HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On which players would not have practiced today)

"Lavonte [David] obviously, Devin [White] was limited – he did a little bit, [Jamel] Dean would have been out, SirVocea [Dennis] got sent home sick, and Mike Greene."

(On how QB Baker Mayfield's ankle is feeling)

"He's feeling a lot better."

(On if he expects Mayfield to play on Sunday)

"I do."

(On Mayfield's toughness)

"That's the way he was brought up and coached. He's got an old-school mentality. He's got a work ethic that is undeniable. He loves to play the game and he does everything he can every week to be ready to play."

(On how much he thinks last weekend's game helped the young players that may have to step in as starters moving forward)

"I think they got a week under their belt. SirVocea [Dennis] got a week under his belt, K.J. [Britt] knows how to play ball. I think it helps them a lot, getting [their] feet wet."

(On how much of a challenge it is to go against an interim head coach in their first game)

"Not really. You can't revamp your team in a week. [Carolina Panthers Interim Head Coach] Chris [Tabor] is a great coach, he's been a great special teams coach, he'll be a good head coach. You can't revamp your team in a week, so you concentrate on the scheme. I'm sure they'll tweak some things, but we've got to worry about the things we can correct ourselves and go out and play them and see what happens."

(On if he ever has private conversations with team leaders during a rough stretch)

"We do that every week. We talk to everybody every week and try to turn it around. Everybody has got their ideas and opinions and we all know it's a play here and a play there and it's a different person at each time. The biggest thing the leaders stress is staying together. If we stay together, that's the only way we can get out of it. That's very good on their part."

(On if he feels like there's a sense of complacency with the team)

"There's no complacency, there's just youth. It's accountability. You've got to bring one along. Everybody is playing hard, but until they start being accountable for each other – and I've told them this – we won't turn this corner until they start being accountable for each other on the field."

(On how many of the sacks that the team allowed against the Colts were due to the offensive line as opposed to holding onto the ball too long)

"There were about three of them where we could have gotten rid of the ball. We had it protected pretty [well]. The other three, I thought they beat us pretty [well] but we could have gotten rid of the ball. There was nowhere to throw, but if you can get out of the pocket and throw it away, try and do that."

(On if he feels the players appreciate the sense of urgency to get a win this week)

"Yes. It's got to start Sunday. We don't really care if it was a 12-0 team or a 1-10 team – we've got to start with ourselves. We've got to play hard, no matter who we're playing on Sunday. The urgency has got to be there, no matter who's on the other side of the field."

(On if he feels the team is missing a player who will hold teammates accountable more)

"They're accountable – let's not put this out of proportion. These guys play hard, they work hard. They're immature in some ways because they haven't played in a bunch of ballgames. We have enough guys to make plays – we've just got to make a play here or there. It has nothing to do completely with accountability or holding each other accountable. Certain guys are shy and won't speak as much, but they play just as hard. It's not a thing of nobody is holding anybody accountable – certain guys are, certain guys have got to become leaders. That's just how football is when you're young."

(On if the offense needs more scoring from players other than WR Mike Evans)

"We've got to execute. We get down there on the 1[-yard line], inside the 1[-yard line] in the first quarter, we've got to execute. We've got to execute. We can't have penalties at the wrong time, we can't get sacked at the wrong time. It's a group effort."

(On Evans having nine receiving touchdowns so far this season despite being game-planned against)

"It comes with being a great receiver and understanding as an offensive coordinator and an offensive line what you have to do to get him open and continually go to him. There [are] a lot of great receivers in this league you see every week that have big games and you know they're the guy going in. It's a credit to Mike working."

(On if he's frustrated by not being able to get more production out of WR Chris Godwin)

"He's definitely a better player and he's doing everything he can. He's been a little nicked up but we've got to get him in the end zone, as well. We've got to keep Mike [Evans]' production where it is and we've got to bring Chris' up to where Mike is."

(On what the coaches can do to keep the players in a positive mindset down the stretch)

"They're in a positive mindset. We understand losing is frustrating, but we understand it's all together. We're all in the same group. Nobody is pointing fingers and everybody understands that. We just keep chopping at the little things [to] try and make the corrections right and keep moving."

(On the team's struggles in the third quarter this season)

"They're self-inflicted wounds. Self-inflicted wounds, and it's a different guy each time. We definitely have got to coach it better and we definitely have to play it better. We're in these games in the fourth quarter – we're not getting blown out, we just have to start making better plays."

(On if he anticipated the amount of mistakes the team is experiencing given the team's youth and lack of quality depth)

"We knew the young guys were going to make some mistakes going in, but still, they make enough plays to win the ballgame. We're not using that as an excuse. The veteran guys here have got to continue to play and some of them make mistakes, as well. We can make better coaching decisions, we can make better playing decisions as far as mistakes as players – young and old. It's not just the young guys, it's a mixture."

(On what he and his staff do to self-evaluate and see where they can improve)

"We've got to make sure the guys that can do certain things are doing the things that they can do well. We've got to continue to do that, without being predictable. We've got to make sure we put guys in position to make plays and have a chance to make plays that accentuate their strengths and hide their weaknesses."

(On T Tristan Wirfs looking a little 'hobbled')

"He's hobbled but it's that time of year. He's not going to make excuses, I'm not going to make any for him. We know he's a warrior. He gave up a few sacks. I expect him to bounce back this week."

QUARTERBACK BAKER MAYFIELD

(On where his toughness and ability to play through injury comes from)

"For me, I know this sounds kind of corny, but it's kind of a mindset. Tell yourself that you're able to get through it and it's just kind of mind over matter. Every injury is different in whether it's going to hinder your play. If it's going to hinder your play, you're hurting the team. There is a difference in toughing it out and being smart. It's a fine line you've got to walk."

(On if it was hard coming off the field after the play in which he was injured vs. the Indianapolis Colts)

"For me, yeah. You want to be out there. As a competitor, you want to be out there with your guys. You go through the weeks of practice, and you want to be able to go out and do your best on gameday."

(On how the ankle injury affected his mobility during the game against the Colts)

"Immediately after? A little bit, but it eased up as the game went on."

(On the six sacks surrendered in Sunday's game and if he was holding the ball too long)

"The sacks – there was one that I scrambled up and somebody was going to hit me, so I slid, and it was like the 0-yard sack, so those kind of impact those numbers. There were a couple I definitely could've gotten the ball out quicker. The empty one where I took a sack just across midfield – I definitely just need to find an outlet and make it easier on those guys. It's a little bit of both – finding outlets, checking the ball down or throwing it away. Just knowing when they might have a better call than us."

(On the sack-fumble given up by T Tristan Wirfs at the end of Sunday's game)

"Everybody is human when it comes down to it. He is still a stud. We still trust him with everything. It's just one of those plays where he just got beat around the edge and that happens. Obviously, it's a critical moment and I know he's really hard on himself, but it's very rare to have that happen with him. You just say, 'Alright, they got us that time.' You've got to move on and just instill that faith that we still trust him no matter what. He knows that, but especially right after a game like that."

(On his postgame comments regarding the state of the team)

"For me, my mindset right now – and it should be for the whole team – is we're in a playoff-mode mentality. We have to take care of business each week to move on and to get to where we want to go. It's a matter of we don't really have a lot of room [for error], there's no slack. We have to pick up the pace. We have to have a sense of urgency about it. I think now everybody realizes what is at stake. We have to win out. We have to win these division games to get to where we want to go and to get into the playoffs. It's a sense of urgency. It's a matter of guys doing all the treatment and getting everything we need to get done. Young guys stepping up and realizing that they're going to play a pivotal role in this final season push that we have. Everybody just has to be on board."

(On how to instill that sense of urgency in the younger players who might not have experience making a playoff push)

"I think for an organization like this, I mean, guys can step into a place like this and just think it happens automatically, but we're facing a lot of struggles and adversity right now. A lot of self-inflicted things, but a lot of lessons that these young guys can learn from and say, 'Alright, this is why we're not winning these games.' Small things can really turn a game around. Those are the things you really have to focus on and get corrected for this playoff push."

(On how much of a shock the 4-7 record is after starting 3-1)

"Obviously, it's not what we had planned. But at a certain point, just look in the mirror – get your job fixed and try and elevate everyone else around you. There is no secret recipe besides doing your job at the highest level possible each game."

(On if making mistakes in close games is a matter of an accountability issue or a focus issue)

"A little bit of both. There [are] some penalties here and there that are hurting us. Obviously, the first drive we were moving it pretty well and then I [went] down and we had the penalty to back us up off the goal line. It's just things like that. Was that really a false start? No, but it's just little things that can change the drive and the momentum. You just have to be locked in at all times. It's that reset-button mentality. Good or bad play, you've got to play the next one and your focus has to be there 100%."

(On the level awareness of what is at stake at this point organizationally and for the coaching staff and if that is a discussion point)

"Not really. You're going through it each day with your coaches, staff and teammates, so you realize that everybody has got a part of it. Unfortunately, I've been a part of a few coaching changes – a few of them mid-season – and that's when guys realize what is really at stake. At the end of the year, changes happen. But mid-year when it happens, it kind of rocks the organization and I've obviously been there before. It's something that really puts things into perspective. You've got to take care of business for everybody."

(On the mentality he expects from the Panthers after they made a coaching change this week)

"Having been in that spot before, everybody rallies around it, honestly. It's one of those things that brings people together. I know 'Tabes' (Panthers Interim Head Coach Chris Tabor) very well. I was there with him last year – he's a great guy, so I think he is going to have those guys fired up. At this point, they don't have anything to lose, so they're going to be playing 100%. We have to be ready for whatever they have. All different coverages, blitzes and packages that they might have, and just be prepared for that."

(On the growth of the offense this season and Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales' growth as a play-caller)

"Obviously, the final production hasn't been there or else we'd be winning more games, but the run game has improved extremely the past couple of weeks against some good run-front teams. That's what we've been looking for is growth each week in the offense, but now we just need to finish in the redzone. It's kind of the same story there. We're able to move the ball, but [then there are] some of these momentum killers like we mentioned earlier. We've got to nip those out and just hammer it home and finish with touchdowns instead of field goals."

(On Canales saying last week that Mayfield doesn't get some of the favorable calls that some other quarterbacks do around the league when it comes to protection)

"Dave said that [laughs]? I got my first roughing the passer penalty – that was nice. That was probably the least one I expected, but I appreciate (referee) Clete [Blakeman] for that one – that was good."

(On how he looks back on his time in Carolina last season)

"I believe everything happens for a reason. God [has] got a plan. I got to meet some great teammates there and some great support staff, as well, and I enjoyed it. Obviously, it wasn't the full season – I got to finish up in L.A. – but yeah, it was [at] a time I needed to get out of Cleveland. It was a fresh start for me. Obviously, it didn't pan out the way I envisioned it, but everything happens for a reason. I'm here now and I expect to have a good game against some familiar faces. It will be fun."

(On how much he thinks about the fact that his play each week will dictate what's next for him)

"I don't because I've always said, 'If you win games, the rest will take care of itself.' For me, play the best I can, put us in a position to win, do everything I can that way and lead the best way I can. Just let that show and everything else will happen for a reason."

(On the Panthers defense)

"Starting up front, Brian Burns is a stud. He can do it all. Derrick Brown is a monster. You've got to control those guys up front. You can't let them wreck the game. Frankie Luvu runs around. Obviously, they lost Shaq Thompson, a really good player. In their back end, they have good players. We're expecting to have Jaycee Horn show back up for us, and Jeremy Chinn, as well. A lot of talented players, and so it will be a good matchup for us and a good test for us. We just need to handle it correctly."

(On what makes WR Mike Evans special in the redzone)

"I think the first touchdown shows exactly why Mike is so great. He understands it's a two-man concept. If he runs it a certain way, they could pass the concept off, but he gives an inside leverage stem and really makes the guy think he is going to go in, loses him… when you show the film, there is not anybody in the picture when he has the ball in his hands. He understands how to beat coverages [and] how to win off coverages. He has done it consistently. It's obviously pretty easy to throw to and he makes my job easy."

WIDE RECEIVER MIKE EVANS

(On seeing QB Baker Mayfield come back in the game after leaving with injury)

"We were fired up, especially making those runs on third down – that was impressive how he trucked through a linebacker or a safety on one of those third-and-longs. Him doing that means a lot for our offense."

(On if Mayfield's toughness is a 'Texas thing')

"There's a lot of tough guys in the league that make plays like that, but it definitely helps being from Texas."

(On how he balances being angry about the loss and staying positive about the games ahead)

"It's hard – it's extremely hard losing like this with the talent that we have. Fortunately for us, our goals are still there. They still can be accomplished. That's what's kind of keeping me balanced right now."

(On having nine receiving touchdowns this season)

"I've just been playing for a long time. My skillset and my size definitely help me in the red area a lot. I wish I would have had more touchdowns in my career, but it didn't go that way. Hopefully I can just keep getting opportunities in the redzone and use my size and my awareness."

(On how the team handles the pressure of having their fate decided over the next six weeks)

"We've just got to stay working. You've got to keep working, no matter what. That's what we're doing. Today was more mental than physical, but we got some good work in. We've just got to keep putting in the work if we want to see results."

(On how the team can play a full game of complementary football)

"Play better ball. It's as simple as that. We've got to play better ball. It's on us as players. After we watch film, we always say, 'Aw man, it's right there.' We've just got to go out there and take it – we've got to go make plays that need to get made."

(On how he balances looking at film but not over-analyzing it)

"Everybody is different – I've just got to go play. It's a fast game, so you don't have time to think a lot. The preparation [supersedes] the overthinking."

(On the key to having a repeat performance of what he did against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17 of the 2022 season)

"Well the first game last year, I was getting everything I wanted. I had one or two drops, but I was getting everything I wanted. I was winning my routes – I just have to make the plays. It's a different defense now. They have a different [defensive] coordinator, so it'll be more challenging."

(On what has been the key to his longevity)

"I've just been blessed. God has blessed me tremendously with durability. I have great people around me that help me maintain my health. That's been good for me and that's been going for me."

LEFT TACKLE TRISTAN WIRFS

(On how he is feeling after the game against the Indianapolis Colts)

"Not so bad. The ankle is doing okay. It's alright."

(On if players are expected to have injuries at this point in the year)

"Absolutely, I think everyone in here has a little something going on, and across the league too. I'm going to be out there regardless."

(On QB Baker Mayfield's toughness)

"He's a badass. He wants to be out there with us, he wants to be balling, [and] he wants to be grinding. I've had a lot of ankle stuff, so I know how they feel, and him coming back in with something like that was pretty awesome. It just shows that he wants to be out there and fight with us."

(On RB Rachaad White getting 100 yards rushing and if that is another piece of the offense coming together)

"Absolutely, I thought we were on top of our run game pretty well last week, that is a big thing we have been putting an emphasis on and trying to get that rolling. Him getting that was definitely huge, but I think we have been really stressing the run game and trying to get that rolling."

(On some other ways the team can put everything together)

"I think just not shooting ourselves in the foot, finishing in the red zone, and I think that is a big thing for us. Just getting in the in zone when we are down there and taking advantage of those opportunities, but it definitely started with the run game."

(On how important the game against the Caroline Panthers is)

"I think it's huge if we want to win the division and it starts with them this week. It's really huge."

(On what he thinks about the Carolina Panthers pass rushers)

"I think I have been saying it for two years now. Brian Burns, he is so underrated, and he's been balling this year, so definitely him, Derrick Brown, guys like that, [and] Marquis Haynes. They have guys across the board that love rushing the passer, and they are pretty good at it, so definitely a good front, and we are excited to get to go against them. We know what we [have] ahead of us."

(On not anticipating a slump after a 3-1 start at the beginning of the season)

"At the beginning of the season a lot of people did. They counted us out, and I hate saying we are close, but we are one game out of the lead of the division. We just have to buckle in and keep our noes to the grind stone and get it rolling."

DEFENSIVE TACKLE CALIJAH KANCEY

(On what's been key to his ability to pressure the quarterback)

"I think [Head] Coach [Todd] Bowles has been doing a great job with moving me around and using my versatility to help out the team – get mismatches and help me make plays that help the team."

(On his mindset for the next six weeks)

"We still have everything ahead of us. It's just [that] we've got to win – that's what we've got to do and that's what we want to do."

(On how the defense can tighten up the run defense for Sunday)

"I think we just play fundamental football and do all the little things right – it'll lead to bigger plays and stops that we need on defense."

(On if anybody stepped up as a leader in the absence of LB Lavonte David and CB Jamel Dean)

"I feel like we have a lot of leaders on this team – especially on defense, as well. I think everyone knew that we had two main players out and we had to step up."

(On if any player in particular spoke up in their absence)

"I think we all were out there communicating and talking and everybody's mind was on the right track."

(On the play of OLB Yaya Diaby)

"I think he's doing a great job being able to show his talents and what he can do for this team and what he has as a player being here."

-BUCCANEERS-