OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR JOSH GRIZZARD

(On having the Bye Week to self-scout as an offense)

"It's really good. I think it came at the right time – more for the guys that are on the field and getting some of those guys healthy and letting them rest. But, as a staff, being able to go through a lot of our tape and figure out…We have an idea each week on what we're doing well, what we're doing poorly, how it needs to be adjusted, who we need to play more, not necessarily who we need to play less, but do we get this guy the ball more? But, it's really good just to take a deep breath, see where we're at, and especially looking ahead to some of the teams that we play in the division a couple times where you can take some time to look at tape on those guys as well. So, it's good to get out of here for a little bit, see your family, and then get right back to it."

(On what he's most pleased with on offense so far)

"I would say the ability for the guys that have not played much ball to come in here and get up to speed with what we're doing and how we're doing it, how we operate, and just seeing the strides that they've been able to make from starting their first game, second game, and third game, and the confidence that those guys have, and the things you see in practice showing up on the tape. So really, for their end of it, just being able to have more reps has been huge [and] it could be from the O-line, it could be from the [wide] receivers, it could be from the [running] backs – and just seeing those guys take steps. Then, our ability just to try to mix and match and not have the run game exactly where we want it to be right now, but trying to keep them off balance with throwing it and running it and really trying to mix those two in."

(On what he'd like to improve offensively for the second half of the season)

"I would say it's tough to really narrow down [to] exactly one, because we look at every aspect of the game plan: whether it's the run game, the pass game, situationally on third down, red area. All those places have areas for improvement. We have looked at, in terms of the run game, creating more explosives in terms of our fundamentals and techniques in these runs that could be four to five yards that should be 12 yards, but one position group is off. Collectively, that's not good enough. So, we really harped on that. But then outside of that, just looking at, like I said, what are we doing on third down? What are we doing in the red area to try to improve some of those as well?"

(On how the team can improve its red zone offense)

"Yeah, when it comes to that, when you get the ball on the half-yard line, you need to be able to score and generally [by] running it in. The good teams run it in. They're able to pound people. So, when it comes to that, it comes down to one, the fundamentals and techniques and pad level and how we're hitting blocks, but then to your point, also opening up a little bit where, if it's not working, you might need to throw it. That way you can keep these guys honest. But it comes down to pad level and the want-to when it comes to that, because if you get it down there that low, you've got to be able to punch that thing in."

(On how RB Sean Tucker has looked with more playing time)

"I thought he did a nice job – really from every game that he's played with having more carries. He had a couple in the game that – not that he had the same game as he had last year versus New Orleans – but he had a couple where there wasn't much there up the middle, and he was able to take that thing to the perimeter and really get some efficient runs. So, his ability to have that second gear to be able to get it outside was really good. And I think 'Tuck' (Sean Tucker) done a good job in some of the pass-protection stuff as well."

(On the biggest challenge when facing the New England Patriots' defense)

"[There are] a lot of challenges. I think it starts with the coaching staff and what Coach [Mike] Vrabel is able to do there in terms of setting up his standard and the way these guys play. You can see it on tape all the way back from his time in Tennessee – these guys are very disciplined, they play very hard, they do a good job of turnovers. When it comes to the player side of it as well, these guys have got guys at really every level of the defense. I think it starts up front with [Christian] Barmore. These guys being able to add Milton Williams has been a big asset for them as well up the middle and then when you talk about the edges and [Harold] Landry [III] and [K'Lavon] Chaisson, those guys get after the passer. I think Chaisson is probably playing the best he's played. Then, playing [Robert] Spillane last year in the middle – he makes it go as the stack linebacker. His communication, his ability to run to the ball, communicate with those guys…Then you see what [Marcus] Jones can do at nickel – this guy came in there, he was a returner for them, played a little bit of offense. He's very versatile. You guys are fully aware of what Carlton [Davis III] can do and then they've got [Christian] Gonzalez on the other side where they're a good outfit. The safeties are playing well, too, especially the young guy (Craig Woodson). These guys are turning the ball over – I'd say that's a well-rounded group and very well coached."

(On T Luke Goedeke returning to practice and what he brings as a "tone-setter")

"He's definitely a tone-setter with the way he prepares and the way he practices. Anytime you can get someone back – no matter what position it is – in terms of a starter, it's always going to elevate you with the communication levels with those guys, the comfortability with them being able to play together, know exactly what they're thinking, and, like you said, then his personality as well with being able to be that tone-setter, being a little bit of a meathead and going out there and be able to pound people."

(On defenses clouding/tilting coverage to WR Emeka Egbuka, and how Grizzard can keep him involved)

"For sure. I think you saw that a little bit – I wouldn't say start for the Detroit game, because you even saw it versus really Philly – but especially in the Detroit game with the coverage rolling that way or being double-teamed, where we've got to find better ways to get him the ball even if he has the double-team on him. Then, if he does have the double-team, it's what are we doing for the other side of it? Because these guys should be singled up in man[-to-man] coverage to be able to get them the rock. So that's something he'll have to adjust to based on those guys being out, like you said. It's something he's prepared for as well, because that's the way he conducts his business, and he knows, 'Okay, if I'm not getting this because I'm getting doubled, then it's opening up Tez [Johnson] or Cade [Otton] or whoever it might be.' So that's mainly on us to try to find ways to get him the ball even if he was getting a cloud corner or cloud safety over top."

(On what makes Patriots' cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III such a difficult matchup)

"Yeah, these guys – and not that it's the same system as when Coach [Bill] Belichick was there, but you really saw it even going back, I'm thinking like being in Miami and going against [Stephon] Gilmore and these guys – they're very fundamentally sound, they're very disciplined, they're very patient at the line of scrimmage. They're not going to just go ruin the play by doing something dumb at the line of scrimmage. It forces you to be really crisp with your routes, your detail…Their ability to play through the pocket on catches when you extend your hands for the ball and their ability for these guys to swarm to the football as well. So, [they are] very disciplined. They play within a scheme. They do a lot of different coverages, so you're not necessarily attacking one thing. It's hats off to them because they can play a multitude of coverages and they execute them very well. There's a lot of positives to them."

(On whether QB Baker Mayfield needed the Bye Week and if he looks re-energized)

"He's always energized. I would say body-wise, he could definitely use a couple days off right there, which I'm sure helped him, but he had the same juice out here today as he did really in the first day of training camp and especially in OTAs just with how he conducts himself. But I think everybody – I mean, being [in] Week, what, 8, 9, 10 in the NFL, you're going to be banged up. So, anytime you can take seven days off and get away from this [and] stop listening to us talk to you and correct you for, you know, five, six hours out of the day, is always beneficial to people."

(What makes the Patriots' run defense so effective)

"They're so gap-sound, in terms of they don't get out of a gap, that way, if you have two people in one gap and now you can gash them in the run game…You see that from time to time around the NFL. With these guys, you don't really see that. It starts because of how physically fit and strong they are up the middle – where you're trying to get off of those blocks and those guys do such a good job. They're predicated off setting the edge with the defensive ends – they're trying to box everything in. So, when you get those two things and they're disciplined, there's not a lot of running lanes, which is why it leads to being one of the better rush defenses in the league."

(On whether opponents are starting to spy QB Baker Mayfield more, and how he can adjust against that)

"Yeah, I would say that Detroit did a nice job with it – on trying to put a spy on him where some of those rush lanes, like you're talking about, weren't necessarily there. So, at the end of the day, once they're doing that, they're still playing man[-to-man] coverage on the outside. So, we've got to be able to go win outside and create things to get these guys open. That way, if they do want to put somebody on him here, we can try to throw it over here."

PASS GAME COORDINATOR GEORGE EDWARDS

(Opening Statement)

"[We are] just getting back off of the break and getting guys going this week. [We are] getting a chance to look at ourselves through a self-scout and getting prepared for New England which is a tough opponent this week who has had a heck of a year so far. We have got our work cut out for us."

(On how important it is for a coach to have a Bye Week and self-scout)

"That was a big thing, just making sure, situationally, we were doing some of the things that we had talked about in the offseason, and seeing guys as they have matured through the process of what we are doing [well], [and] what are things that we need to improve on from techniques and fundamentals, from the coaches [and] looking at different areas, those kind of things. It was good to get a chance to go back and kind of look at those first couple of games and see where we thought we could still emphasize to make improvements from things that have happened through the course of the year. It was good, you do not like looking at the bad stuff, but you have to to be able to improve upon it."

(On what area of the defense he can point to as a reason to have 15 sacks in the last three games)

"I think it is a combination of things. I think it is the guys, execution-wise, with some of the things we are doing from a pressure standpoint, like pass rush and coverage go hand-in-hand. I think it is all-encompassing of all of those things together that have made us successful in both areas."

(On if the defense is playing better because young players are stepping up or because some impact players are healthy)

"I think it is a combination of all of those things. You look at rookies that come in, it is a lot on their plate, not only adjusting to what we do, but what teams are trying to do to us. I think guys in and out of the lineup -- it is never going to be an excuse, we are going to keep going with it, but the continuity of guys with experience within the system really helps out. Again, I think it is all of those factors involved together -- coming together. Our older guys -- veteran guys -- that, defensively, do a good job of helping to bring the younger guys along. I think them seeing it and actually experiencing it through a couple of games really help them. I think all of those things are factors that we are playing better from that aspect of it."

(On what having S Tykee Smith and S Antoine Winfield Jr. playing safety has done for the defense as a whole)

"Both of them are very good communicators. Skillset-wise, they are good around the line of scrimmage, they are good in the middle of the field, they are good in the run game, they are good blitzers. Those two really do a good job working together and communicating to get everybody else on the same page. I think there is trust there; the one thing you see around the building is accountability, and those two guys are accountable to get done what we need to get done from day-to-day and from week-to-week. I think guys feel comfortable with them on the field and being able to communicate those things and being able to help us when we get into situations to be able to adjust. Especially, from unscouted looks and those kinds of things, they do a good job of getting us where we need to be."

(On how important it will be to give Patriots' QB Drake Maye different types of pressures during Sunday's contest)

"It will be very important. Anytime you can cause a quarterback to have hesitation and be indecisive when he has the ball in his hand, it is going to buy time for us to have a chance to get pressure to him. That will be very important for us this week."

(On what S Antoine Winfield Jr. means to the defense when he is on the field)

"At the end of the day, him being healthy is the biggest thing. That is one thing he has always been [doing], taking care of his body, doing all the little things -- eat and sleep -- all of those things. Injuries happen in this game, and the big thing is having him available. He is that type of player; he can make a difference for you."

OFFENSIVE TACKLE TRISTAN WIRFS

(On his thoughts during the goal-line drive against the New Orleans Saints in Week 8)

"After the third [rush attempt], it was like they were guessing. You [have] to guess right -- I think on the fourth one I guessed right and kind of took it back. That is a successful goal line play for us, so we are like, 'Let's hammer it,' put it on our shoulders. It was tough there, but at the same time, we have to finish in the end zone. Letting Demario Davis be the free hitter is not... not fun. That is how he wins, that is his forte."

(On how it feels to have the Bye Week to rejuvenate)

"I thought it was pretty solid timing, right in the middle, we [have] a lot of guys banged up. It was nice, a lot of guys got away, recovered their bodies a little bit. Being back here practicing is money. Guys are flying around; I thought we had two good days, we got some nice weather today. Nice weather with the pads on, that is always great. It has been good; great Bye Week and it is fun to be back and hammer out this nine game stretch and see where we are at."

(On having OT Luke Goedeke back in practice)

"'The Enforcer' is back. It is great seeing him back out there practicing. Being who he is, chirping people already on his second day of practice for him and he is chirping guys. Having him back is awesome. That is our guy, however it shakes out this week, we will be ready to go. Charlie [Heck] has done an amazing job this year. If we can get Luke [Goedeke] back, great, if not, then Charlie is ready to go."

(On the process of getting back on the field from injury)

"I think the biggest thing for tackles is your pass pro[tection], sitting on a bull rush, the third-and-long situations, the [crappy] situations. He looks good moving around. We will see how it goes -- see how he feels -- after a big day like today. We will see at the end of the week."

(On what stands out to him about the New England Patriots' defense)

"I think their defensive line. Obviously, their interior defensive line is great. I say it to you guys all the time; there [are] good guys all across the league -- all across the board. Their front four, they have good stunts, good pressures, so like I said, we are going to have to be on top of our stuff. Milton Williams, Harold Landry III is having a great year, they are all doing great. I say this every week, we have to come out and worry about what we are doing, how we can impact the game and how we can help this team win."

WIDE RECEIVER STERLING SHEPARD

(On having the Bye Week to reset mentally and physically for the rest of the season)

"It is good for everybody. This is a brutal game that we play, so anytime you that you get off is good. It is kind of tricky, because if you take too much time off, you kind of feel like crap whenever you come back. You [have] to do a good job of getting your body moving over that break, but also give it a break. [There is] a fine line with that, but it is good for everybody as a team."

(On being back in practice)

"A lot of energy flying around. Guys got a chance to get their bodies back, so you are going to get that. We just have to be on top of the mental work. I think that is where you can make big strides. This late into the season, it is important football, and it is going to come down to the little things. Being on your P's and Q's when it comes to the mental part of the game is going to be huge for us down the stretch."

(On the wide receiver room having to adjust due to multiple injuries)

"In our room, we really stress control what you can control. You cannot really control [the defense] doubling you or putting cloud coverage over you. All you can do is run the route that is given and get open, make big plays. It is going to come down to making those tough catches and that is something that we all have to do in the room and get better."

(On the recent news of Dallas Cowboys' OLB Marshawn Kneeland's passing)

"It hurts your heart. This game is great and everything; it is one of everybody's childhood dreams to come and play at this level, but that is the real-life stuff people go through. You just never know, so [it] puts things in perspective for you every day that you walk into this building, being grateful and just checking on your brothers as well -- make sure everything is okay with them mentally. This game is a lot on us and people tend to forget the real-life aspect of it. It hurts your heart to see."

SAFETY ANTOINE WINFIELD JR.

(On how the Bye Week treated him)

"Great, could not have come at a better time. Body is feeling good, mind is good, ready to rock-and-roll."

(On almost having two touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints in Week 8)

"Ahh man, it was super close. A little frustrating, but I guess it is part of the game. It happens, just have to make up for it this week, I guess, and the weeks coming up."

(On what it is like when the defense feeds off of each other in regard to takeaways)

"We just feed off of it, exactly like you said. When somebody is making plays, you are happy for them and you just want to make that next play, so everybody can be happy and feed off of that energy."

(On if the defense is starting to click with the new young players they have added)

"Yeah 100 percent. I feel like everybody is comfortable in the scheme and system, the new pieces that we have. It has been nice, been fun playing with them."

(On what he has seen from the New England Patriots' offense)

"[They are a] good team. They have good weapons, [the] quarterback has been playing great. We have a challenge this weekend, we just have to make sure we do our job."

-BUCCANEERS-