HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On CB Benjamin Morrison's performance in practice on Thursday)

"We got a sample of what he can do when healthy. Obviously, he's got quick feet, he's very smart and [a] sticky cornerback, sticking on the receivers. We've just got to keep bringing him along and get the scheme down. He looked good."

(On if he's doing anything in particular to try and limit interceptions this season)

"[Baker Mayfield] has definitely got to play his game. We're not trying to limit him as far as playing his game. We've just got to be smarter with a few more decisions going forward. He throws a lot of touchdowns and he makes a lot of plays for us. We just want to cut that interception ratio down."

(On what T Benjamin Chukwuma, G Ben Scott and C Jake Majors have shown him since joining the team)

"They're willing to work – that's number one. Obviously, I got a good look at [Elijah] Klein. I really think he changed his body in the offseason. I'll be very interested to see him in pads. The rest of them, you've got to see in pads as we go forward. We know they're tough and we got them for a reason. We liked what we saw in the spring, but again, pads are a different story. That's when the offensive linemen count."

(On OL Elijah Klein playing multiple positions on the offensive line)

"We try to move everybody around a little bit. He has some flexibility at tackle, he has a little bit at center. In certain situations, we'll move him around in case of emergency and kind of see how he does."

(On DB Christian Izien's versatility)

"He [was] pretty much our unsung hero last year, defensively. He can make a lot of plays, he can do a lot of things. I'm just happy to see him healthy and out there flying around again."

(On OLBs Chris Braswell Jr. and Yaya Diaby recording multiple sacks on Thursday)

"It's hard to do out of pads. The offensive linemen can't hit shoulder pads and grab and the defensive linemen, if they get an edge, you try not to hold the guy. That's hard to judge at this point. It's great they're getting off the ball, but all of that comes into play when the pads come on."

(On what he'd like to see from OLB Chris Braswell Jr. this season)

"His was mostly mental, I think. He had to learn the mental part of it and all the different techniques and playing faster. He's playing fast this spring. Once he continues to play fast in pads, I think you'll see a big difference in him from last year. I look forward to that. He's got the scheme down now and he's showing that he's playing faster. We look to see the guy we drafted."

(On some players wearing Guardian Caps over their helmet and if there's a particular policy in place to wear one)

"There's a policy not only to wear Guardian Caps, but they have Guardian Helmets now as well. Most likely, the ones that are without caps have the helmets that are already made for it."

(On if the defense 'won' the two-minute drill at the end of practice)

"No. I mean, at the end…That's tough to do when you need a touchdown and a two-point conversion with nine seconds. It's a tough ratio. You'd like to execute, depending on which side wins. That was the end of it. The offense did well at the end of the half, as far as understanding the clock management and holding the football. We're working on situations that everybody understands. It's good competition.

(On if he's allowing Co-Defensive Coordinators George Ewards or Larry Foote to call defensive plays in practice)

"It mixes up. I call it on a lot of days. We're scripted and everything else. I script them, so I know the plays, so I don't have to call it. I can look there. Between George and Larry and [Mike] Caldwell, any one of the three can call the defenses depending on what I think they should work on and working towards preseason."

(On T Charlie Heck taking reps at left tackle and if the team might look at outside depth pieces)

"We've been looking and we've been bringing guys in. We haven't settled on one yet. We know, from a depth standpoint, we've got to get some people in here pretty soon. We're trying to make one of those signings."

(On what he's seen from TEs Devin Culp and Payne Durham)

"Culp has had a heck of a spring. He worked his tail off. Obviously, he's lighter than the other ones but he's a feisty blocker. [It's about] just continuing to get the system down, for him. Payne is a heck of a blocker for us and he has a big catch radius. [We are] just getting him more involved in the offense, obviously, that way. They should be singled up a lot with all of the receivers that we have, so they should be able to make some plays that way. Not too far behind Cade [Otton], they should be stepping up pretty [well]."

(On how he's helped Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard in the meeting rooms)

"They're conversations – understanding how he likes to call a game, what we have, but also understanding situational football. We meet about those types of things. 'Grizz' is very bright. He has a plan on his own. He wants to understand every situation of the ball game. You get these out of the way with the call-it periods and what he can and can't do. We continue to talk ball and what he sees and what he might see in the red zone and the field, when he gets too much pressure from one way or the other…He has a plan based off of all of that. He's a very bright guy. He understands it very well. The conversations we do have have all been great."

(On Director of Football Research Zach Beistline's role during training camp)

"He corrected me, so I'm going to correct you. It's [bīst-line] as he specifically told me. His role is just breaking down situations and giving us things to practice and understand things that we weren't very good at last year or we could do better at this year…Giving the team an overall understanding of which situation is which, when we have timeouts, when we don't, what part of the field we're on, how many plays it could take to score, trying not to give the other team the ball back. It's just certain situations. All of that stuff has been refreshing to hear, because he's got all of the numbers and stats and everything like that. [He's] not giving it to them all at one time, but they have days where he speaks in front of the team and it's very beneficial."

QUARTERBACK BAKER MAYFIELD

(On missing T Tristan Wirfs for the start of the season)

"Obviously unfortunate. When you are thinking about heading into the year, you think about the pieces that you have, what you envision the season being like in game planning. It sucks. Timing wise, really, really sucks. I do not know all the details timing of it, but, we had to unfortunately, to deal with this last year when Luke [Goedeke] went down for a while, having a game plan. So, when it comes to the game plan stuff, and what we're dealing with, we'll adjust, but we trust Charlie [Heck]. He's here for a reason, so still trying to instill a faith in him that he's more than capable of doing his job at the left tackle spot. And then, when it comes to us, just game planning, knowing that we don't have our All-Pro left tackle (Tristan Wirfs). Being smart with it, knowing that what type of team we have defensively, the upgrades. So, offensively, having to minimize mistakes, turnovers and let our defense thrive earlier in the year so we really get healthy."

(On trusting his offensive line down the stretch)

"As you get older at the quarterback position, [it's about] how quickly can you get the ball out, how quickly you can get it to your playmakers' hands and let them make plays. So I still think it goes hand-in-hand with that. Obviously, unfortunate that Chris [Godwin Jr.] is not going to be there, but when it comes to me doing my job, I still focus on that."

(On T Charlie Heck getting an offseason to adjust)

"When you think about it that way, there is a silver lining. They are getting reps together as the starting five as of right now. They are getting reps together communication wise. With that unit, the more they get chemistry, the more they get going together, the better it's going to be. So yeah, it is good that they are getting reps potentially not the best reason why, but it's on great day one in training camp to do it."

(On learning Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard's offense)

"I think just what 'Grizz' (Josh Grizzard) did last year in our pass game. How we are moving Mike [Evans] around to get him not double-teamed every time. Obviously, with the weapons we have now, cannot exactly do that anyway, but just the motions moving guys around. That is Grizz's forte. So there is some changes in terminology, but nothing major at all. We know what we could be good at, so we are still trying to improve on it, but it is training camp. You are still trying to figure out what type of team you are going to be."

(On incorporating WR Emeka Egbuka into the offense)

"Extremely well. I mean, like a day like today where Mike [Evans] is not practicing, you can put Emeka in anywhere. It really is the truth. It is fun to be able to have a guy like that, who is that intelligent, does not act like the rookie. His head is not spinning. He's able to do it and handle it the right way. It raises the standard for everybody else. When you have a rookie coming in, learning the offense for the first time, and pushes everybody else around. So it's great to have somebody like that."

(On his excitement going into year three as a Buccaneer)

Yeah, it's exciting knowing that we have the same system. The starters are back, same guys, chemistry continues to build. Anytime you can have that -- when you are on the same page – good things are going to happen. But, I'm more focused on the other stuff from last year. Sixteen interceptions, how can I elevate that. And that in turn, helps the whole team out, helps the defense. When we punt it, we want to get them down deep and let them drive. So, I'm more concerned about that specifically."

(On taking hits)

"Yeah, I think it's always circumstantial. When it comes to situational football, into the half, two-minute drill, where we are obviously trying to get points, but not giving the ball [back] with time left to score. Or is it the end of the game where we are really trying to get down the field and score and just knowing where we are at in the field. We already have points, we already have a field goal. We have a great kicker (Chase McLaughlin), and know that if we take a sack in the redzone, not the best, but he can still nail a long one. Trusting our defense this year, and understanding that if we just do our job on offense, good things are going to happen."

(On being a highly ranked quarterback in rankings and surveys)

"I do not really think about them. Most of the people that vote on the position have not played a position at a high level or in the NFL, so I just do my job. That is not a knock on people that vote, but the rankings do not mean anything if you do not win games

(On the defense during training camp)

"Yeah, 'Tweeze' (Antoine Winfield Jr.) got me yesterday. I just think all the defensive backs as a whole, they are doing a really, really good job at disguising coverages. And the young guys you can tell they are bringing them up to speed pretty quick on how to hide stuff and show it late. So, they are doing a good job breaking on passes, making plays, and so on. I mean, we have a lot of depth back there. It is hard to name all of them, but I mean, Ben Morrison is a guy that just seeing him out there, he is moving around really well. Bryce Hall is moving around really well, as well. Zyon [McCollum] continues to get better. Jamel [Dean] is consistent. And obviously, having Tykee [Smith] back there with Antoine, those guys just mess with your head. He'll be down to the line of scrimmage and run back, and it is just playing games with your head."

(On TE Devin Culp's progress)

"Yeah, Devin has taken a lot of steps. He is a guy that is extremely athletic for his size. He can really, really run. So, just being able to have a guy like that, I mean, he is extremely trustworthy. Payne [Durham] is more of our dominant, meathead guy. And having an athletic guy like Dev, to stretch the field at the tight end position, creates mismatch problems. If you want to line up a linebacker on him, he can outrun you. So, you are going to have to take a safety out of that. That kind of opens the spot up for everybody else. So, it is great to have a guy like that."

(On what LB Lavonte David said about the team's potential)

"Exactly what 'LD' (Lavonte David) said. I mean, we go as him and Mike [Evans] go. We know we have potential. I think everybody in this building knows that. The roster that Jason [Licht] has built, the chemistry that we have, the standard that [Head] Coach [Todd] Bowles sets each day. Elite is the standard. We realized that we have had mid-season lulls. We have had to scratch late in the year to get into the playoffs. The mindset is to be hungry, be killers, and finish it out early. That is whether the games or the season clinching our division. That is the whole mindset when you stepped on this field."

(On training this offseason with teammates)

"I normally try and train with some teammates. Obviously, being here in Tampa, you do not really want to leave. You do not want to go back home, wherever that is. It is a good spot to be. So, that makes it easy having those guys around the whole offseason, just being able to push each other. Understanding that you are enjoying your time off, but understanding that when you see guys working that hard in the offseason at the period of time we did it, you trust them on the field more. So, just building chemistry off the field is huge, and those guys are there for that."

(On the golf tournament he played in this offseason)

"Golf game could be better, everyone. I felt great going into it mentally. Had it between the years, but yeah, it was a blast. Took some trips. Did a family trip late June after minicamp, then the Lake Tahoe thing. Other than that, been here and just trying to stay used to the humidity."

(On OLB Haason Reddick fitting in)

"I think he fits right in as a guy. People wanted to put some labels on him for whatever happened in the past. He's extremely hungry, got a little chip on his shoulder. I think this building as a whole appreciates that. We understand what type of talent we are getting out of him. The veteran leadership he brings as well, just adds on to that."

(On K Chase McLaughlin's shirt choice day one of training camp)

"Interesting choice for day one."

(On his lunch box that was featured in a tweet from the Buccaneers' X account)

"Lunch box was a nice gift. Thanks PR team."

(On team's championship expectations going into the year)

"You want to set your own expectations. That is a perception. When you look into our roster from top to bottom, it probably should be the guess and the bet. But we set our own standard, and our standard is we win the division the last few years. We are not just trying to do that; we are trying to take it to the next level. So, when you set the standard, you try and live up to it each day. That is what we are trying to do in training camp right now, elevate each other, get better each day at whatever you are trying to focus on. So yeah, the goal is Super Bowl."

(On TE Cade Otton)

"Cade [Otton] is just the definition of consistent. We have a lot of guys like that, but he is just always in the right spot at the right time. He knows exactly what he is supposed to be doing, overcommunicates with that room, and just elevates the standard. I think the biggest step for Cade that I have seen in the past few months is vocal leadership. He is not the loudest guy, but he is taking a big step. And, realizing the key part to the team he is. He has been more vocal, and I am really proud of that."

(On changing the scheme around missing T Tristan Wirfs)

"I mean, it changes a little bit. Last year we lost Luke [Goedeke]. When it comes to game planning, actually game planning against an opponent in season, you know your protection fixes. You know what you need to do. I think that was the step for me that Liam [Coen] pushed me to do last year was how quickly you can eliminate things, get the ball out. Whether it's checking to a screen, checking the protection, getting to a great concept, and just get the ball out of your hands. So yeah, it's a challenge, but 'Grizz' (Josh Grizzard) was around for that when he had to deal with it. He was part of the game plan stuff. So, we will adjust into that."

(On what he focused on as a quarterback this offseason)

"Turnovers, number one. That is stuff that is going to happen. There is going to be an errant throw that, obviously, I am not trying to throw it to the defense, but I just miss it. Physical mistakes are going to happen. It is more the decision making. Those are the ones that when we talk about situationally, how to be aggressive, where are we at in the field, and what are we looking at. Those are the ones that I am really trying to fine tune that. That's always a work in progress. It is hard to simulate that unless you are really going scrimmage-type feel in practice, but in mindset, mentally, and we are we at on our practice field. Even though we might be in the red zone, are we really practicing in the red zone? I can treat it mentally like that. So, fine-tuning that. And once again, we have some new pieces, getting everybody on the same page. Because when you have all 11 on the same page, good things happen."

(On facing the Atlanta Falcons Week 1)

"Obviously, the last memories we have are losing twice to them. A heartbreaker there in Atlanta. [It was] Just something that felt like we did not make enough plays to win the game. Divisional games are always really important. The fact that we start the year with them away is great for this team, just to see what type of mentality that the guys have and bring to the table. It is exciting, but still only in day two of training camp, so we have a long way from there. But I am excited about that."

(On who can make an impact early in 2025)

"I think Tez Johnson is a guy that has a lot of potential. I think a sneaky one is Josh Williams, he does not say a word. I think he might be mute, but he does all the right things. Explosive and he was fun to watch in college. So, I think once we get the pads on, he is going to be really fun to watch."

CORNERBACK BENJAMIN MORRISON

(On WR Emeka Egbuka)

"He was drafted first round for a reason, he's a really talented receiver. It's a privilege that I can go against him every single day because it's going to make me better and hopefully I can make him better every single day. You have to look at what he did at Ohio State, he was productive all of his years [there]. Understanding that a guy with his success, how I want to go against him every single day – because ultimately it's going to make me better and I'm going to make him better."

(On going up against veteran wide receiver Mike Evans)

"It's everything you want. You can either step up or back down and I think it's the opportunity – you get to go against a great every single day. You look at the talented receivers throughout the league and Mike is up there, top three every single year for a reason. Getting the confidence of going against him and being able to see the way he works – I mean I observe and I can just watch from afar. Ultimately, I want to be able to do the things, on the opposite side of the ball, that he's done. I observe him, Chris Godwin [Jr.], Antoine Winfield [Jr.], those guys to just be able to – cause they're all great players and also great humans."

(On picking up the defense)

"I think OTAs really helped, just being able to kind of dip your feet in the water a little bit. The stakes aren't as high, you can make mistakes -- but now you're trying to earn a job. For me, I used summer to really get ahead on the playbook, [making] sure I know my ins and outs. Because [in] OTAs I found myself relying on the call – where someone would say a call to trigger something, but now I have to be the person [and] understand it for myself. When you get in the game – when bullets are flying, it's so different. [I] truly understand and have a full grasp of the defense, not saying I have it all figured out, but I strive to kind of have it all."

(On his 'play right away' mentality)

"I don't think you get drafted not [having] that mentality. I think I would be wrong if I didn't have that mentality and I think that's the mentality that you have to have. That's the mentality that every single DB in the room has, because we're in the NFL, so we're all competing, we know what it is. Everyone wants to be the best, everyone wants to compete but at the end of the day only two to three corner [backs] can play. You have to put your best foot forward out here during this training camp and then preseason, then see how it shakes out."

TACKLE CHARLIE HECK

(On the offensive line room)

"It's awesome, they're the best. Just like you said, they bring everybody in with open arms, they're helping everybody -- it's super easy coming in as a new offensive lineman. They instantly take you in, help you with any questions, everybody is hanging out. It's a really good room."

(On QB Baker Mayfield)

"Baker is the type of quarterback you want to block for as an offensive lineman. He's the guy that you want to go to war for. He gets in the huddle, commands the huddle. You want to fight for him. He does have that crazy ability to extend plays and pull some magic out there [on the field]. He's awesome."

(On his preference playing right or left tackle)

"I've spent so much time, every training camp, switching back and forth that after a few days sticking with one it feels more comfortable. I wouldn't say there is a specific one [I prefer]."

(On the tight end room)

"They're an extension of the offensive line a lot of times. Those guys are great communicators, great athletes, they're massive blockers too. Whenever you have one next to you, it's a great thing."

(On putting the pads on soon)

"Getting the pads on is when real football starts. As offensive linemen, that's what we want. You want the pads on, that's when you can really go out there and compete against the d-line."

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