HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On today's practice)

"Well, the tempo was good – we got a lot of work done that way. We were really working on redzone 7-on-7 this morning – we wanted to get some work that way. Blitz period was next and once the thunder came, we went inside. Didn't want anyone getting hurt on the turf going into vacation, so we called it early."

(On what message he wants the players to take home with them)

"Just understand what kind of shape they need to be in to come back. And when we come back, we're ready to go. We're not going to start over at the beginning of Minicamp or anything like that. We're going to start where we left off and we're going to get better."

(On if there is a philosophy to ending Minicamp before other teams do)

"No, we always end it a little bit early. There's a lot of teams that have Minicamp this week, there's some that have it next week. I think it's about even."

(On what player has stood out to him during Minicamp)

"I would love to see what [Deven] Thompkins does in Training Camp. He's quick, he's fast, he's explosive off of the ball, and he's made some good catches. So, we want to see how he continues to learn and how he does in Training Camp and preseason. I'll be looking at him."

(On if there are any lingering injuries that could still be an issue come Training Camp)

"Well, it's too early to tell. None to speak of right now."

(On his message to the team to prepare them for Training Camp)

"Again, we know what the heat is going to be like. Coming back in shape and understanding what they retained here in these OTAs and Minicamps going forward. So coming back in Training Camp, we're going to hit the ground rolling. We don't have time for them to back-pedal and go backwards. So when we come back, we're starting this thing full-go. They better be ready to go."

(On if the competition within the team for open roster spots is a good thing)

"I think it's always a good thing so nobody can take a break in practice, and it brings out the best in those type of people. Having some competition this year and pushing some guys is always good."

(On if he believes there is position group on the team that can benefit from a free agent signing)

"Not at this time, but it's always an option. If somebody gets hurt or if somebody becomes available that we're interested in, we're always looking at those types of things."

(On if he has had any communication with free agent TE Rob Gronkowski)

"Status quo. Until he signs or retires, we're status quo."

(On his overall impressions of QB Tom Brady during Minicamp)

"He picked up where he left off at. He got to see things on the first day, the second day he was sharp as a tack, and today he was sharp. So you can't say enough good things about him – his work ethic and what he brings to the team."

(On how much he can see from offensive and defensive linemen during Minicamp as compared to Training Camp)

"You can get a little bit of a grasp. As far as footwork, lateral movement, and those types of things – understanding the things we're installing and applying them on the field. You kind of get the work-ethic standpoint from that, as well as individual. But, Training Camp will be the test for the linemen."

(On how Brady can improve from last season)

"Well, I think if you ask him, the best thing he can do to have a better season than last is to win the Super Bowl. I don't think the stats matter as much to him as winning. If he can win a game throwing 20 times, he's happy. If he can win a game throwing 50 times, he's happy. So, the best thing he can do is keep winning and as he'll tell you, he needs to work at everything constantly because this game catches up to you if you don't constantly work at things."

(On what he saw from wide receivers during Minicamp)

"Well, they've got a better grasp of the system. We have a complex offensive system and I thought they got better at the system and playing fast. The (mental errors) went down, they started learning the offense and once Training Camp comes, you want to see them in pads. You want to see who can do what in pads and play real football. But, we're excited about the learning that they accomplished."

(On if there was a wide receiver that 'improved their stock' during Minicamp)

"Nobody's improved their stock until we get in pads. But, there are guys that run around in [a] t-shirt and shorts that look good. Like I said, [Deven] Thompkins is quick and fast and I look forward to seeing him in Training Camp."

(On if there is anything he needs to catch up on during before the start of Training Camp)

"No, really just taking it day-by-day. You can only do one thing at a time, like I said. We got a late start, but you don't catch up all at once. You try to spend time with your family – take some time off. But at the back of your mind, you've got things in your head about preseason, regular season, and start looking at some film – getting some ideas that way. You check in with the coaches, make sure they're alright, and you just go through it."

(On if the preparation for the Week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys starts now)

"It's always started, but how deep you go into it depends on the week or the day. If you start thinking about it, we played them last year – they played us last year. So, you start looking at things you can do different and those type of things. Still trying to get your team together – I think the preparation doesn't start until some time in Training Camp."

(On how much of the preparation and game planning comes directly from the players)

"Well, it's been the coaches in the offseason. Obviously, everyone is on their own once vacation starts. So the players will be on their own, hopefully training and getting some things done while they're on vacation. But, it really involves the coaches."

(On what this week of Minicamp has meant to him personally)

"I mean, it's been fun. It's football – I've been doing it all my life. Just the work ethic the guys came in with, and the concentration they came with, is all you can ask for at this point as a coach. Again, we've been together for a while now. Just seeing me in a different position doesn't make our relationship any different. We got a lot of things done and I'm proud of that."

(On when QB Tom Brady normally begins to build rapport with newer receivers)

"It will happen – we don't target guys. You throw to the open receiver [and] what the defense gives you. Some days, you might get six catches. Some days, you might get two depending on who's open [and] what the defense is. He's not targeting guys that way, but he's getting to see those guys run around and he'll get a better feel in Training Camp if he doesn't already."

QUARTERBACK TOM BRADY

(On his decision to return to football for another season)

"It feels like a long time ago. A lot has happened between now and then. It was just a lot of different things. It was awhile ago. I feel like I've kind of moved past that point to be honest. But I'm happy I'm back with my teammates. It's going to be a great year. We're going to work really hard. We have high expectations for what we are trying to accomplish. We've got a lot of good players – it doesn't matter much – we've got to go out and do it. We've got to go earn it. We've got some competitive practices coming up. I'm most excited about this team and what we can try to accomplish."

(On reuniting with former teammates such as Akiem Hicks, Shaq Mason and Logan Ryan)

"It feels good. It feels good because you know what those guys are capable of. I think they have a very high expectation for their level of play. I think when you've been in the trenches with those guys, you know what they're all about. I think the more of those guys that you have – that caliber of player that can play at a championship level – the better it is. It's a very competitive team – competitive practices out there, even these last three days. No one has put pads on yet. We are going to see what we can do when we put pads on, and guys go out there and try to execute under pressure."

(On the potential return of TE Rob Gronkowski)

"I think it's just, obviously, totally up to him. We'd all love to play with him, but he's got to make the best decision for himself, and he knows that. Anybody that cares about him knows that he is doing what's right for him, which is trying to figure it out. We don't have training camp for about six weeks, so whatever he has to do to figure it out. I think we will be hopeful if he does. And if he doesn't, we've still got to go out there and figure out what to do."

(On his relationship with Senior Advisor to the General Manager and former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians and if there were any 'substantive issues' in their relationship)

"Zero whatsoever. He and I have a great relationship. I think that's part of why I chose here was because of Bruce. He and I have been in incredible communication, and I have great respect for him. He knows how I feel about him, and that's the most important thing. And I know how he feels about me."

(On if the reports suggesting he and Arians had a strained relationship bothered him)

"See, I don't read a lot of them. There are a lot of things that aren't right that are said. I think the thing is – you try and come out and respond to everything that is not right [but] we don't have to be right very often. We just have to be right every so often these days. I think if people click on it, then you read more of it, and obviously they're clicking on it, so it's what people want and what is talked about. It may not be accurate and that's O.K. – I don't make every pass either. I don't complete every pass, so I understand not everyone can get it right all of the time."

(On the conversation with his family when he told them he was thinking of returning to football for another season)

"I think it's really important. I said last week or two weeks ago – it's very easy when you're 25 to know what you want to do the next year. It's very challenging when you're 43 or 44 because there is a lot of other things that are pressing and a lot of other things that are really important in your life, like your kids and your wife and different relationships. Things have always taken a back seat to football – that's just how it has gone for me. It's challenging and I've just got to work at those things. It is part of what is challenging about things that happen in my life – just different decisions are made. I have a great life and I have zero complaints about it. I just try to do the best I can do. There are other significant, very important things that happen, and I think when the football season starts, everybody knows that it is 100 percent football. It's just the way you have to be and it's a big commitment to make. Then in order to play every game, you have to train really hard, so I've got to train really hard at 44 years old, which is a big commitment. To try to make those decisions has its challenges. It's not like it was when I was 25. I don't think any of us feel like we did when we were 25, but thankfully for good reasons there are parts where I am happy I'm not 25. Then there are other parts where I wish I felt like I was a little more like 25. I have a very complex, tricky life in different aspects and I'm just trying to navigate it the best way I can."

(On what needs to happen to get WR Russell Gage Jr. up to speed on the offense and to build chemistry with him)

"A lot of work. A lot of work. He has to have a big year. We signed him to a contract and he has to come in and do a great job. In the time I've spent with him, I really enjoy it and I think he has a great opportunity. That is a very important role for an offense that throws the ball as much as we do. We have very favorable passing conditions. You need a lot of good receivers. We have depth at receiver – obviously, Mike [Evans] is a great player. Chris [Godwin] is coming off a pretty significant injury, so Russell has to do a great job. And Scotty [Miller], 'BP' (Breshad Perriman), Cyril [Grayson Jr.], Jaelon [Darden], Tyler [Johnson] – all those guys who have experience and have played, they have to do a great job too. It's a very competitive room. I think Russ, when he is out there, there is a lot of work that needs to go into the next six weeks to be ready. We're challenged right out of the box this year. We've got really good teams [on our schedule]. We've got to have a great training camp. We know when training camp is – it's the 23rd of July (for quarterbacks). We know we've got six weeks of training camp, but I feel like it starts [now]. Obviously, the season has already started – you are competing every day out there. You're either getting better or you're getting worse. You're not going out there just to break a sweat, you are going out there to get things done. I think this should be, in my opinion, our best opportunity to play our best football because we've been together the longest. Why shouldn't it be? We know each other, we know the scheme, we've been through a lot of challenging circumstances in games and now we've got to go out there and execute it as well as we possibly can."

(On if he feels like he still needs football in his life for happiness and fulfillment)

"I fell in love with this sport when I was a young kid and I think there is still a great love for it. I think I always will unfortunately beyond it – I'm going to stay in football now, that's pretty clear. That will be fun. I look forward to that whenever that happens and whenever I decide to make that decision to retire. I think there was a lot of things about me not ending up having a normal offseason. I got to figure out what it would look like, which was really interesting for me. It was good – I had a lot of good discussions with a lot of people and learned a lot. It should be a smoother transition than I would have thought."

(On how he can improve his game in 2022 from his performance in 2021)

"In a lot of different ways. I think that's a good question and it's a good opportunity for us to all evaluate where we are at and what we need to do better. I always feel like there are things that can be improved on in different areas. I think how I evaluate myself and my teammates is very different than how other people would."

(On if there are any specific examples he could point to of where he would like to improve his game)

"None that I would want to share because I think those are very personal things that I'm trying to work on and I'm trying to let the competition figure out. I'm trying to let the competition figure out about my teammates, as well, but I think we have a lot of communication between us about where things were off. And obviously they have their evaluations, but you realize looking around, they're often not always very right either – other NFL teams. They're wrong a lot. There are a lot of people that are mis-evaluating things, so it probably puts you in the best position to succeed if you evaluate things properly. That's hopefully what experience and wisdom can do being in this game. That's why wisdom, experience, people being together and continuity is really important. Not to continue to do things poorly, but to continue to do things in a better way. Even though we didn't win the championship, there were things we did better last year than we did the previous year. But that still doesn't matter because ultimately there is one goal for us. You'd like to string everything together. Even if you string all of those things together, it's still very difficult to win the championship because there are 32 very competitive teams playing. What you can do is put yourself in the best position to succeed to give yourself the largest margin of error, so that if you don't play your very best, you can still win against a very good opponent. That's what we have to figure out how to do. When we play less than our best – still figure out a way to win situationally, win in the fourth quarter, win running the ball, win by stopping them in a two-minute drive – there are a lot of situational things that are going to happen late in a game that even though we may or may not have played our best for 58 minutes, we can still figure out how to win in the last two minutes of the game."

(On if there is any truth to the reports that he was interested in joining the Miami Dolphins in any capacity)

"Again, I had a lot of conversations with a lot of people as I've had for the last three or four years in my career about different opportunities when I am done playing football. I kind of made a decision of what I'd like to do. I'll get to be in the game of football. I think the most important thing is where I'm at now and what I hope to do for this team. That has been my commitment to this team and organization. It's been so much fun [since] I came here two years ago. It's been almost two and a half years now, and it's been an incredible part of my football journey. It's not over – we've still got a lot to accomplish. I've got a long life ahead and there are a lot of fun things to do ahead. I'm looking forward to what's ahead in football. But at the same time, none of us are promised much beyond what we have now, and this is the current moment. I'm really excited about going out there and trying to compete and win a championship."

(On Head Coach Todd Bowles saying they see the game the same way, and how things will change with Bowles' leadership)

"We have a great relationship. Obviously, I played against him for a long time too. He is very detailed, a very tough, hard-nosed coach – a little bit of a throwback. You coach in New York and that toughens you up a lot. You coach with B.A. (Bruce Arians) for a long time and you coach with [Bill] Parcells – you get toughened up. I think he believes in a certain style of play, which is reflected in the way our defense performs. I think we've got to go play great complementary football between what they do defensively and what we need to do offensively, and how the kicking game relates to that. There has been a lot of competition throughout OTAs and through training camp. I've always loved Todd as a coach, even when he was coaching against me. I always had a lot of respect for him because every game we played against him, we had to go earn it. It was some new scheme and new design. It was nothing simple. That's tough for a quarterback. If you can have that ball in that quarterback's hands and you can make him question what he is doing with the ball, I think you are doing a good job. I think Todd has done a great job of that over the years."

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN LOGAN HALL

(On his Minicamp experience)

"It's meant a great deal to me being able learn from some of the vets and coach Kacy [Rodgers] – just trying to improve every day and stack days. It's meant a lot. I feel like I've grown as a player for sure."

(On what he likes most about Head Coach Todd Bowles' defense)

"Just me playing three-technique, specifically – having the option, having the freedom to pass rush. In a lot of situations, I'll have a two-way-go, which is ideal for me because it gives me a lot of opportunities to work as a pass rusher, so I really enjoy that."

(On having similar size players on the roster)

"I have a lot of appreciation coming into this scheme and just this program having guys that are like me. I don't really see guys like me. Being able to watch them and learn from them, and kind of see how they move and what they do to win, see what they're having success with. I can learn a lot – not even when they are talking but whenever they're playing, I can watch and learn from them because we're similar in size." 

(On his goals heading into his rookie season)

"Before I told myself I want to have six sacks. I ended with 6.5 at Houston and I feel like that's a very reasonable number coming into my rookie season. But my goal I guess would be to add value to the team wherever possible. Wherever they need me, I'm going to do whatever I need to do to put the team in a position to win. Obviously, I love getting to the quarterback and that's my favorite part about the game, so getting back there and getting some sacks is obviously part of that." 

-BUCCANEERS-