HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES
(On NT Vita Vea's injury status)
"He's a little better today, so hopefully by Sunday, he should be at full tilt."
(On if Vea's injury happened at practice or in a game)
"No, it didn't happen in [either]. It was just sore. He came in and said it was sore. He got it checked out, so we're monitoring it."
(On the quick turnaround time to prepare for next Thursday night's games against the Buffalo Bills)
"We know it's coming once a year. It doesn't get any easier. Obviously, coaches have got to work a lot more late nights, players have to get their bodies back the right way. We'll focus on this one first, and see how we come out of this one, then we'll focus on the next one."
(On the team's attitude and how they approached practice this week)
"It's been good, like every other week. It's been good. We have a 24-hour rule. We don't revel in the win, and we don't carry losses with us. We're focused, we understand what we have got to do Sunday, and we're ready to play."
(On how important it will be to get off to a fast start offensively against Atlanta Falcons)
"We always try to get off to a fast start as team, not just the offense – as a team as a whole. It's not about the fast start that's going to be important, it's the end of the game if we have the final score in our favor that's going to be the most important. We want to start fast and finish stronger. If we do start slow, we have got to be able to come back and win the ballgame."
(On breaking the tie between both of teams chasing them in the division)
"Yeah, it's a little early for that. In Week 6, we are just trying to get better as a team and win ballgames. Again, it's great to win a divisional game, because that's always good to win a divisional game, but it's a little early to be looking at the other teams."
(On how the young tight ends are producing)
"They're doing a heck of a job in the run game. I think in the pass game when their number is called, for the most part, they've been producing. Obviously, with the receivers we have, they don't get their numbers called as much, but I like where they are in the passing game. I think as the season matures, they will help us down the line."
(On if he liked how TE Payne Durham played in his debut last week)
"Right now, I really like what he did. He's been practicing great. He's a gritty guy, he's tall, he's very good in the red zone as a target, he's tough out in space. We look for him to get some touches."
(On how he thinks S Ryan Neal can make an impact this week after Neal said he wasn't pleased with his play last week)
"Just from a fundamental standpoint and working on the things he's got to work on – not trying to make every play, but the make the plays that come to him within the defense, and he'll be fine."
(On why it's harder to score these days)
"I wish I could tell you that one. It's an offensive league, so I wish I could tell you that one. I do not know. I'm looking for that answer as well."
-BUCCANEERS-
