HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On CB Zyon McCollum's availability for this Sunday's game against San Francisco)

"He got a thumb procedure done. We'll see how he feels toward the end of the week. It's going to be touch and go."

(On if McCollum could play through his thumb injury)

Presumably – we'll see how his pain level is. That's what it's going to depend on."

(On if McCollum's injury happened in Week 5 against Seattle)

"It happened before the game. It actually happened a week ago. He played with it and we taped him up and casted it up for him.

(On if McCollum could potentially play this Sunday)

"Right now, yes."

(On the San Francisco 49ers' defense under Robert Saleh)

"They play fast, number one, very fast. They're very good up front with games and stunts and they play powerful. The linebackers are not only big, but they can run, they can cover, and they can knock you down. The secondary plays very smart and they play very disciplined football. With Robert going back there, he's done a heck of a job with that group."

(On the challenge of defending San Francisco RB Christian McCaffrey)

"The challenge is everywhere. The biggest thing is the 'YAC' (yards after catch) yards. You don't mind him catching checkdowns, but he's so good with it after the catch that we've got to rally to the ball. We've got to get people around him."

(On if the Buccaneers have improved covering the flat since the Atlanta game)

"We've made some strides in the short passes not going long yards. We can still be better at that, but we've made a lot of strides in just playing disciplined that way."

(On the injury outlook for cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Benjamin Morrison)

"Dean is in play. We'll see what he does tomorrow, but he's in play. Morrison – I haven't seen enough of him."

(On WR Mike Evans' rehab progress)

"He's coming along. He's healing. I can't tell you how fast or when, but he's healing and he's working, trying to get back as fast as he can."

(On if there's many differences between how the 49ers operate their offense under quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Mac Jones)

"I think it's the same. Mac is very smart. Brock is very smart. Brock has been in it longer, so he's been throwing the ball and he can throw it around a little better, but Mac has picked it up well, and they haven't missed a beat."

(On the key to being able to convert more explosive passes downfield this season)

"I think it's setting them up. He does a very good job throwing the underneath stuff and setting those plays up, and the guys do a great job designing plays to try to get those shots down the field. We've given Baker [Mayfield] enough time to hit them, and he's hit them."

(On why there have been so many late game-winning drives across the league this season)

"There's a lot of parity in this league right now. Without a lot of people playing in training camp, these first five weeks are really preseason ball games as far as penalties and getting everybody on the same page and doing those types of things. Hopefully that calms down, and hopefully we can do the right things and cut down on the mistakes and stretch the games out a little bit and not win them at the end. It's been like that all over the league and you see it every week."

(On if there's one trait or characteristics that allows teams to perform well in last-minute, game-winning situations)

"It's a matter of situational football, whether it's two-minute, red zone, third down…You've got to be very good at something in critical stages of the game, then you have to execute it. That takes all parties involved – players, coaches. Injuries play a part in a lot of those things, and you try to do that the best you can while you get on your feet."

(On whether there will be fewer close finishes later in the season)

"I can't speak for other teams, but I would hope that we get on a roll, start going, and stretch games out. Everybody else, I can't speak for."

(On his assessment of RG Luke Haggard and RT Charlie Heck over the last few weeks)

"They've done a great job settling in. You forget we're missing [RG Cody Mauch and RT Luke Goedeke] and you forgot it the last game because they played so well. They play hard and tough, and they prepare that way. 'Carbs' (Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Kevin Carberry) and [Offensive Line Coach Brian] Picucci have done a great job getting those guys ready and settling them down to where we understand the things they do well and try to execute those things in the game."

(On his assessment of the team's overall pass protection)

"It's always good. Baker [Mayfield] can move around as well and make it even better. He can do some things to help the pass protection, but for the most part, I thought they set up well and gave him some time."

(On Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard's performance through five games, and what Grizzard has done well so far)

"Just his calmness…You get better every week. The first game is not going to be like the fifth game. You get a better understanding of your players; they get a better understanding of you. You get a better feel of how you call it, what you'll call, what you won't call, and the feel for the game starts opening up for you. You saw it open up for him last week, and you like the progress he's making."

(On if opposing quarterbacks are getting rid of the ball quickly to avoid sacks)

"It's coming out quick – it's been coming out a lot quicker this year, understandably so with everybody just starting out and all the injuries going on. It's coming out awfully quick. We've had free runners that couldn't get there. We've just got to keep grinding, keep going, try to mix it up, and make him hold the ball a little longer."

(On signing RB Owen Wright to the practice squad and what it signals about RB Bucky Irving's status or if the move was just for depth purposes)

"It's a little of both. We needed another running back for the practice squad – practicing those other guys with Rachaad [White] playing and then Sean [Tucker] bumped up and obviously Josh [Williams] bumped up. We need another guy for the practice squad to get all those reps in there. Owen had a good preseason for us."

(On if there's any update regarding RB Bucky Irving's injuries)

"No. It's still his ankle and it's still his shoulder. He's getting better by the day, so we'll see."

(On visiting fan presence at home games and whether it's a factor)

"I think it's like that in the state. I spent some time in Miami and a lot of people from the East and the Northwest have homes down here – snowbirds and everything else. You're going to get a lot of transplants, so you're going to get a lot of fans from other teams. I kind of got used to that in Miami. That doesn't mean we don't have our own crowd – we have a bunch of fans coming out and [supporting]. You see them. You can't fault somebody for living in Florida and rooting for their home team. Obviously, you want the stands to be all red and pewter or creamsicle, but other fans don't really bother us. We play our game, and if we win ball games, our fans will be louder than theirs."

(On what's different about this year's team compared to last year's when it comes to finding ways to win close ballgames)

"It's always one or two more plays, but it's a maturity factor and an understanding of everybody playing smarter football too – Rachaad [White] going down in bounds, Lavonte [David] making the game-winning interception…It's just the small things in two-minute [situations] that we didn't get done last year."

(On why San Francisco Head Coach Kyle Shanahan's offense is difficult to game plan against)

"He's a great coach. He studies himself very well. They change all the time. They do a great job of self-scouting themselves, understanding what you're looking at, and changing those things up. They have great players that can execute."

(On if analytics and the advisors he has on staff are making him a "bolder" coach)

"I don't think [Director of Football Research] Zach [Beistline] has made me a bolder, [more] aggressive coach. It's great to have the knowledge. I think he's helped us a great deal this year – that's a very underrated hire that we really like [and] that we're really pleased with. It's not just me, it's the other coaches as well…He was a great hire for us. He does a great job at getting the players aware of the penalties, the referees, the week ahead, and everything else. He's been outstanding."

(On how current injury adversity can help later in the season)

"Hopefully that comes with wins. If you can stack wins early and get your star players back later. That helps you solidify the second half of the season, get on the same page, and hopefully get on a roll. With guys getting experience and playing early – and us winning in the process – it can't do [anything] but help us."

(On whether QB Baker Mayfield can play any better than he currently is, and if there are any other players in the league that mean more to their team than Mayfield has meant to the Buccaneers this season)

"For me, no. The other 31 coaches are probably going to stand up here and say the same thing about their quarterback. I love what he's doing right now. I love the way he's playing. I love the space he's in, mentally and physically getting it done. The mastery of the offense in his second year has really done a lot. Them understanding and communicating what he likes and doesn't like, and him throwing to the open guys and making everybody better, has really helped. I'm very proud of that."

QUARTERBACK BAKER MAYFIELD

(On how much fun he is having right now and what was emphasized going into Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks)
"It is a good amount. Wins help that. We talked about starting fast, prior to the Eagles game we did not, we over-emphasized that and guys did that. Early on, we did not get the touchdowns like we wanted, did not end in seven [points], but guys mentally were locked in and that was really the point of emphasis. For me, always have a lot more fun when we do what we talk about."

(On if it was fun having the last word with a Seahawks fan after winning the game in Week 5)

"Pretty fun."

(On how the narrative surrounding him has changed later on in his career)

"I try not to get too high, not get too low, which is something that I was not doing early on in my career. Early on in my career, it is looked as cocky and immature, [and] now it is moxie and 'He is a dog.' Same [crap], different day. As long as you play well, they change the narrative. You just have to be yourself and I have always been like that."

(On his growth as an NFL player and an individual)

"At the core, [I am] definitely the same, but matured in different ways. [I am] not worried about little things that really do not matter Now, [if] you put it in the landscape of competitive football games in that atmosphere? That will never change."

(On if he needs to get angry to play better)

"What are you saying...? No, I do not. As a competitor, I enjoy it and that is something our team as a whole is kind of wound like that, so I enjoy it."

(On what changed within the offense to be able to hit deep throws more consistently against Seattle)

"First and foremost, protection. Thought the guys played really, really well. You have to start there if you are trying to push the ball down the field. [Also], guys just being on their landmarks within the timing of the play, trusting what they are seeing and doing what they are doing in practice and translating it to the game. [It is] just overall execution and giving these guys a chance -- not trying to overthrow it. I know if you look back to the two-minute drive against the [New York] Jets, that is one of those throws to Tez [Johnson] -- on the first play of the two-minute drive -- overthrowing him, not giving him a chance. That is something that just cannot happen. [I have to] give our guys a chance, they are too damn good not to be able to get those contested catches."

(On what the most impressive thing about Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard is through the first five games of the season)

"I have said this, all play-callers, the really good ones -- great ones, whatever you want to say -- adjust to their personnel. We have had to do that with the rotation on the offensive line, injuries at receiver and skill groups. He has done that, has not flinched and that is a lot on his plate, but he has handled it really well."

(On the confidence they have to be able to execute on third-and-long plays)

"Last week was really the first resemblance of last year's third down. Real, true execution on whatever play we have called. Guys doing their job and their job only and doing it at a high level. That has got to be the point of emphasis now that we have seen that we can do it. You do not want to be in those third-and-long situations very often, but we are able to execute. So, guys know that, and it just goes back to the details."

(On TE Cade Otton's versatility and unselfishness within the offense)

"Cade [Otton], just a trustworthy guy, completely selfless. He really cares about winning. He has always been like that; he will do a lot of dirty work. I have told you guys he does not get a lot of credit for it. [In] our key games, he has been a huge difference maker, whatever role or capacity he has, and he is willing to do it."

(On how he is able to be calm during high-intensity moments during crucial drives in games)

"You have to be able to compartmentalize. We have to be able to focus on the main thing and in the two-minute drive, that is how do we execute the little things? I have told you guys, the faster you play, [the] defense's calls go a little bit more simplified and so, you really have to do the little things right. Taking your mind back to the basics and fundamentals of what scheme we have called, whatever play it is, and going from there."

(On if he puts himself into a different headspace during two-minute situations)

"We rep it so much and it is a huge part of our game plan. [We are] talking about what do they do before the half and [at the] end of the game? That is pretty standard around the league, but guys know, and they have seen that those meetings are really, really important for us. We have to be able to execute in those moments and be on the same page."

(On what it is like playing against San Francisco LB Fred Warner)

"When you play linebackers of that caliber, their recognition on plays is quick, and so you have to be able to manipulate them with your eyes. When you look at the [Los Angeles] Rams versus [San Francisco] 49ers game, there is a chess match [between Matthew] Stafford and [Fred] Warner with [Stafford] trying to get [Warner] out of the spots. You have to know where he is at all times. He can do everything. [He] runs to the ball, kind of sets the tone for the defense and he has been doing that for years. We have to know where No. 54 is and not let him ruin the game for us."

(On if he deserves more credit for his football IQ)

"That is something that the longer you play quarterback, the more you have to refine that and be able to process information quicker. [I am] not worried about credit, it is more so how quickly can I recognize things and get guys on the same page? That is the importance there."

(On if he listens to what is being said about him in the media during the regular season)

"That goes back to earlier talking about not getting too high and not getting too low. Whatever is being said is a testament to the offense and the group that we have…Individual accolades and recognition, you never have it on your own. This is the greatest team sport for a reason, so [I am] always trying to remind myself that and realize I cannot do it without the guys next to me."

(On what has made the connection with WR Emeka Egbuka click)

"He is just pretty damn good, that is about it."

(On having WR Tez Johnson gain more of a role in the offense throughout the season)

"[He is] a guy that is dynamic for us. [He] can stretch the field vertically [with] his speed. Obviously, you guys saw the agility that was showcased, but [he is] just a guy that the more he plays, the better he is going to get when it comes to recognition on coverage and adjustments on routes. It is great to have him come along, especially because we truly need him."

(On WR Sterling Shepard coming in clutch against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5 by catching a game-tying touchdown with a minute remaining in the game)

"Very clutch. [I am] still mad at him, [he] was not nearly as excited for a touchdown as anyone expected. He was not himself and he needed to get called out for that."

WIDE RECEIVER STERLING SHEPARD

(On what it is about this team that allows them step up in big games)

"I think the makeup of this team is right where we need it to be. We have seen a lot of guys that have had to step up, make plays and fill in for other guys. We have had a lot of injuries early in the season, and I think that is what it takes, the guys behind the starters being prepared to step in and do the job just like the starter would do. I think that is what makes this team special. [When we are] getting in those crucial situations, everybody just being locked in and having the mentality of, 'We are going to go down and do this.' Those have been key for us."

(On why QB Baker Mayfield deserves to be in the MVP conversations)

"I think his play speaks for itself. [That] man plays every play like it is his last, and it feeds off to the team. He puts us all in the right position [and is] just playing great football. Like I said, I think his play stands out and speaks for itself."

(On what it is like being in the two-minute huddle with QB Baker Mayfield)

"[You] just see that he takes command of the whole thing. He is getting everybody lined up, we try to do our part in getting lined up quick, but he is orchestrating the whole thing. You just have a lot of confidence with him. You know that no play -- even if it breaks down -- he is going to be one of those guys that is going to extend the play, and you have to just be alert for that."

(On QB Baker Mayfield being relaxed in the huddle during pivotal drives during the games)

"I have been in a lot of huddles and in crucial situations like that, you may have some guys that are weary if we are going to go down and do this or not, but if you look in everybody's eyes in that moment, everybody has belief [in him] and everybody is locked in on their job."

(On what has been the key to success for closing out close games)

"I think our second year in this offense has been key to our success. Guys are locked in and know what the coaches expect for us. It all comes down to execution and coaches are going to call what they are going to call, but it is up to us to go out there and execute the play and make it work sometimes. Sometimes it is not going to be how you drew it up and we are able to work off the fly and with the look that we are given, we are able to make it work. I think that has been a huge part to our success."

(On how hands-on he has been with WR Emeka Egbuka's development during Egbuka's rookie season)

"He does not need much hands-on. You guys are seeing him as a rookie, and he is a rookie, but none of us in the building look at him like that. He does everything the right way. [He is] very smart, the way he prepares is like no other. [There] is not too much you need to say to that young man, he is beyond his years, for sure."

SAFETY TYKEE SMITH

(On what they learned from last week's game against the Seattle Seahawks)

"The biggest learning lesson I would say is us being able to put the fire out when it was time. [For] us, being able to go out there and get that last stop [and] Lavonte [David] making a big-time play."

(On LB Lavonte David continuing to make big plays after 14 seasons in the NFL)

"[It is] always very special. [For me], just being out there and being able to play with Lavonte [David], he [has] been in the league for [14 seasons], so I kind of make jokes about him because he has been in the league since I was 11 and now, he is my teammate. That is the craziest thing, so I call him 'Unc' out there. I [get] really excited to just be able to play with him every game."

(On what the defensive key is for going up against the San Francisco 49ers)

"Eliminate explosive [plays]. Try to maintain Christian McCaffrey and making sure everybody is on the same page, running to the ball and playing with some energy starting fast."

(On what the key is to containing RB Christian McCaffrey both t in the run and passing game)

"He is going to get plays, but the biggest thing is making sure he does not get any 'YAC' (yards after catch) yards. So, making the tackle, not missing tackles and playing gap-sound football."

(On if there is a difference playing against QB Mac Jones or QB Brock Purdy)

"I think both [of those] quarterbacks are really good. I think the system they run is really [good]. I do not think there is too much of a difference, but the team is definitely on a roll with both quarterbacks, so that is really special."

-BUCCANEERS-