OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR JOSH GRIZZARD

(On his main takeaway from Monday night's loss against the Detroit Lions)

"I'd say as much as anything, the patience and how the game started and how well the defense was playing and trying to stick to some of the things we wanted to hit going in – lean on the run a little bit earlier. Then, a lot of the things we harped on going into the week: handling the crowd noise, not getting into some second-and-longs, and the turnover battle. This is really at the second game where we've had turnovers and now it's the second one we've lost. But, just the patience, trusting in the guys that it's going to be there, and again trying to establish the run a little earlier and just keep rolling with that."

(On having 50 pass attempts in Monday night's game)

"Yeah 50 throws in a game cannot happen. It's got to be through leaning on the run, trusting the run, and sticking to that – especially in the first half – being able to establish it. Once you got into the fourth quarter and it was, what, 13–14 minutes left and it essentially turned into a two-minute drill, then you're really forced to throw it. If we can handle that earlier on and keep that thing closer, that way we can now turn the fourth quarter into having an opportunity to run some of them, I think it evens the game out a little bit."

(On RB Rachaad White's heavy workload, and how he plans to get RB Sean Tucker more involved)

"Yeah, absolutely. It's not something we want to do, with Rachaad being in there for that amount of plays. It comes down to what you said on a lot of the pass-protection things, where he is so good in it, and it's in the two-minute drill where he's in there. To go back to the point about running the ball, the more that we can run it and establish it earlier, you're going to create longer drives. And at that point, Rachaad would be out, 'Tuck' (Sean Tucker) would be in there to spell him, have fresh legs, be able to go pound it. I think both those things go hand in hand: by being able to run it, then you split the carries up a little bit more with having more opportunities at it."

(On Detroit's heavy man-to-man coverage look and whether others will utilize that coverage against Tampa Bay moving forward)

"Yeah, they're really a man-coverage team. They're committed to that. They do a really good job of it – trying to disrupt you at the line of scrimmage. They had a good plan, and they got away from it a little bit in the Kansas City game and played a little bit more zone, but the man coverage showed up on tape. It is a copycat league, so when you see some of those looks, if people feel like they have success with that, we definitely have to have better options to get our guys open, to be able to run away from man to be able to ultimately convert those third downs and be able to continue the drives."

(On Tampa Bay's third-down struggles against the Detroit Lions)

"Yeah, they did a good job with it in terms of the man coverage and their plan on it. Again, we really need to have some things that get our guys in better spots – to be able to run away from that – to have some more throws. Then, there were some unfortunate ones too where we really got exactly what we wanted and we weren't able to connect. So, in those opportunities, we've really got to be able to exploit the defense on taking advantage of those man looks. It might not discourage them from doing it the whole game, but they at least have to think about if that's something they want to use moving forward."

(On QB Baker Mayfield being 'a bit off' against Detroit, and how Grizzard tries to coach him when that's happening)

"I think part of it starts off [with] I've got to give him a chance earlier in the game to get a little bit easier completions – that way he gets settled in. You get into the rhythm and the confidence of, 'Let's let this thing fly.' On the protection side of it, I think we did a good job on at times [and] there's other times where he didn't have much of a pocket to step up into, and that's something we addressed on the sideline as well. But I think being able to start and get some of those easier completions…Now you get into the rhythm of our standard pass game, still being able to push the ball down the field. He was calm through all of it. We didn't start off as well as we'd like – [we've] got to have a fast start – but he was good through the whole game. You saw him battle. He took some real shots out there. That's not shocking from the guy."

(On if using running backs and tight ends to help in the blocking game limits the amount of available targets to throw to)

"When it comes to that, every week when we start the protection meetings, especially on third down, if there's not time to throw and there's not time to give 'Bake' (Baker Mayfield) a good dish, then whatever routes we draw up are essentially for nothing. It starts with that. So, there were definitely times with trying to protect the pocket and having not as many eligibles out, but at the end of the day, [we've] got to give these guys a better opportunity through some of the scheme – even if we are only getting those guys out – to be able to win versus man coverage and get open."

(On how fond he is of using multiple running backs on the field at the same time)

"Yeah, we look at it in each window and on the early downs each week: does that give us the best opportunity to get into some of those packages with the two backs out there? It was something we really didn't lean on last week as much, but it's really a week-to-week thing on how much or how little we want to use it, or if it doesn't give us an advantage in that game."

(On G Michael Jordan returning from injury and transitioning from left guard to right)

"Yeah – he battled in there. I know there were some plays that he wanted back, but him being able to fight through and be able to get back to be on the field for his guys and battle…That's a really good defensive line – we said that going into it, especially getting Alim McNeill back. But again, he had some wins and he had some losses in there, and [we're] just expecting it to improve and him to get healthier."

(On Detroit DL Alim McNeill's interior disruption and its effect on the pocket/run game)

"Yeah, that goes to the game-plan side of it on the Mondays or Tuesdays, when you're looking at the game-wreckers, we call them – where you're looking at the [Aidan] Hutchinsons and the [Alim] McNeills and how we're going to handle those guys. That's part of it: being able to put the hands on Hutchinson – that way he can't rush the pocket – or, if we are running it, trying to get as many hands and as many guys on McNeill to handle him because he is a force. He's a hell of a player. I thought he did a really good job on his rehab and coming back, and he was definitely a force to be reckoned with in there."

(On WR Tez Johnson's continued progress and development)

"It's great to see because he just continues to improve each week. He is electric with the ball in his hands – had some big plays. His ability to keep running – I mean, it was not fun being in the two-minute drill for that long, but he was out there battling and wanted the ball. There [are] some rookie mistakes he's got to clean up, but he's in a really good spot. He comes out here and brings energy, and he's deserving of the ball."

(On continuing to handle additional injuries to the offense)

"I think everybody is banged up. I mean, we're dealing with injuries. I don't want this to sound bad towards the guys that are not in there – on Mike [Evans] and Chris [Godwin Jr.] and those guys – but I do find [and] I think as a staff we find enjoyment in the guys that are now having a chance to play: the Tez [Johnson]s, the Kam [Johnson]s, who have worked their whole life to get that opportunity. And who knows when that opportunity is going to come again? So, getting those guys prepared as well as possible to go out there and make plays because at the end of the day that's their shot, too. They've worked really hard to get to the league and deserve to get the ball, and that's on us to try to put them in that position. I find a lot of enjoyment in that."

(On younger players getting increased development by being thrust into game action)

"Absolutely. Anytime they can get on the field and they can take those game reps, and get the feel for how much faster the game is than practice…What's that coverage structure? How do we need to get open? Then, a lot of it is, when you're playing these teams, with free agency, you're playing the same player we might have played in San [Francisco] last year, we're playing this week. So, they have the banked reps of how does this guy guard this route? If he fast? Is he slow? That helps them as well, to have that memory bank of using the skills they used the previous year. Being on the field, they have invaluable reps to take that stuff to the field."

(On if the offense utilizes play action passing enough)

"I don't know who calculates what's exactly a 'play-action,' [but] I feel like we use a pretty good amount of play-action. I just don't know how they label it."

(On QB Baker Mayfield's comments about the New Orleans Saints' late hits)

"He's going to say what he's going to say. He's going to say what he's going to say. All good [laughs]."

(On what concerns him about the Saints defense despite their record)

"Yeah, they do not play like it at all. There's a lot of the same guys we saw last year. They've got a really veteran group. I think they're good – especially in the core of the defense. You see these [defensive] ends, these guys have been playing a long time…Both the stack linebackers – even going against Demario Davis back when I was in Miami and he was with the Jets – he's still playing at a high level. [Pete] Werner is, too. [They are] really well-coached. I've had some battles versus Coach [Brandon] Staley when he was with the Chargers and we were in Miami. So, good scheme – very similar to some of the schemes we've seen early in the season. They pose a lot of problems, especially in a hostile environment and an in-division rival."

RUN GAME COORDINATOR/OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS COACH LARRY FOOTE

(On giving up yards after catch on checkdown throws to the running backs)

"[We have] got to take away their space. We [have] to adjust, we [have] to know our leverage, we [have] to know how to attack those guys, but [we are] giving them too much space. We [have] to close in a little bit; we are trying to do too much. At the end of the day, we get paid to keep those guys on the ground. Those guys are hard, they are dynamic, as we know, but you [have] to fill the zone and [have] to vice tackles, do those things but we definitely have to address that."

(On the impact OLB Haason Reddick has had in the pass rush, and how he will go about filling Reddick's shoes after his injury)

"In that room, [he is] bringing that veteran presence. Even on Thursdays when we get together with the defensive line, talking about games, [he is] teaching guys, talking to the young guys and bringing that juice and energy. We know we [have] to account for him. I have been very pleased in the pass game with his drops. I feel like he does not like that, but he has been doing a great job of doing it and defending the run, but next man up. That is just the culture now, I am not surprised. I mean, just the state of the union with injuries. [General Manager] Jason [Licht] and [those guys] do a good job with backups. In this league, nobody is a backup, especially in October, everybody is a starter and next man up."

(On his confidence in OLB Anthony Nelson stepping into a larger role)

"I [have] confidence in Anthony Nelson. I showed the guys [that] there [are] banners in that indoor [practice field] because of him. He made some key plays for us through the years. We know what he brings, and he is confident and what an opportunity. He is going to make the most of it."

(On OLB Yaya Diaby benefiting from having OLB Haason Reddick take pass rush attention)

"You [saw] one the other night. [Haason Reddick] knocked the tackle back and Yaya [Diaby] was there to knock the ball loose. I mentioned earlier in the meeting rooms, [he is] teaching Yaya, just giving him little tips that I do not have, and just watching how he attacks the day [and] the energy he brings in practice. Yaya is ascending and Reddick has been helping big time."

(On how pleased he is with the pass rush having 10 sacks over the last two weeks)

"[We] still need more. [It is] just the juice; when you watch those guys and you talk to those guys and mention it to them, 'Hey, energy [and] juice.' All of the top sack leaders in this league are the best conditioned guys and you [have] to be able to go all day. [If] that quarterback [has] the ball [for] three seconds, you [have] to be hitting him. That is just the standard in that room, but I am looking for energy [and] they [have] to play on fire. As pass rushers, you have to be the best conditioned guys, and you have to be able to go all day. That takes a lot of energy out of you. You have to bull and power [those] big guys, but that is the standard. You [have] to have energy."

(On DL Elijah Roberts' development throughout the season)

"[He is] getting better. [He is] still a rookie, so those things -- he is going to do what rookies do. He is getting better, he is confident, but the arrow is definitely pointing up. He just has to keep being humble, keep listening, keep getting better, keep attacking the day and learn from your mistakes -- that is the big deal. Do not keep making the same mistakes. I like his energy, and he is confident. I expect big things from him."

(On S Tykee Smith's ability to be around the ball and lead the team in tackles through Week 7)

"I do not want to do that in here, because my guys [have] been fining me, personally, because I talk about him a lot on tape. I always mess with this generation, but he is one who could have played back in my day. He is mean, and I really challenge guys…You better watch his attitude, and you need that as a football player, especially if you [were] a guy like me, you need that extra edge to excel in this league and he plays with a chip, and you can see it. It is contagious, but I need more guys [to be] caught with whatever he has or being affected by whatever he has. I am pleased with him, and he likes the game, and you need that to be successful in this league."

(On if LB SirVocea Dennis is settling in playing the inside linebacker role)

"He is doing well. I think he had his first sack, he was 'geeked up.' I thought the last two weeks have been his best games. We know the weapons those guys [have], you are going to make some plays, but you have to stay confident. I thought his last two weeks [he has] been playing well for us."

(On OLB Chris Braswell Jr.'s growth behind the scenes)

"Well, just quote this: 'Opportunity.' I have been challenging him all week, opportunity, here it is. He is doing well; he is doing what we ask him to do -- he is limited with the reps, but every week he has been doing his job. A couple weeks ago [against] San Francisco, he made a big-time play in space, forgot what down and distance it was, but he is getting better. He is confident and what an opportunity to see him more this week."

(On OLB Chris Braswell Jr. learning the system and getting increased opportunities to get playing time)

"Absolutely, the last two years, he has just been [learning] a new system. We throw a lot at those guys coming from college. [He was not] asked to do that much, especially dropping, that really is not his forte. He is getting better -- that is what I have been impressed with, starting in training camp, that he knows the defense. He has not been blowing [assignments], he has not been getting [mental errors]. [Head Coach Todd] Bowles knows that, because if he was, he would have been like, 'Hey, get him off the field.' We have been playing him, now that [Haason] Reddick is down, next man up, so he is going to play more this week, and I am excited to see what he does."

(On what he has seen from OLB Mohamed Kamara)

"First of all, when you are on scout team, you want -- as a coach -- that our starters cool it off. He has been giving us great looks to a point where [they] are a little chippy in there, some of the old guys. He is bringing a ton of energy, especially on punt block team. Those guys have to buckle up with him, he is a big guy, explosive guy, but he has been giving us a great look that [is] what we need. I am excited to see him this week."

OFFENSIVE TACKLE TRISTAN WIRFS

(On how the pass protection felt with QB Baker Mayfield throwing the ball 50 times versus the Detroit Lions)

"You never want to get behind the sticks like that and then have it end up being a game where you are slinging it and they are pinning their ears back, that is never fun. I know we were all feeling that the next day, but we [have] to do our best to get the run game going so we are not in that situation, help everybody out and put it on our shoulders. Yeah, that was not fun.

(On if the "hostile environment" of Ford Field played a factor in the loss to the Detroit Lions)

I do not think so. It was pretty loud in there, but Seattle was loud a couple weeks before. We were there for the playoffs [and] the playoffs were louder than that when we were up there. I think it echoes in [Baker Mayfield's] helmet a little bit, so he is just trying to hear the calls, but no, I would not say it was crazy. I think most teams go on silent count up there anyways – silent count on the road – but, no I would not say that was anything."

(On playing the New Orleans Saints in Week 6 last season, and what he remembers about the running backs' performances)

"The thing I remember most was the last touchdown 'Tuck' (Sean Tucker) scored to get us to 50 [points]. I looked at him in the huddle, and I said, 'You better score this [thing].' It was good; we had a good day on the ground. Like I said, got them up to the second and third level. 'Tuck' runs hard as a mug, they all do. That was nice getting the run game going there and quieting that crowd down a little bit because it does get loud and rowdy in there."

(On playing against Detroit Lions' NT Alim McNeill in Week 7, and how tough it is for interior offensive linemen to go up against a guy of that stature)

"Yeah, it is tough. They got guys right on their nose, and that was his first game back. Going into it, we knew he was going to be fired up – they were all going to be fired up. I think [Head] Coach [Dan] Campbell had said something like, 'We are coming after Baker [Mayfield].' That was our thing, we [have] to do our best to keep them away from him – keep them off of him. [When he is] throwing it 50 times, they are going it get home; It is tough, but I think we knew they were going to be fired up, but [with] 'Lim' (Alim McNeill) coming back, we were excited for it. I know the inside guys love a challenge – we all love a test – it is not easy, but he is a good player. They have a good defensive line; they dial some stuff up, but we still [have] to pick it up, that is our job."

SAFETY TYKEE SMITH

(On how comfortable he is feeling playing more of a traditional safety role through the season)

"I feel [very] comfortable. What are we in, game seven? I am feeling comfortable as we get more games, the more reps I take and then like I said before, I think the coaches have done a really good job of utilizing me."

(On getting involved in the pass rush, having two sacks this year)

"I really like being able to get two sacks this year without being able to get them last year, so a big change in that department."

(On if his communication with S Antoine Winfield Jr. has gotten better throughout the season)

"Yeah, no doubt. I think our communication has definitely gotten better. Being able to play off one another and knowing what to expect from one another, just being able to hold one another to that standard. It is definitely a blessing going out there and play with [him] every week."

(On leading the team in tackles and how he approaches being involved in a lot of defensive plays)

"[I am] just trying to be involved in any play as much as possible. [I am] really just trying to make a play for my team anyway possible. That is me being involved in a run fit [or] playing up high. [I am] just trying to do a variety of things to help the team win.

(On what jumps out to him about the New Orleans Saints' offense)

"I think Spencer Rattler, the way he is leading the offense [in his] second year in the system -- new coach, but second year starting in the NFL. I think he is more experienced and the way he gets those boys going, they have some really good weapons on the outside that can run."

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER ANTHONY NELSON

(On stepping up into a bigger role due to the injury to OLB Haason Reddick)

"First thing is it sucks to see somebody go down, especially when we have been working so hard the last couple of months. Every opportunity is so precious, so to see somebody that works so hard going to have to miss some time, it sucks, but it is part of the job. It is part of what we battled through this whole year. We have had injuries everywhere at some point, but that is part of the responsibility. Everybody has got to be ready, we really lean on everybody, that is part of our culture here – [Head Coach Todd] Bowles does a really good job of instilling that. We lean on everybody to makes plays, so it is just another example of that."

(On if he feels ready to get more reps on defense)

"Yeah, I feel ready. We have been working hard all offseason, and everybody is going to step up. Like I said, it sucks, but it is part of the game. We are ready for the challenge, and we will keep it moving."

(On what he has seen from the New Orleans Saints offense)

"They [have] a lot of playmakers. They [have] a dynamic quarterback that can make plays with his legs [and] can make plays throwing the ball. They [have] good [running] backs, a good offensive line. They are a good team, especially offensively. They are doing a lot of good things; it is going to be a good challenge for us. Going to New Orleans is always a little hostile, a little fun for us. We are excited for that opportunity."

(On if having experience helps with the "next man up" mentality)

"It helps to have experience, but going back to what I said, kind of our culture is we really lean on everybody else. Everybody [has] to do their job and make plays, we are not really looking for one person to step up, everybody stepping up and [doing] their part. It is just a different way of doing that but definitely experience helps out."

(On what improvements he has seen from OLB Chris Braswell Jr.)

"Yeah, he has been getting better every day. I saw a big jump from last year to this year coming in through training camp. I am expecting over the next couple of weeks for there to be some breakout from him. He has been doing a lot of good things, and you know he is ready."

-BUCCANEERS-