OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR JOSH GRIZZARD

(On RT Luke Goedeke returning to play against the Patriots in Week 10, and how much Goedeke helped out in the team's rushing attack)

"Yeah, it never hurts to get a starter back. So, having him out there and a little bit like we talked about last week – being a tone setter and the way he practices and communicates – was huge. And then, I thought we did a better job, as well, of getting a hat on a hat and committing to that on some of the runs that we had talked about that might have been five or six yards and now they turned into…I think we had a couple that were 11 yards. I know 'Tuck' (Sean Tucker) had one that was explosive – I think it was 18, 19 yards. But it takes all 11 [players], like we talked about. Luke is a huge part of that – getting him back or any starter is always going to elevate you. That was great to see from the run game side of it and to get him back on the field."

(On what happened on the fourth-and-3 possession in the fourth quarter)

"It's like [Baker Mayfield] talked about after the game: it was the communication side of it and a look that we had had in practice and executed in practice, and then we get into the biggest part of the game and we don't do it. We've got to be able to do it at that point when the stakes are the greatest, and that comes down to that finish mentality. We did that well the first four weeks or so of the season and then we get down to that spot where we need it the most and we didn't. So, we failed as a unit and we were off the field and it hurt us. We've got to be able to take over what we do in practice and execute it at a high level, even in crunch time right there."

(On opposing teams playing more man-to-man coverage against the Buccaneers since facing the Lions in Week 7

"I think it's twofold. How Detroit played it in some of those spy coverages where they do have a man defender that's on 'Bake' (Baker Mayfield) where no matter where he goes the guy is going to be shadowing him. So, when it comes to that point, someone else has to win versus man coverage because in a lot of those looks – if it is man coverage – the checkdowns like you would see from [running] backs in zone coverage are not really there. Ultimately, we have to be able to execute what we're doing in practice on some of these plays to get open versus man coverage. It's always something we look at as coaches, too – are we giving them enough weapons to be able to go beat man coverage? When those looks are there for the designed plays where we are able to get rub routes or things of that nature, we've got to be able to protect it and get the ball out to our playmakers, let those guys get a conversion and keep the drive going."

(On how he prepares a gameplan despite not knowing which players will be available in the game that weekend, particularly concerning WR Chris Godwin Jr. and RB Bucky Irving)

"With them being limited and still having another day, we'll see how this week goes. But it's definitely something early in the week where you try to plan around, what's the chance you're going to have this guy in the game plan versus is he going to be down? If it's something where you don't feel like he's going to be up that week, then we would never want to take a rep from somebody that might be in the game and playing the game, away from those guys. It's definitely something we look at. It's just good to really have those guys out there – especially having 'Buck' (Bucky Irving) and seeing Chris [Godwin Jr.] as well – just because of the energy those guys bring and the way the other guys feed off it. It's really good to see."

(On if Godwin Jr. and Irving are present during the 'install' periods of practice)

"They're really there for the install portion of it as well – even some of those guys that might not be up for that week. You see Chris [Godwin Jr.] in there all the time where if we're putting together pass concepts and watching tape, [because] his feedback is invaluable…Just being able to pass that stuff along a lot like Mike [Evans] does. So, when we install it, they're all in there together, and then we walk through it before we actually practice it. So, everybody is definitely involved in that side of it."

(On QB Baker Mayfield's postgame remarks about correcting practice mistakes and 'killer instinct')

"I agree with it. I echoed everything he said on Monday as well, because when you have a practice week and you're having a play and it might not have been executed the way you wanted to execute it, there's not a lot of time to run a lot of these plays multiple times because you move on to third down or the red area. Guys have to be able to correct it at that point and know when we get in the game, you have to execute it at a high level, and you might not get another rep at that, especially full speed to do it. When he talks about the killer instinct, I'd echo that as well. We're coming off a Bye Week, guys got time off, we talk about starting fast, we go down there and get seven points – and then you go down there on the second drive and it sputters out. That's, I think, where the killer instinct needs to come in – that seven [points] is not enough, especially some of these high-powered offenses. It's got to be for 60 minutes, and if it takes more than that, it takes more than that. You can't let off just because you got seven [points] on the first drive."

(On emphasizing the run versus Buffalo's run defense)

"To be honest, it's more the first part of your question – we put emphasis on it every week. We want to stay balanced, we want to be able to establish the run early, and this week is really no different. Whether they were the top rushing [defense] in the league or the worst, we really approach it the same way – with the thought that we're going on the road [and] you need to be able to run the ball on the road and establish that to really open up a lot of other things as well."

(On WR Emeka Egbuka continuing to produce despite extra defensive attention)

"I think he starts to look at – not that he wasn't watching some of those top corners earlier in the season – but now knowing that, if it was [Christian] Gonzalez, this guy is going to travel wherever I'm at. [So] just knowing his tendencies, and then knowing if they do have a double on him – what's the leverage, where the window could be opened differently if he's singled up, versus if [he] is defending me and you're defending me, I might have a void right here in the middle. Those are the kinds of things that go into it. He sees that more and more. I thought he's done a good job of keeping the production up even with some of those doubles."

(On the two-point conversion gadget look)

"Yeah, unfortunate – very unfortunate. Carlton Davis III saw it, so he just stayed on the back side of that. Yeah, we were trying to throw it to Baker and it did not work."

(On WR Tez Johnson building chemistry with QB Baker Mayfield)

"Absolutely. The chemistry on the practice side of it is definitely something you see more because he's in there with the ones now so he's getting all the throws and routes on air, he's getting all the throws in practice. In terms of how the game unfolds, I wouldn't say he just ended up finding him late – there are still things designed for him early and getting it to him and the ball just didn't go his direction. But I thought Tez did a really good job on both of those touchdowns on essentially turning it into a scramble drill and having the wherewithal to not run out of bounds and be in the right area. 'Bake' (Baker Mayfield) talked about it, too – on a lot of these scrambles, they're not designed for 'Bake' to run it – we're trying to get these guys in the right spots to throw it, and Tez did a really nice job on both of those, on, really, two critical plays in the game."

(On if the Buccaneers have an offensive identity)

"I'd say we lean on being able to be balanced – having both the run and the pass – and being disciplined and being the most physical unit. We talked about that going back to the spring. I thought we cleaned up some of the pre-snap penalties we talked about when it came to the New Orleans game. As an identity, it's what do we need that week to beat that opponent? There's been some shuffling from positions and things of that nature, but the identity – the toughness, discipline we talk about, the consistency we talk about – shouldn't really change whether there's a backup in there or a starter in there."

(On what makes Buffalo Bills OLB Joey Bosa challenging)

"[He is] really good – he plays really hard. I think he's even playing at a higher level than he did last year with these guys coming off the ball. He creates challenges, as [does] having [Greg] Rousseau on the other side – so it's not like you can just look at one side and be able to handle the other side, as well, so the ability of both of those guys…But, his play speed, his strength, the pad level he plays with when he comes off the ball – and he's pretty relentless. He's playing at a high level right now."

(On Buffalo Bills CB Maxwell Hairston)

"For sure – he's playing well. A couple of those interceptions, you can tell he has the ball skills. In our routes and where 'Bake' (Baker Mayfield) is going with the ball, we've got to be cognizant of where he is, because not only can he run, but he can play it in the air. You can tell he's learned a ton from that scheme. I've got a lot of respect for Coach [Sean] McDermott – going against him for so many years in Miami – and what Tre'[Davious] White has probably passed along to him in terms of their scheme and communication levels. These guys disguise it really well on the back end, so you can tell he's a great fit for them. I know [Bills General Manager] Brandon Beane brings in really good guys into that unit there as well. He's fit in great and he's playing at a high level right now."

(On the most challenging part about adapting to different offensive personnel due to injuries)

"Because it's been different position groups, I'd say it's more week-to-week – what can those guys do well? And making sure they're in the right spot to be able to execute the scheme. It's a little bit like we've talked about in here before, where Charlie [Heck] might have a different skill set than Luke [Goedeke] – not that we want to get into specifics on that side of it – but it's putting those guys in position to make plays. And if it's a guy like Tez [Johnson] coming in who might have a different speed than, say, Mike [Evans] or Chris [Godwin Jr.] and be able to use him in those ways, too. It is challenging, but it's also fun – like we talked about before Tez played – it was his opportunity to go out there and prove himself to the league, being a seventh-round draft pick, coming in here and not having an opportunity to play early. Now he's really taken it and run with it. With the opportunities he's had, he's only getting better and better."

RUN GAME COORDINATOR/OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS COCH LARRY FOOTE

(On going up against Buffalo Bills' QB Josh Allen)

"He's a freak; he's hard to get on the ground. He is unique in the way he's big and strong, but he can get to his top speed fast. That is why he can rip through some defensive lines. We have got to be disciplined; it is going to take all hands-on deck to get him down. I joke with my guys... Good luck, I'll be rooting for you guys."

(On what he speaks with his defense about regarding how to contain QB Josh Allen)

"Good luck [and] get him down, because if he wants to put his eyes down and take off, it is going to be a challenge for us. We [have] to be disciplined. We know he is going to make plays; we just cannot allow that element of the game to takeover and dominate."

(On how the defense can contain QB Josh Allen)

"You [have] to watch your terminology when you say, 'You have got to kill him. You have got to get him down,' [because] you are going to be more aggressive and [he is] going to use it against you. He's old school like Brett Favre. He does a real pump fake, and guys have to stay on their feet. The coaching part is you [have] to slow down, come under control and get him down. You [have] to wrap him up, but when he wants to make the plays, he is going to be able to make the plays, we just cannot let it take over the game."

(On how difficult QB Josh Allen is to defend when the Bills are deep into the red zone)

"It's tough, when he does that boot, when he has [an] option to keep it or throw it, it's a challenge. That is why the game is changing in that direction. We [have] to have a good plan; we [have] to be disciplined. With that being said, we still have to be aggressive, and we still have to shoot our shot. He is a weapon down there -- probably since he's been in the league, [he is] one of the top in the red zone because of that element."

(On giving up multiple 50-yard plays against the New England Patriots)

"Man, I'm trying to get rid of that. It's Thursday already, I forgot about that."

(On how to fix giving up explosive plays on defense)

"Do the little things. You have to do your job, I know [Head] Coach [Todd] Bowles talked about it, 'One play it's this guy, one play is that guy.' You [have] to own up to it, but you [have] to take care of the fundamentals [and] just do your job. Every coach in the league says that, and as far as the young guys, what they can learn from it, every play counts. Every play counts, just as first-and-ten or the second play coming out of the half, you have got to do your job. Ultimately, that is why we lost the game. Every play is important, and you [have] to be focused, you [have] to take care of the little details."

(On if Head Coach Todd Bowles hates giving up explosive plays on defense)

"[It doesn't] take a defensive guy, I think this whole organization hates that. Fans [and] everybody, that's rough. It takes a little fight out of the team and it's easy. Going back to it, you just have to learn from it. You [have] to do your job every play, but it takes a little life out of you when you give up that explosion play."

(On S Tykee Smith's interception against the New England Patriots)

"I was just hoping he got inbounds. It wasn't even close looking at the replay, but from the sidelines, you [were] kind of like, 'Oh no, he's out of bounds.' [It was] a great play. Seeing the quarterback, his guy is stopped, and he just makes a great play -- big time play."

(On S Tykee Smith's versatility on defense)

"Especially with that playmaking ability. Tykee [Smith] has been in the box more than 'Win' (Antoine Winfield Jr.), and he is just bringing that physical style of play we need and he's setting the tone. Every game, you can just see him making plays close to the line of scrimmage and away from it, he's doing a good job. Year [two] for Tykee, right? That's the year."

OFFENSIVE TACKLE TRISTAN WIRFS

(On if he is looking forward to the cold weather later in the season)

"I am. I will say, 37 degrees in the morning kind of crushed me. I've been down here six years now, and I'm like, 'That's cold.' Softened up a little bit... that's cold as [crap]. Playing in it is different, because you're moving around. [So], just waking up wearing slides out of the house and I was like, 'My piggies are cold.' It is gorgeous weather; this is the best time of year in Florida [with] this stretch coming up. I know we're all enjoying it."

(On how much he is looking forward to going up against the Buffalo Bills this week)

"I think it is going to be a great matchup. I think it is going to be a lot of fun. Fiery, high intensity, both of us have a bad taste in our mouths, so guys are going to be flying around. The atmosphere up there -- I've only played up there once [on] Thursday Night Football in 2023 -- get up there [for] a one o'clock game, some nice cold weather, [it] will be really fun. I think it's going to be an awesome day."

(On getting OT Luke Goedeke back on the offensive line after missing time due to injury)

"'The Enforcer' is back, I think I said that last week. It's just nice having him out there and just hearing him. Knowing my guy is back out there, balling, throwing us bones. I think for everybody, knowing No. 67 is back out there, it's pretty sweet."

(On potentially getting RB Bucky Irving and WR Chris Godwin Jr. back)

"I think that would be a big spark. Obviously, we want those guys to take their time and come back the right way, not rush things. I think that would be a big boost for our offense. Like I said, we want those guys to be healthy and want them down the stretch."

OFFENSIVE TACKLE LUKE GOEDEKE

(On if his return to the offensive line aided the running game)

"It's all a team effort. All 11 of us on offense have to do our jobs to make those plays go. There [were] plays that I made mistakes that the runs would have hit for better yards. [It is] definitely not all just because I came back, but I am happy we're getting this thing on the run game rolling, and [I am] looking forward to continuing that way this week."

(On how it felt to get back on the field after missing time since Week 2)

"To be honest with you, it felt great. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. Anytime I am away from the game I miss it. I miss being out there with the guys. You don't get the same kind of camaraderie when you're not out there practicing [and] when you're not out there playing, it's just really not the same. It really sucks, but it is what it is and it's part of the game."

(On potentially getting RB Bucky Irving and WR Chris Godwin Jr. back)

"I think that would be huge. They're two great players that really help our offense. I'm looking forward to getting them back at some point, but with that being said, we have 11 guys who we have right now, so we do what we can with [them]. We [have] an extremely talented offense all-around with or without those guys. Getting those guys back, [it would] definitely be a help."

(On the weather being in the thirties up in Buffalo during their matchup with the Bills)

"That's phenomenal. I saw that and I was like, 'Music to my ears.' I cannot ask for nicer weather to play a game."

(On going up against Buffalo OLB Joey Bosa and what makes him so good)

"He presents speed and power. He has a lot of tools at his disposal. He has a good get-off, good bend, good hand usage and then he can also bring speed and power. He kind of has the best of both worlds where he comes as a complete pass rusher. He is not just a speed guy or a power guy. He has a good feel for plays running at him and plays running away from him. I tip my hat to him; he's a seasoned vet. I played him last year against the Chargers, he was great then and I expect a great fight this Sunday."

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