HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On OLB Haason Reddick's participation in practice and potential availability Sunday)

"We'll see tomorrow. He has to do more tomorrow and [we'll] get a good look at him full speed, but he's feeling better."

(On if he's pleased with the way the team's injured players like G Ben Bredeson, RB Bucky Irving and WR Chris Godwin Jr. are trending)

"It's good to see them compete in a walkthrough. Tomorrow, we'll get a better idea of it. Hopefully they're trending forward, and we can get a better gauge of that."

(On how the team will prepare the quarterback position this week)

"Yeah, you've got to get Teddy [Bridgewater] ready to play. Obviously, Baker [Mayfield] is sore, so Teddy is going to take most of the reps this week, and we'll see how he feels at the end of the week. He studies a lot, so if he feels good, he can go. If not, Teddy is going to take it."

(On the decision to go for it on fourth-and-2 near the end of the first half vs. Los Angeles)

"It's because we were down a great deal, and we wanted to get something going. On fourth-and-2, we wanted to get some points on the board."

(On the defensive performance since the Bye Week, and if he's considering potential changes)

"You're always thinking about schematic changes. Personnel changes, we don't have to think about it. It's been a different guy here and there. It hasn't been everybody at one time. You can't have 10 guys playing well and one guy not playing well on any given week – that has to stop. I thought for the most part the big plays stopped. We didn't create any big plays last week, but the big plays, for the most part, have stopped. We just have to pay attention to detail. We've got to coach it better and play it better. We've got to coach it better and we've definitely got to play it better. That's what you do each week. We've got guys that know how to play – they just have to play together."

(On whether this is one of the tougher stretches he's been through in terms of overseeing a defense)

"I don't know. I don't judge it by that. Every time we lose, I feel like I could've done more as a defensive coach, and now every time we lose, I feel like I can do more as a head coach."

(On facing three quarterbacks who were not Week 1 starters over the next few games)

"We've lost three in a row – we cannot breathe. We've got to take care of us. It really doesn't matter who we play or how long they've been in the league. We've got to take care of the things we need to take care of to win ballgames."

(On what he sees from the Arizona Cardinals offense, and how the game planning is different when facing Jacoby Brissett instead of Kyler Murray)

"Obviously, Kyler [Murray] is a better runner, but Jacoby [Brissett] can throw the ball. He's been around a long time, and he's listed as a backup but he's really a starter. He plays quality minutes. He's been in this league a long time, he can really throw the football, and he's a very sneaky scrambler as well. They can run the ball, as well. They got behind a couple of times the past few games where they had to throw it, but they have a very good running offense. They're very scrappy on defense and can make plays."

(On the challenge of defending Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride)

"[It is] very concerning. Right now, he looks like one of the best one or two tight ends in the league right now. He can play receiver, he can play tight end, he beats corners, safeties, and [linebackers] alike. He's got a lot of production right now and he's really playing well."

(On CB Benjamin Morrison's hamstring injury last week, and when Bowles knew he would be unavailable against the Rams)

"We kind of knew Saturday. It wasn't much of a complication. When he tweaked it and didn't do too much on Friday, we made adjustments that way. I thought [Kindle] Vildor and [Jacob] Parrish did a very good job in the roles they played in that ballgame. We adjusted accordingly."

(On whether cornerbacks Jamel Dean or Benjamin Morrison could return versus Arizona)

"I think [Jamel] Dean is in play. He did some things today – we've got to see more tomorrow."

(On whether QB Baker Mayfield's desire to play on Sunday factors into the decision of who to start at quarterback)

"You always lean on the medical staff, but you also have to listen to the player too. Obviously, a lot of guys play hurt, and if it's something he can manage and something he feels comfortable playing with, he's not going to put himself in danger and neither are we. So, if he feels comfortable with it and he feels like he can go, we'll see if he can go."

(On Simeon Rice's upcoming Ring of Honor induction on Sunday)

"[He was a] heck of a pass rusher. Obviously, he was great on the edge. He could beat anybody coming around the edge. He was long, he was lanky, he had an array of moves. [He was] somebody [where] if you singled him, you always had a problem with him. He always had production every week."

(On if RB Bucky Irving would have a 'pitch count' in his first game back, similar to WR Chris Godwin Jr. last week versus Los Angeles)

"His will be similar – he'll probably be on a pitch count. We'll kind of see how he goes, which [running] back does what, and then the timing will be dependent on that."

(On WR Chris Godwin Jr.'s status following his first game back from injury, and if he could have an increased workload going forward)

"Yeah, he came out pretty [well], so he'll be increased."

(On WR Jalen McMillan's progress and if he's close to having his 21-day practice window opened)

"He's been running. I can't make that prediction right now, but he has been running and doing things. We'll continue to listen to the medical people, and when they tell us it's time, we'll get it going."

(On the team's kickoff coverage improving against the Rams, and the recent special teams additions of S Marcus Banks and CB J.T. Gray)

"They're special teams guys, so they can obviously help us. Obviously, we kicked the ball in the end zone, as well, so the ball came out and we didn't have many returns – I don't think we had any returns at all. That part helped out. We'll kind of continue to go from there and try to find pieces that can help us."

(On how much of his message to the team is about controlling their own destiny)

"It's a huge part. Again, our 24-hour rule and what we have ahead of us is what's going to catapult us or set us back. We control our own destiny. We've got our own problems, we've got our own solutions, and we can fix everything ourselves. We've got three games in 18 days, and we just have to take them one at a time and go from there."

(On if CB Zyon McCollum's recent struggles are more technical or mental)

"His confidence is high. It's just a matter of him guessing – a matter of him settling down and playing."

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR JOSH GRIZZARD

(On the process of game planning while not knowing who the starting quarterback will be, and if it's more advantageous to make sure QB Teddy Bridgewater is prepared even if he doesn't start)

"Teddy [Bridgewater] will definitely take more of the reps. The positive to any week is that they're all in there together for the design of the plays and the installation of it and the walk-through reps. But for Teddy to be able to get those reps in the walk-through and then be able to practice tomorrow really helps out anybody who is in that position that hasn't really done it before – or in recent history – to be able to get those reps to feel good about the game plan. And then, I'd say on the side of it on who plays, there are things you've got to adjust for each guy, like we've done for other positions – [where] it could be this call or that call that you've got to decide later in the week – but he's in a good spot with it."

(On his assessment of QB Baker Mayfield's play since the Bye Week)

"Yeah, I think that once we came off the Bye Week and he got healthier, I thought he played a pretty good game against New England. There were definitely some things that we want back in terms of the production – that's really for the whole offensive unit…But I think going into the Buffalo game and the importance we had placed on the run and being able to run it there…I [know] he wants the interception back, of course, but I thought he played well in that game. I think there were other opportunities where I could have put him in a better place to push the ball down the field. But at the end of the day, I think he got healthier from the Bye Week and was in a good spot, and then that game just kind of got away from us a little bit last week in terms of him getting injured. But I think he's still playing at a high level."

(On the improvement in the run game over the last three weeks, and if the return of RB Bucky Irving helps that)

"For sure. Starting in that New England game, it was good. It was good to be able to go run for over 100 [yards] on those guys, and then to take it on the road in Buffalo…I think the question was asked in here in terms of what Luke [Goedeke] brings to the table and getting him back out there – I think we see some of that production, as well. And then being able to do that again last week, even into the second half where we were down a bunch of points but guys were still grinding it out, straining – which we talk about all the time. And then, to your point about 'Buck' (Bucky Irving), anytime you can get a starter back, especially a player of Bucky's caliber and the way he prepares and the way he loves the game and how he is around his teammates – that should always elevate you, a lot like when Luke [Goedeke] got back. So, I know 'Buck' is in a good spot, and we definitely plan for the run-game production to continue as we move forward."

(On how difficult it was for RB Bucky Irving to be away from the team while he was injured)

"I think it is for anybody, especially when you're away from it and you do get banged up. But I think that's the ultimate [benefit] of the team [with] the amount of resources we have here and the things we do – whether it's Bucky or anybody else – on being able to help those guys as much as possible and rehab it and get them back to where they need to be. Ultimately, they want to go out there and compete and have fun and help the team. So, it's good to see him in a good spot."

(On reintegrating RB Bucky Irving into the game plan while still using running backs Rachaad White and Sean Tucker)

"I think it's a lot like we did with Chris [Godwin Jr.], where you can't expect a guy who hasn't played in numerous weeks to go out there and get a normal lion's share of the carries…For Chris, I think Chris played 25 [or] 26 snaps, so, to be able to bring them along, allow them to get their confidence back up, allow them to build their play strength back up. Then, as well as the scheme, where you're not overloading them with too many, 'This kind of run, that kind of pass,' things like that…Trying to find that balance between using them and knowing they're going to help us – but just thinking they're going to go play 60 snaps off the rip, I think, would be a disservice to those guys."

(On if it was difficult to maintain balance against the Los Angeles Rams given the score)

"It does become an element of you want to compete and you want to come back and you want to be able to still win the game, but to your point, when it gets to a certain point you have to look at it…That's a very formidable front, like we talked about going into the game – where it's not something where you need to drop back and throw it every time because they are really good, and when they know you're going to throw it and they can pin [their] ears back, that's when teams like that are the most dangerous. That's what we talked to these guys about this morning – even being down, being able to put a couple drives together and run it and be able to move the ball out on the field…Ultimately, we didn't get points, but you've got to play that game [of] let's try to score; we still need to run it – can we take some of the rush off by throwing some screens? That way they just can't tee off on the tackles and guards and center. But, it's definitely a delicate balance."

(On the biggest concerns with the Cardinals' defense)

"Yeah, I would say this – their record is not indicative of the kind of performance they show on tape. So, when you see that, you see a lot of games that have been under seven points, and they didn't come out on the right end of it on their side of it but you see a bunch of ability. I think with what Coach [Nick] Rallis does with this scheme – it's a very unique scheme in how they deploy different personnel groupings. They have a handful that they can use versus multiple personnel groupings on our end, and they have guys that are playing in different spots based on how they deploy that unit. So, you see a little bit of positionless players, but when it comes to the player side of it – the fact that Calais Campbell is still playing at the level that he's playing at is hats off to him. [Josh] Sweat does a really good job coming off the edge – I think he has nine sacks, 10 sacks, something along those lines. Then, you see these rookies that are playing on the perimeter – these guys [have] got some ball production, these guys turn the ball over really well. Then, I don't [mean to] mention him last, but the one that makes it go is Budda [Baker] – and he is flying around. He's still playing at a very high level – whether he's playing [linebacker], safety…He runs to the ball. These guys play hard."

(On the team's red zone efficiency the past two games, specifically WR Tez Johnson's growth in that area)

"Yeah, the one drive where he got it really on back-to-back plays – on the end-around and then he got it on the next one – which was a really good route by him, being able to separate. At the end of the day, those are what you want out of those drives – where you're putting together a drive, you're keeping the pressure on them, mixing the play calls, trying to keep those guys off balance, and ultimately get seven [points] and not three. I'd say for the rest of the game, I think we had two other drives that ended in fourth downs down there in the middle of the red zone or the high red zone, where we're going for it on fourth down trying to catch up and you want to be able to convert those. I think there has been improvement, but there still needs to be better execution on that side of it. I think I can design some better things to be able to score from those depths as well."

(On if he considered a 60-yard field goal on the first drive against the Rams)

"It was right in that area where, I think after, what was it, [Philadelphia]? The one after [Philadelphia] – I think anything is possible. But it was right there in that gray area of whether or not you need to punt it or kick it."

(On how the decision of which quarterback to start on Sunday gets made)

"It comes down to the week of preparation and where they're at. We would never want to put someone out there and put them in harm's way if they can't operate and play the game how they should play the game. If we feel like they're not able to do that, then it's now Teddy [Bridgewater]'s job and Teddy goes out there and operates, and we have the confidence in him. At the end of the day, just having those days from here until Sunday to see how this thing progresses – and just make sure we save 'Bake' (Baker Mayfield) from 'Bake,' because you guys see how he plays. When he's out there, he's going to give it his all and there won't be any back-down. We've got to make sure that's in the right spot before we put him out there."

(On QB Teddy Bridgewater's leadership style and how it differs from QB Baker Mayfield)

"Yeah, there's definitely a different demeanor. Of course, how they conduct themselves is similar, but there's a command in the way that they speak to people that might be different. When they speak and they adjust things – just like what 'Bake' does in walkthroughs, we just had that – Teddy does it in a different form or fashion, but it's with the same intent of getting all 11 [players] on the same page, talking to the young [wide] receivers, young [running] backs. It's definitely done in a different way and different leadership style, but I think both are effective."

(On who the emergency quarterback is if multiple players get hurt)

"Yeah, I don't want to give away that. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to do that or not. There is a plan in place. It was unfortunately thought about during the game, quite naturally, but I don't want to give away what that is. It's not a good feeling – but there is a plan in place."

(On the difficulty of creating a game plan given weekly continuity challenges amid injuries)

"Yeah, I think everybody goes through challenges in the NFL no matter what it is. I know we've had our fair share for sure. And I've talked a little bit about it in here – it is a challenge, but it is something that I do find enjoyment in. I think the offensive staff finds enjoyment in it, as well, because of the fact that these guys that are playing and stepping up, it's their opportunity to go prove themselves and prove they belong and prove they can make plays. So the combination of both of those and us being able to do that on a week-to-week basis and put our guys in a position to play…Because at the end of the day, we feel like every game we're going into the rest of the season, and the ones we've played – we have more than enough ability to beat the team we're playing. It's on us to put these guys in a position to go make plays."

(On TE Devin Culp's development)

"He's doing a good job. I would say – I know you guys are not at practice – but he still gets a bunch of the practice reps, and he's coming along. I think Coach [Justin] Peelle has done a really nice job with him on getting him more and more up-to-date with some of the things that we do in the run game as well as the pass game, and still bringing him along, being a second-year guy. So, I think that he's in a good spot with that, even though you don't see it on the field just because he's not playing as much, but we do see improvement really on a week-to-week basis with him. I think his time will come. I think we talked about it a little bit with 'Tuck' (Sean Tucker) when Bucky [Irving] went out – where these guys would get a chance to step up – not that you want an injury for someone else. I think he's in a good spot, and his time will come."

(On seeing 70 passing yards on the stat sheet after the game)

"It's not a good feeling because we didn't win. It's not a good feeling because we didn't score more than the opponent. Looking at the stat sheet – whether it be in the run game if that wasn't there, or the pass game – I think ultimately it's about the production in terms of scoring points. So, if it meant needing to rush for more yards and not throw it for that many and we still won, we'd be in a good spot. But, that's definitely not where it needs to be. We've got to have better execution of it. I've got to call it at better times, have some better designs. To win in this league, you need to be able to be balanced, and you can't expect to win many games throwing for under 100 yards."

(On if it's important to give the Rams and their defense credit, as well)

"Oh, it's hats off to them, for sure. We knew it going into the game in terms of how formidable their front was, and we don't want to take anything away from them because they played a hell of a game and had a good plan. There are still things that I can do to help us score more points and protect it better and ultimately move down the field. It's a really good unit. They're not second – or maybe, I don't know if they're first now – but they're not first or second in the league in scoring for no reason."

(On what has contributed to WR Tez Johnson having such a successful rookie season, having five touchdown catches so far)

"He's preparing the right way. His snap count and his volume on how much he can handle, I think, has gone up. He has shown the ability – especially on that play that we scored on – it wasn't man coverage, but essentially to his side it was man coverage…He's shown the ability to beat man coverage. His play speed – he just loves being out there. You guys see him bouncing around. It's like he doesn't even touch the earth, even in these walkthroughs – he just kind of bounces around everywhere and loves to play, loves to compete. He's in a good spot. He wasn't first in that progression – I mean, we had to go all the way across the board, and he was back over there in the spot we needed it to be. So, he's playing well."

(On TE Cade Otton's two plays this season where defenders have ripped the ball out, and if wearing gloves might help him)

"When it comes to that side of it, I would never tell someone really how to dress or how they should prepare for game day. I think part of it is just catching it and being quick to the tuck – that way you're not worrying about that side of it. But at the end of the day, he hasn't worn gloves for a while – I know it's been a few years. I've got all the confidence in the world with him in getting him the ball and continuing that moving forward. So however he wants to dress on game day, really, in my opinion, is up to him."

(On WR Emeka Egbuka's role shifting mid-season and how he's handled it)

"I think it's incredibly difficult for most people to do it. I think because of the way he's built and he's wired – even I take it for granted sometimes how easy it is for him to be able to play three different positions and be able to have the route conversions and be able to go in there and play different spots. So, it's really a testament to him that he's able to do it, because it's not easy to go from being – not that he was ever the second option – but you're dealing with the guy in Mike Evans, who's a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and now you're kind of shifting into that role. So, his production for the most part has stayed up. I know it's been asked in here at times on [if] he's getting doubled now and this and that, and I think he's done a good job with that too. He continues to prepare the same way, whether he had a big game or a game that we tried to get him the ball more."

RUN GAME COORDINATOR/OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS COACH LARRY FOOTE

(On how OLB Haason Reddick is progressing)

"You know the talent that he has. We cannot wait to get him back out there. [I] just have my fingers crossed, hopefully he keeps progressing as the week goes, but so far he's looking good."

(On his message to the defense after struggling the last few games)

The main message is nobody is coming to save us. We [have] to come together, we [have] to keep our confidence and [we have] to keep swinging. We [have] to play better, [have] to coach better, but we [have] to keep our confidence. This league will humble you [and] young guys are learning that, but [our] guys have to stay together most importantly. You have to avoid finger pointing and when you get whooped like that on national television, everybody just has to go to your own separate corner, look yourself in the mirror and figure out how I can do better."

(On the reason behind making DL C.J. Brewer active and DL Elijah Simmons inactive against the Los Angeles Rams)

"[It was] just the styles and matchups. In those guys' cases, just the run game and to see what gives us a better fit."

(On having back-to-back substandard defensive performances)

"When you give up those amount of points, you know it's technique. As far as a player's standpoint, you [have] to work on your technique. You [have] to do some pre-snap awareness as far as thinking and understanding you [have] to limit the possibilities. [As] coaches, we [need to] coach up the technique a little better. We can hammer on some points of what we're trying to get, but at the end of the day, you [have] to make plays. I think if you look at our third downs, you don't want to just point out one specific area, but normally when teams are picking up third downs, points come behind that. That's part of our focus, we [have] to get off the field. We [have] to make plays... everybody. My room, cause a sack-fumble, beat your guy and that's how we all work together."

(On Cardinals' QB Jacoby Brissett)

"We played against him a few times since [I've] been down here. He's not a backup. I heard some of that talk, we are facing two backups back-to-back weeks for the next two weeks. He's not a backup; he makes every throw. You can make an argument that the offense has taken off since he took control. Like you just said, he's seen everything, but he can make some throws. For a big guy, he can scramble too. He has the ability to pick up first downs with his feet, so it's going to be a challenge. He can make every throw."

(On what CB Zyon McCollum needs to do to brush off the last game's performance)

"Follow suit like all the great cornerbacks in this league, because you're going to get your stuff handed to you. You [have] to have a short memory out there, you have to. He knows that he just has to bounce back. You [have] to keep your confidence from little league football to high school at that position, you better have a short-term memory and keep swinging."

(On what makes the Cardinals' passing game so good)

"'85' (Trey McBride). He is a weapon. '85,' I remember a couple years ago, a lot of people on the offensive side were buzzing about him in the draft. We didn't get him, but '85,' he's a weapon. [You have] guys starting to argue who's better him or the kid from [Las] Vegas (Brock Bowers). He's special; he can move like a wide receiver being that big. I got to coach in the Pro Bowl this past season in Orlando, and he was on our team. You could see he moves differently. Him and [Jacoby] Brissett [have] a good rapport for a team that's showing up. Those guys [have] weapons. You come in, you look at [those] guys' record, then you start pounding that tape and you just go, 'Oh shoot...' It's going to be another dog fight, but hey, we're 6-5 right now, we [have] to respond."

(On if Cardinals' TE Trey McBride is comparable to Chiefs' TE Travis Kelce in the way he plays)
"Well, he's younger and faster. I don't know if [Travis] Kelce ever moved as quite as well as him, but yes, he has a unique gift as far as getting open. He's a weapon; he's getting a lot of balls. It's going to be a big challenge, just like everybody else who faces him, you [have] to try and figure out how to stop him. It's going to come down, in this game, guys are going to have to win that one-on-one matchup. It's going to be a challenge for us."

(On how the team is responding after the loss to the Los Angeles Rams)

"I've been in this league a long time and Lavonte [David], as a captain, when he talks everybody listens. He hit it right on the head, it's about pride at the end of the day. When scores, especially on the defensive side, you start giving up those amount of points, guys have to look themselves in the mirror and [have] to respond. This league is about responding. You guys know, everybody is getting crowned from week-to-week, so no Super Bowls are being won or lost in November, and guys have to keep fighting. The great thing is, we still control our destiny, and I'm expecting these guys to respond."

(On if there is any positivity from the Week 12 loss against the Rams)

"Well... me personally, just when you get your butt kicked, normally I respond. I get up and keep pushing. So, hopefully those guys, like you mentioned earlier, they just band together and get this thing figured out."

QUARTERBACK BAKER MAYFIELD

(On how the pain feels with his shoulder injury)

"It's there."

(On if the pain is increasing or decreasing)

"Decreasing, for sure. It's pain tolerance and management at that point. [We will] see how it goes through the week and go from there. [I] understand that we have Teddy [Bridgewater]. I have been in this spot before, hurting the non-throwing shoulder. If it's going to hinder how I play, then [I] probably won't go, but [I] won't know that until later in the week getting practice reps and see how that goes."

(On when his shoulder injury happened during the Los Angeles Rams game)

"It came on one of the scramble runs up the middle. I kind of got hit on the right side, exposing the left shoulder and got hit a little late. [It was] just one of those [where it was] the right angle for it to happen, but yeah, we'll go from there."

(On how similar this injury is to the one he had back in 2021 with the same shoulder)

"It's very different. I had dislocated my shoulder completely, had a torn labrum, partial [tear in the] rotator cuff and cracked the bone in the socket, so it's very different. Now, it's just truly about pain tolerance management, being able to move around and being able to throw and go from there."

(On if the injury back in 2021 plays a role in how he will manage this injury)

"A little bit... just from the physical aspect of it. I don't think I was physically able to do the things I wanted to in 2021 with a hurt shoulder. That's the biggest thing, [I] don't want to hold this team back. Obviously, each game here on out is extremely important, but Teddy [Bridgewater] is more than capable of handling this on his own. It's managing that, understanding where I am at physically and go from there."

(On what he uses non-throwing arm for during games)

"On the hail mary or whatever you want to call that attempt of it, it felt like my shoulder was unstable, which MRIs and all that revealed that it's stable [and] everything is intact, so that's really good news. It's really about feeling good enough to be able to rip the ball and feeling confident in it to finish through throws and stay on top of the ball."

(On how much the team's current playoff outlook affects the decision to play or not)

"Where we are at right now, we're viewing the rest of these games must-win situations. [It is] just where we're at. I know it's not, theoretically, but that's how we're viewing it, that's how we're approaching it and for me, like I said, if I am physically able to go, then I'll do it, but I won't know that until I get practice reps and I am able to throw the ball later on in the week."

(On if he feels mentally and physically prepared for the Arizona Cardinals)

"Yeah, when it comes to the mental side of that, I'll be alright. It is just about physically being able to go."

(On what they did earlier in the season that they haven't done in the last few games)

"Little things. I think we did a lot of the little things right earlier on in the year, especially on offense. Whether it was two-minute drives, whatever it took to win the game, we were executing at the right time when we needed it, and I don't think we've translated that in the last couple. It goes back to fundamentals, doing the basic things right and doing them at a high level. That's as simple as that sounds. When you look at the tape, that's what it shows for us."

(On what he's seen from RB Sean Tucker this season)

"I think the consistency and the big-play ability has always been there, but just him staying true to it. Whether it's his track or path, and then letting those big plays come. For him, the growth in pass protection, understanding what we're trying to get done, that's been the biggest jump in improvement from him."

(On WR Tez Johnson stepping up in the wake of injuries to the wide receiver room throughout the season)

"I'd say Tez [Johnson] has done an incredible job, as well as 'B-Mac' (Bryan McClendon) preparing Tez to whatever reps he is going to have, whatever position we throw him into and handling that and taking the practice reps, the study time, what we're installing and translating it into the game. I always tell him: fast players play fast. He has done that, which means mentally he's locked in [and] he knows what he's supposed to be doing. [He is] just taking advantage of his opportunities."

(On what he's seen from QB Teddy Bridgewater if Mayfield is unable to play in Week 13)

"When it comes down to a guy like Teddy [Bridgewater] that's seen a lot of defenses and played a lot of ball, it's not like you're going to overwhelm him in some of the blitz packages or different looks. I think that's the biggest difference is he's not getting in there with wide eyes. He's seen different looks and defenses before that he is able to handle and execute at the right time. We'll have confidence no matter what the situation is, but definitely confident [with] Teddy in there."

(On OT Luke Goedeke's performance since he returned from injury, and what the offense can improve in the coming weeks)

"I think I mentioned it when he was out, it's tough when you lose a guy like Cody [Mauch] and him. They're really your physical enforcers; [they are] guys that truly play through the echo of the whistle. For him to be able to pop back in there and look not rusty at all, it's been great for the offense. On top of that, I think we've ran the ball really well the last three weeks. Guys are doing their job right, so we have to continue that, but just have to execute in the pass game. That's third-down pass game and not falling behind the chains, and I think that's where we can take those steps and improve. A lot of that comes on my shoulders and I'll take that."

(On what will go into his decision to play against the Cardinals)

"I think understanding -- I mentioned earlier, not to go back on what I was saying, that every game is must-win playoff scenario, but understanding that if I sit one game out and that provides me to be healthier for down the stretch, then that's how I am going to look at it. I have to be smart with that, understanding that our sights are still set on the playoffs, but to get there we have to win these games, especially the NFC matchups. [We have] got to look at it that way and it's kind of a double-edged sword, but we'll see how it goes."

(On if Cardinals' S Budda Baker flies under the radar in the national spotlight)

"He does; he doesn't fly under the radar on tape. That guy is an absolute animal. He's so smart and understands the timing of when to pressure, when to show different looks. He can be down on the line of scrimmage and end up playing the deep third. He's a versatile guy, really good blitzer, has unbelievable ball skills, obviously has played a lot of football. [We] got to know where he is at at all times."

(On Cardinals' OLB Josh Sweat and what challenges he may bring)

"For me, just trusting our tackles, but them doing their tape, we know he leads the team in sacks. He's obviously got good production there; a good change of scenery for him. [We have] just got to be able to handle it and when he gets one-on-ones, he tries to take advantage of it. That also means you got Calais [Campbell] one-on-one inside too."

(On Cardinals' NT Calais Campbell)

"Yeah... I don't know how you're that big and play for that long. Kudos to him for taking care of his body the right way. I feel like everywhere I've been, I've had to play him... he keeps following me around."

(On rookie WR Emeka Egbuka having to step up in the wide receiver room with injuries to key pieces on the offense, and how he has handled the bigger role)

"What we've asked 'Mek' (Emeka Egbuka) to do is purely based on the fact that he showed us that he was mentally capable of handling it. Early in the offseason, during training camp, you hear all the things that he's so smart and can play any receiver position, now he's translated that with guys going down and he's done that for us. Hats off to him; he's done that, he's been prepared in whatever we ask him to do. His confidence is there, for sure, because he always knows what he's doing. When you're physically talented and you know what you're doing, the confidence should be there, and that definitely hasn't faltered at all."

(On the team's struggles in the past few weeks and how the team is looking forward)

"We stay true to who we are. Obviously, the last few games haven't gone the way we wanted it, we know that, it's not like we're trying to fake it otherwise. We know we still control our own destiny here down the stretch and that's the most important part. We have three home games coming up that we need to take care of."

(On if he is thinking about the potential of players coming back from injury down the stretch)

"Yeah, there's ways to look at it. I think from a positive perspective, yes, we're potentially getting those guys back soon, but [we are] not waiting for that to happen. I think that's where we're at offensively [like], 'Let's not wait for this guy to make the play. Okay, he's back now, he's going to take the workload.' Let's have the attitude that I am going to be the guy that makes the difference, I'm going to make the difference-making block, whatever it is, run, catch. That's where we're at; we've shown that we can win with whoever is out there, so why not now? Let's not wait for some of these guys that have had a ton of reps to come back, you can do it too. Instill that confidence [and] go out, trust yourself and fly around and have fun. That's really what I am going to preach to the offense; that's what I'm looking for this week is confident, fly around, let's go play our brand of football and it's time to do that."

(On a Thanksgiving memory that comes to mind)

"Definitely a lot of favorite foods. My Dad ruined it one day because we did a throwing competition in the backyard of my grandparents' house, and he wound up winning... This was when I was in college, so that ruined Thanksgiving for me and my brother. That's a core memory, something I still hold dearly."

RUNNING BACK BUCKY IRVING

(On the emotions of suffering a serious injury and having to spend time away from the team rehabbing)

"It's tough, man, [especially] your first time being hurt. When I step out onto that field – like I always say – I don't take this game for granted. I love what I do every day. I love my teammates. When I go out there, I show them that each and every time I get the ball, I'm trying to make plays and make things happen for this organization and this team to help them in any type of fashion to win football games. When God takes something away from you, He's telling you to get closer to Him and lean on Him. Being down and having something taken away from you… everything was alright because I had the right people around me."

(On not being able to be on the field with teammates the past few weeks and having to watch games from the sideline)

"[It's] tough. It's always tough not being able to be out there and go to war with your guys, but being able to go through that, learn from that and being able to move on – I'm happy to be back with my guys."

(On whom has helped him throughout his process of getting back out onto the field)

"This whole organization. I can't name everybody from this person to this person, but the people who were with me every step of the way know who they are. I want to give big praise and a shout out to them for helping me throughout this process. They've been around and they've seen it before, so just being able to trust them, trust their plan and help me get back and be around my teammates. I love being around my teammates."

(On the status of his shoulder)

"I'm feeling great, I'm here and I'm happy to be with my teammates."

(On how running backs Rachaad White and Sean Tucker have stepped up in his absence)

"I told y'all – everyone in that room is a great back. I don't look at it as I'm the starter, Rachaad is the starter, [or] Sean Tucker is the starter – we play for one another. I'm trying to bring that to this room and show that whoever is in the game, they can be a lead back, and whoever is in the game, we've got to play for one another. When you know you've got your brother's back, everything is going to be alright knowing that you're out there giving it you're all."

-BUCCANEERS-