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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS QUOTE SHEET 11-19-25

HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On if there's an update on the statuses of WR Chris Godwin Jr. or RB Bucky Irving)

"We're going to up their reps this week and ramp them up and kind of see where they are. We'll get a good idea tomorrow and Friday on exactly where they are."

(On OLB Chris Braswell Jr. dealing with an apparent ankle injury)

"He's sore today. We'll see tomorrow. Hopefully he doesn't have any setbacks. If he does, it's going to be a little bit concerning."

(On if OLB Markees Watts could potentially return to action this week)

"He's supposed to be full speed this week. We'll see how his hand is when we practice tomorrow and run around – [we'll] see how he uses it."

(On what his emotions were after the defensive performance in Buffalo)

"I'm embarrassed every time we lose, but from a defensive standpoint, we didn't play well. We had a stinker. It happens – this league humbles you. Every now and then, you're going to have something that messes up. As coaches, we can definitely do a better job. As players, we can do a better job. We didn't play well; we didn't coach well. That's really all it sums up to."

(On the face mask penalty that extended Buffalo's scoring drive in the fourth quarter)

"It was critical and it's unfortunate, but that was full-speed. [It is] part of the game – those types of things are going to happen. You'd rather take that over busted coverages or somebody not being where they're supposed to be. [Jacob Parrish] played hard and we stopped them. It was very unfortunate at the time, but that play didn't lose the game."

(On CB Jamel Dean's injury status and how the cornerback rotation might look if Dean were to miss time)

"We'll play a couple guys there. [Jacob] Parrish is definitely a consideration, [Benjamin] Morrison has been practicing as well, and we'll practice them both and kind of go from there. Dean is a little nicked up right now – if he doesn't make any progress, there's a good chance he might not be in there."

(On K Chase McLaughlin's absence from practice on Wednesday)

"He was excused for a personal [matter]. He'll be back tomorrow – won't be a problem."

(On holding another walkthrough on Wednesday due to injuries, and whether that affects what he wants to accomplish as a team)

"We've done the same thing the last two years. Unfortunately, this Wednesday, a lot of people have taken ill – there is a bug going around the building. We had about five coaches and about 15 players down, so that helped aid in this walkthrough. There's nothing we can really do about that today."

(On if Week 11 at Buffalo was T Tristan Wirfs' best performance of the season, and how he liked the play from guards Michael Jordan and Dan Feeney)

"I thought [Tristan Wirfs] played well. I thought he played well last week. I thought he played well last week. When you run the ball for 200 yards…Those guys battled. They were a little embarrassed from the week before and they came out and had a good week of practice. I thought they really played tough."

(On T Tristan Wirfs' athleticism to pull on run plays and get downfield to block defensive backs, and how Bowles would have felt if he saw Wirfs coming towards him when he was a player)

"I definitely don't want to see it [laughs]. But, he likes carrying the ball. He wants to recover an onside kick – I think that's on his bucket list. That's probably the best thing he wants to do right now."

(On Wirfs' athleticism)

"It was great just to get him out on the edge. If you're a running back and you're following somebody like that, you can't help but smile."

(On if he's considered putting Wirfs in the backfield and giving him the ball)

"No – we've tinkered with the idea of Vita [Vea], but we haven't tinkered with the idea of Tristan."

(On why he hasn't considered giving Wirfs a rushing attempt)

"He's selfish – he wants the ball."

(On if the Los Angeles Rams are in conversation for the best team in the league)

"They definitely are [in the conversation]. They're playing great ball right now. They don't beat themselves. They get very few penalties, they take care of the football, and they play very hard on defense. So, they're definitely in the top two."

(On the Los Angeles Rams' continued defensive success after losing DT Aaron Donald)

"They drafted some young defensive guys that can really get after it. They made some good picks, and those guys are panning out for them."

(On Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford's play this season, and if this is the best Stafford has ever played in his career)

"I'm not sure he's playing his best – he's been great for years now. He knows exactly where to go with the football. He's very accurate, a heck of a competitor, and one of the toughest guys to play against. He knows the offense inside and out, and he's having fun – he's really driving the boat for them."

(On the Los Angeles Rams' usage of 13 personnel and what allows them to be so effective out of that formation)

"It's three tight ends, but it could play out like two tight ends or even one tight end. They're very versatile in what they do when they run the three tight end set. If you're big, they spread you out and they can throw it; if you're small, they can pound you. It's a very smart aspect of their game and what they do. Sean [McVay] is a great coach and does a great job with that, so we've got to be sharp."

(On the Los Angeles Rams' receiving duo of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams)

"Oh yeah – both tough, both aggressive at the line of scrimmage. It's hard to play them one-on-one. They're very savvy at the top of their routes, as well. Puka and Davante both have strong hands and are polished route runners. It's going to be a challenge for our guys."

(On defending Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford and Head Coach Sean McVay's offense considering how knowledgeable both are about defensive coverages)

"That's the challenge – that's one of the challenges. Other than the run game, obviously, he's very good at what he does. If you don't get him off his spot, he'll sit back there and pick you apart. We've got to try to do it with four, and when we pressure, we've got to try to make some hay."

(On trying to pressure Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford, who is very good against the blitz)

"Some of it is film; some of it is what we do best…What we do and which players have strengths that we can take advantage of on our team. It's really trying to hide our weaknesses and expose theirs – that's really what it boils down to. We want to make sure we're sound and we're taking care of everything we've got to take care of first, and then we worry about the other stuff. We've got to get after it – whether it's a three-, four-, five-, or six-man rush. We've got to get after it."

(On how to fix the special teams coverage issues)

"We're trying different guys in different spots. We'll move some guys around, and if worse comes to worst, we'll try to kick it out. But it's got to get better – we'll work on that this week, and that's what we've been focusing on."

(On whether practice squad players could contribute on special teams)

"Everybody is available right now."

(On NT Vita Vea's workload, and if playing fewer snaps could make him more effective)

"At times, depending on how the game flow is going. We've got to bring other guys along at the same time, depending on what we're doing. But, he's comfortable – we've talked to him about it. He's comfortable playing [that] many reps and doesn't show fatigue, so right now he's okay."

(On if defensive players were having trouble getting off blocks late in the game, and what he would attribute that to)

"I thought it was more technique. I didn't think we got off the ball like we've been getting off the ball. When you don't get off the ball and they've got bigger guys, it's hard to get them off you."

(On S Tykee Smith's growth in year two)

"He's a confident player. We're confident in him. He understands the game. He's just one of those guys who knows how to play. I wish, coaching-wise, we could take credit but he knew how to play when he came in the door. He understands the game very well. He's a heck of a competitor and he's always going to show up on Sunday."

(On CB Zyon McCollum's play)

"The last two weeks – just average. He was playing great at the start of the season. [There are] a couple of things he's got to work on when he gets bored, but he's got the talent and technique. He's been solid for us…Probably subpar the last two weeks – he doesn't get a lot of action, but technique-wise, he can clean up some things."

(On if CB Jacob Parrish has showed enough as an outside cornerback to inspire confidence in the coaches)

"Oh, absolutely. We knew that coming in the door."

QUARTERBACK BAKER MAYFIELD

(On how it felt to have the opportunity to run and scramble against the Buffalo Bills)

"Obviously, health, first and foremost. The ability to do that and take advantage of some third down scrambles or just early downs. When the passes aren't there, be able to take off in the rush lanes and go from there. [It is] something I just tried to start utilizing more and more last year and continuing that this year."

(On if he is happy with the overall performance of the offense in Week 11 compared to Week 10)

"I think there was a difference mentally. Anytime you run the ball like that, guys are locked in -- they're doing their job. That takes everybody, not just the offensive line. Obviously, they played extremely well to run the ball over 200 yards, but I think the message was well-received. We just didn't make enough plays when we needed to."

(On what he has seen from the Los Angeles Rams' defense)

"Those young guys are playing well. They have invested a lot of capital into the front seven in the last few drafts. These guys are just playing really well. [Jared] Verse and [Byron] Young on the edges, the interior guys are also playing well between [Braden] Fiske and [Kobie] Turner. They're winning a lot of one-on-ones, making plays and the back-end guys are playing aggressively because of it. They do a good job of mixing up personnel, [they have] a lot of defensive backs that they can throw in there, versatile [and] seem to be on the same page. [Chris] Shula has been there a long time, so anybody that started their career there has had him the whole time. [They have a] sound defense, [they are] making a lot of plays, familiar system and family that we have played before this year. They do a lot of good stuff on their own."

(On if the Rams' defensive secondary bank on the quarterback not having much time to throw the ball due to the defensive line's pressure)

"Absolutely. You can see -- especially last week, looking at the Seattle tape -- understanding the pass rush is getting home, the safeties are kind of keying into the lower routes, getting some interceptions and guys jumping routes. Like always, [the] game starts up front; it has to be won in the trenches, but for them, it allows their secondary to play aggressive."

(On OT Tristan Wirfs being able to showcase his athleticism on run play schemes against the Bills)

"It's awesome to see. You show that potential when he's out in the open field, able to make a block like that. It shows his pure athleticism and how big he is, how well he's able to move and the power that comes with it. Looking [to] get more plays like that [as] it makes our lives easier. [We] haven't had one like that in a long time, so it was good to see, and 'Tuck' (Sean Tucker) played really well."

(On struggling on two-point conversions and down-and-two to go plays against the Bills)

"I'd say the two-point play -- the first one at least -- I need to get to a different play; that one falls on me. That's not scheme or the players or anything besides me, [I] need to get to a better play. It just comes down to -- in that down and distance -- who wants it more, and when it comes to the run game, if it's dialed up, we need to execute it."

(On the third-and-two pass to WR Sterling Shepard in the fourth quarter)

"They did a good job of covering that up. It's a zone coverage, but the guy is following 'Shep' (Sterling Shepard), it gives him a man indicator to keep running on his route. They did a really good job covering it up. For me, looking back on it, can I extend it a little bit more, maybe scramble for it? They covered it up well and from there, we just move on."

(On reminiscing on what his time with the Los Angeles Rams has done for his career)

"There is no way for me to sugarcoat it... It was pivotal in my career and in my journey. I've told you guys that it helped me find the fun in football again. [It is also] getting to learn from those guys. Obviously, it looks a lot different now that Raheem Morris is gone, Zac Robinson [is gone], Liam [Coen is gone], but Sean [McVay]'s been there the whole time. They helped me out and helped me discover what offense I really want to play in, and the responsibility that comes with that in the accountability at the line of scrimmage and to check and get to the right plays. It was instrumental in my career, something I am forever grateful for, and it will be fun to go back and see some familiar faces."

(On the 98-yard game-winning drive on Thursday Night Football with the Rams and little time for preparation)

"[It was] little things, thinking about that game of Brian Allen turning around and telling me what the cadence is on a clock situation. Funny stuff like that, that you look back and cherish the moments that you didn't expect to come up in having a two-minute offense, but some fun memories."

(On what he appreciates about Rams' QB Matthew Stafford's game)

"He can do everything. He's always been able to make every throw. As long as he was in Detroit, [he] didn't get a whole lot of credit for how really good he was and you're seeing that now. To me, he's always been a top three-or-five quarterback in the league, and one of the best -- if not the best -- pure passer every in the history of the NFL. The way it comes off of his hand, the way he can change his arm angles. The no-look passes really started with him. He can do it all; [he] makes it really tough on your defense. You [have] to be sound with your eyes, but he also knows how to move you and move around the pocket too."

(On what he saw behind-the-scenes from QB Matthew Stafford when they were in the same quarterback room for the Los Angeles Rams)

"I think I gained an even [greater] level of respect for him about communication, about how he wanted certain routes [and] certain schemes to be done. When you're at that level -- that year -- in your career, you kind of run the ship. Had a lot of respect for him before but seeing it in person on how detailed he really was and exactly what he was going to try and check to, that was big seeing it in person."

(On if he felt the team played with more energy against Buffalo then they did against New England)

"I think, without a doubt, the fight, the passion, the energy was there. I think mentally, everybody was locked in. Whether [we] lost focus during the game or just didn't make the plays -- difference there. That's the mentality we have to come out with starting fast and being physical, especially on offense. I think everybody was bought in on that one."

(On RB Sean Tucker's performance against the Bills and what that performance does to an offense)

"He has the extra gear, so any sort of those plays that can extend into being explosive runs or passes, it's big for us. Obviously, continue to lean on him, continuing to trust him and grow whatever package we have for him and go from there. He has that big play potential that you're trying to take advantage of."

(On recently announcing the gender of his soon-to-be child)

"We did just a little, private reveal [with] just the family. Obviously fun, everybody is like, 'Are you going to let him play football?' Do whatever you want. My parents didn't want me to play football, but at a certain point, when your kid wants to do something, you just encourage them to do whatever they want to do. [I am] trying to handle that the best way, but I am going to have a little [troublemaker] on my hands... That's karma."

OFFENSIVE TACKLE TRISTAN WIRFS

(On how the team can get past the recent struggle)

"We just keep coming to work every day. Work on something to get better at. I'm going out to practice with a good attitude and effort. It's frustrating, we [have] to do something. It's a big one Sunday night out in Los Angeles. It's going to be a big test for everybody. I'm going to come out flying around, but it starts with having a good week of practice."

(On if he has seen the video of the Buffalo Bills' offensive linemen praising him)

"I mean... [Spencer Brown] is a thorough bred from Iowa too. He's 6'8", he runs like a deer, I don't know what he's talking about. I appreciate the kind words. The redwood comment, that was funny. He's a freak too; he's a tall drink of water, but yeah, it was funny."

(On running out in space with RB Sean Tucker during his 43-yard touchdown run on Sunday)

"[Joey] Bosa squeezed when Mike [Jordan] was the lead kickout puller, Bosa squeezed down on him, so I just tried capturing the edge a little bit. I wondered if I could put it back on Mike's body, and then I remembered I was out there, I was like, 'Okay, maybe I'll go to the corner.' He was covered up and I felt 'Tuck' (Sean Tucker) behind me, 'Tuck' said, 'Get him,' or something. I flip my eyes inside and there was [Jordan] Poyer. [I was] trying to get a good finish block and get 'Tuck' to the end zone and sprung him. It worked out; it was awesome."

(On what a win for the Los Angeles Rams would mean for the team)

"I think it would be big for us. [There are] lot of good teams in the NFC, a lot of good teams in the NFL. [The] Rams are one of them, so we want to go out there and get a big win on the road on Sunday Night Football. I think it would be big for everyone in the locker room for confidence moving forward."

(On what challenges the Rams defense presents)

"Their front seven and also us being very similar offenses. They hear all those calls all the time, just going against their own offense. I think that will be a little tough, but their defensive line, they're tough guys. I think a combination of both those things will be tough, but we'll be ready."

RUNNING BACK SEAN TUCKER

(On his 43-yard touchdown run against the Buffalo Bills, and having OT Tristan Wirfs pave the way)

"It is definitely a good feeling. A guy like that with his size and speed going to the outside, mostly defensive backs and corners out there, so [with] him being out there able to pancake block and clear the way for me to score."

(On if it is unusual to see offensive linemen move like OT Tristan Wirfs on the 43-yard touchdown run)
"It is definitely unusual. He's definitely a generational talent. With his size and speed, and the way that he can move and he's playing tackle. Him being able to get out there in space and basically rowing me and being able to help me score... It's definitely a good feeling."

(On if he feels he gets better the more carries he gets throughout the game)

"I would say so. I would say after a couple of carries, you get to feel out the defense and see what they're trying to do and the scheme they're doing for the day. The more carries after that, I am just able to get into my rhythm and mode and showcase what I can do."

(On if he can be more of an asset for the offense after his performance against the Bills)

"I always feel like an asset. It's just being able to get that opportunity and showcasing to the team and my coaches what I can do and be able to help the team with."

(On if it is demoralizing for defenses when the offense can get the run game going)

"When you get that run game going, that's the most important part. I believe when they can't stop that and you're able to just keep pounding them for yards -- four yards, five yards -- and be able to pop long runs like that. It definitely can be more demoralizing for defenses."

-BUCCANEERS-

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