen. So, all of those things, we've addressed them. The two blocked punts, the blocked field goal, fundamentals, techniques, simple day-one stuff that we've all coached from the beginning. It's frustrating. Nobody is more frustrated than I am, and the guys in the room. You know, guys are really disappointed, just to start off the way we did, having a good Week One, and then regressing the way we have. It's extremely disappointing, but collectively as a group, our job is just to get better. Our job is to get better, to make sure that we're working on our individual fundamentals and techniques, our individual skills, and we're all working to get better. And it starts with me, right? Including myself. And more than anything, we had some of those plays in games that we won, but we know moving forward that you can't do that. That's the whole goal: just to get better as a collective – with our specialists, with our interior, and all of the core guys – just making sure that we're getting better every week, because like I said, that's our mantra in the room. We're always trying to get better daily, and just working to make sure that we have a positive impact on the game, right? And winning because of, not in spite of [our unit]."

(On if P Riley Dixon needs to speed up his kicking cadence)

"His get-off time is not [really] slow. If you go back and you look at a lot of the punts that he's had blocked, it hasn't had anything to do with Riley. There [have] been a couple that have been kind of not good for him, you know, but I've coached Riley for five years and I know exactly who he is and what he likes to do and how he likes to do it, and we've just got to make sure that he's comfortable with the protection around [him]. We've got to make sure that protection is tight [and] all of that stuff, so he can have a nice, comfortable pocket. It's no different than Baker [Mayfield] being back there being able to throw the ball. It's the same thing – you can't be flinching in a pocket, right? We've got to be able to just give him a nice pocket where he can punt and feel comfortable."

(On if opposing teams will try and target Tampa Bay's vulnerabilities on the special teams unit)

"That's part of the territory. When you put chum in the water, the sharks are coming, right? That's just what it is. And I tell our guys: when you put stuff on tape, in this league, they're going to run it until you stop it. All of the stuff that we've seen – the jumpers, the wide rushers – we're going to see that stuff. Big guys in the A-gap – we're going to see it, right? That's this league. It's a copycat league. 'We'll see if they've got it fixed,' right? So that's what it is."

(On if the blocked field goal against the New York Jets was more of a "freak athletic play" compared to a technical breakdown)

"It was a freak athletic play, but it's something that we always talk about – making sure we get our eyes up so you can see the rush. Then, situationally, just knowing who's where. [Will] McDonald is outside the whole game, then all of the sudden he's not out there…Well, where is he? He's inside, right? He isn't coming in on a bull rush to [the] guard, right? He's a big athletic guy that has length. So again, [it's] just situational awareness and just understanding what to do and when to do it."

(On if other interior players are supposed to help LS Evan Deckers block the inside pass rush)

"Yeah, those guys that were supposed to help him, they've been addressed, and they know that that's a day-one install…Punch eye level and above, get a two-step shuffle, right? Don't let your punch outweigh your responsibility, but make sure that you punch and help the guy next to you. The punch is not for you; it's for the guy next to you, right? He knows that. He knows that, and he's kicking himself in the butt [because of] it."

(On comparing the blocked punts versus Houston and against Philadelphia)

"It's two totally different rushes. Yeah, that Houston rush was a totally different rush than what we got against [Philadelphia]."

(On if there will be any potential personnel changes in protection)

"We've made some changes, and that's an ongoing deal. You're going to have changes because of injury. You're going to have changes because of trying to make sure all the right guys are in the right spots. That's something that happens daily and weekly with us."

(On what he likes from his unit's return game so far this season)

"Obviously with Kam [Johnson] doing what he's doing – he has been really dynamic back there. This unit has come together quickly. [Keith] Tandy has done an outstanding job with the vice on the outside, and these guys have done a really good job just to be able to get the return started. You look at the gross numbers of punts, and they're big numbers, right? So these guys are out-kicking the coverage, and the punt return averages are probably higher than I've ever seen them as far as returns. But yeah, we're taking advantage of it, and it's been pretty good for us. Kickoff return, if we had the one that got out past the 50[-yard line], I would have felt a whole lot better about that. You know, it's kind of [tough], but it is what it is. It's coming together. It's coming together."

(On WR Kameron Johnson's specific skillset as a returner)

"His short-area quickness, his play strength. Kam is a smaller guy, but he's not small at all. He's a very compact, strong runner. He has really good short-area quickness, he can stick his foot in the ground, he can change direction, and he can run through arm tackles and he just loves it. He's embracing his role as a returner right now. It's something that we saw in him last year, but he had the high-ankle sprain and all that stuff so we worked on this offseason, and it's fun just to see him grow."

(On kickers being able to make field goals from longer distances, and whether the kicking balls are "juiced")

"I think more than anything, it's like our game…When you look at linemen from the '80s and '90s, they were big, but they didn't look like Dexter Lawrence, right? They didn't look like Tristan Wirfs, right? The kickers are the same. These guys work together differently. Their legs are getting stronger. And let's just be honest – and I love Chase [McLaughlin] to death, he's my guy – but he had a little wind, right? You've got the wind behind you. It's 90,000 degrees outside, right? It's hot. You can compress the ball, and now it's a perfect situation – it's literally the perfect situation. You've got some of these other guys like the guy in Dallas [who is] just a freak. He kicks a 64-yarder and it's probably good from 72. Some of these guys are just different. They've got big, strong legs, and it's the game – everybody's getting bigger, stronger, and faster.

(On kickers also being more accurate than ever before)

"Absolutely. Absolutely. Most of the top five kickers, top six, are normally in the 90 [percents]. That's unheard of. These guys are good. They're really good. From the 50-to-60 range, it's ridiculous, it's like seventy-something percent. These guys are really, really good."

RUNNING BACK RACHAAD WHITE

(On what challenges the Seattle Seahawks defense present)

"Obviously, they have great size up there. The coach comes from a Baltimore [Ravens] background and things like that, so just a lot of similar things we [saw] last year with Baltimore, but obviously different players. The front is huge; they allow their linebackers to play without being touched. It is a tough task, we [have] to come in and play fast and get off the ball in the run game, but I think we are up for the challenge."

(On if the chemistry with the offensive line felt good after T Tristan Wirfs returned in Week 4)

"Yeah, it has been pretty tough when we have been battling the injuries up there and guys have been coming in -- stepping in -- and moving from position-to-position. I would say those guys are athletic up there, for sure, being able to move around. Guys being back at their natural position that they have been playing, and the camaraderie and consistency is getting up there, [so] we feel pretty good about it."

(On the team emphasizing the need to start faster at the beginning of games)

"Yeah, that is the biggest thing. We definitely [have] to be able to start fast. I think the key thing is getting into good position, regardless of what it is and trying to stay on the field. That is the name of the game, longer drives and tire the defense out, so we are going for that."

(On how Running Backs Coach Skip Peete is doing after a medical episode during walkthroughs on Wednesday)

"There is a lot going on in the running backs room right now. It is a good thing he is doing alright. He texted us in the group chat -- running back group chat -- we [were] all texting back and forth, he said he was feeling good. I do not expect [anything] less from him, we have a bunch of dogs in that room, and he is a dog himself. He is doing great, and we are happy."

(On the team's reaction to WR Emeka Egbuka winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month)
"Everybody was excited. 'Mek' (Emeka Egbuka) is special. He is special, everybody sees it, everybody knows, but just the things he does and what he brings. He is a rookie, but it seems like he is not a rookie. We are happy for him, obviously we have to keep it going and we all [have] each other's backs."

-BUCCANEERS-