OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR JOSH GRIZZARD

(On G Cody Mauch playing through injury in Week 2, and how to replace a player like Mauch on an already-shorthanded offensive line)

"Yeah. You hit it. I just feel bad for Cody – he played a hell of a game. I mean, he battled. You saw the way he was finishing plays [on] the touchdown to 'Mek' (Emeka Egbuka) early on there. He was getting a hat on a hat in the end zone, and he just embodies what we do here in terms of helping the runner off the pile and bringing the fight to those guys and did an unbelievable job. But you hit on it again – it's just the adjustments and going from there in terms of where we're at with the O-line, but [we're] still working through some things on that end of it."

(On the job that Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Kevin Carberry and Offensive Line Coach Brian Picucci have done to start the season)

"They've done an unbelievable job. We've gone against two really good fronts the first two weeks, and whether it's from the scheme or the adjustments that we need to make with the line, or the scheme in-game to put our guys in the best position possible to make plays and get a hat on a hat and be the most physical unit – which I think we've done – is great to see. Those guys are not stuck in their ways on how we've done things and [are] open-minded on different options for us just to give our guys the best chance to go out there and win. Hats off to those guys."

(On Carberry and Picucci's development of practice squad linemen and depth players)

"Yeah, it's actually going on right now – what they do after practice or during the last periods of practice where we can get those guys developmental reps on the scheme for not only this week, but just the core fundamentals and techniques that we try to use day in and day out. That really started back in the spring. We always look at it like the mentality of those guys never know when they're going to have to play, so if they get the work in and the extra meeting time and get the practice reps on the field and get the extra 'indy' (individual period) time, they're just in a better position if and when they need to get out there."

(On the offense's ability to disguise different looks and how that can help a shorthanded offensive line)

"It's something we look at week to week in terms of the scheme and how many quick throws or how many deep throws or whatever the run-game concepts might be. But the onus is really on the guys on the perimeter that, when we do that, to be able to get a hat on a hat so they're getting someone covered up. That way we can have potential explosive plays on the perimeter to potentially exploit things we see on the defensive side of it. Then, trying to make things look the same, that way they don't have a real beat on, if we're in this formation or this run, is it always a run or is it always a pass? In our mind, that puts pressure on the defense to not just trigger on 'Hey, they're throwing this' or 'They're running it here,' and now put the pressure on them to make them communicate and try to rally to the ball."

(On whether injuries have forced him to "pump the brakes" on advancing the offense)

"Not much. Not much. It's really a week-to-week thing in terms of what we want to get to that week. I'd say when you start camp, it's really, okay, here's the base stuff – day one install, day two, day three. But each week is so unique in terms of what kind of runs, what kind of play-actions, what kind of protections or passes we have, where we just use what we think is going to win the game that week, and then it might carry over to the next week, or we might not even really use it again."

(On T Charlie Heck moving to right tackle midgame, and what Grizzard made of his readiness)

"It's a testament to him and on these guys being able to take the reps out here working to the left, working to the right, with the thought that 'I could go in really at any of these positions,' and again, hats off to him for being able to enter the game and have the kind of production and help us out. It wasn't like he went in the game in the fourth quarter – I don't know what portion that was in the first quarter – but him being on top of it during the week on the scheme and the communication, especially in a hostile environment and a very loud crowd, and two really premier [defensive] ends that we faced there. Again, hats off to him, but as well as the entire O-line, the tight ends, the [running] backs, on the communication to try to get 'Bake' (Baker Mayfield) as much time out there to get the ball down the field."

(On running the ball from the 2-yard line with six seconds left on the clock and if that's a "mentality thing")

"It's absolutely mentality. It was from the spring – win the game in the trenches. We ran the ball effectively up to that point, and then we looked at it like, 'Hopefully these guys are gassed and let's go pound them one more time.'"

(On whether a newly signed lineman could play this week or if they might bring up a practice squad player)

"Yeah, it's still a little early with some of the things that have happened to try to hash that out at this point. We'll have to get through watching the tape today, tomorrow's install, the red area, and get into Saturday before we really have a feel for exactly what that's going to look like on game day."

(On how last year's wide receiver injuries prepared him for the offensive line shuffling this season as a play-caller)

"It does, because we've become well-versed in that. But I think that we see it, of course, because we're here, but it just happens so much across the NFL already, where you need to have the plans for those guys you're planning on playing with, and contingencies. That's on us to know the strengths and weaknesses of whoever might play to try to tailor to them, like we did with the receivers last year. That could essentially come from any position, but as coaches, you have to be able to do that and try to put the best foot forward, go out there and win that game, and then see who we're playing the next week."

(On if he had to make a lot of in-game adjustments in Week 2 after T Luke Goedeke went out)

"Yeah, there was definitely a communication element once Luke went out on getting the best plays, putting our guys in position to make plays, and that's just on us. I would say the communication, especially from the [coaches] box on what was going on coverage-wise, and then being able to talk to [Brian] Picucci up there and then 'Carbs' (Kevin Carberry), in terms of the O-line, on really what are some of the best plays we feel like we can get to and have it happen in real time. But again, those are scenarios that we really need to be prepared for to be able to get those off. I know people talk about halftime adjustments and that kind of thing, but ultimately halftime is not even really that long. Sometimes you get even more time between drives, depending upon how long the defense is out there, to get it done. But it was great to see everybody just, 'Okay, this is what we're going to do. We've got to go out there and put some points on the board,' and go from there."

(On WR Ryan Miller's versatility and value in the wide receiver room)

"Yeah, it's invaluable. That's what we talked about a little bit in here on what that, we'll call it, fourth or fifth receiver position plays, where when those guys can play the X, the F, and the Z – meaning outside, the slot, and then outside to the field – and then have his role in the kicking game, and then be a really good blocker and understand exactly what we're doing. He might not get a rep at that all week, and then he goes in there in the game and scores on it, that's what you're hoping for. He's the ultimate team player to be able to do that, and that's the kind of value you find in those guys when they can do multiple positions and they're very physical and they're very smart."

(On RB Bucky Irving and RB Rachaad White helping to block elite edge rushers and their selfless, physical style)

"Yeah, they made massive plays, whether it was in the run game and being able to pound it…We talked a little bit last week on the amount of carries those guys are getting and when you have an extended drive and you see a couple of them come in, but what they were able to do after contact, getting those extra yards, was fantastic to see. And then the big play with 'Buck' (Bucky Irving) in the two-minute – I mean, that was just a checkdown, and he made [Azeez] Al-Shaair miss, and it just shows the kind of toughness and grit those guys have, being able to grind it out. They want the ball at that point, which is great to see, too – because we're going to go down the field. 'Give it to me, and [I'll] make an explosive play.'"

(On having back-to-back comeback wins and the team's mindset to be able to accomplish that)

"Yeah, it's the resiliency. It's the same belief we had in Atlanta to be able to go do that. To get fourth-and-10 and Baker [Mayfield] is able to do that – not only does it energize our sideline, but the guys on the field, it makes them…They're thinking the game's over and then now they've got to scramble and catch up with them, and hopefully they're gassed and we can stay on the ball and keep those guys on the field so that they can't [substitute]. But once you get that spark – we talk about in two-minute – once you get that first first down, then you put the pressure on them to try to communicate, try to make a call, try to stop you. Then, [with] these guys, you kind of forget about being tired as that thing gets a little bit closer to the end zone, because now we know we're in a spot to be able to go score. Now you can feel it from the sideline, you can feel it from the O-line trying to hold up, get the ball out. It's the conditioning part of it, too – playing out here in practice every day as hot as it is, going back to training camp as well as the spring – that hopefully you can step up in those circumstances to go win the game late."

(On WR Sterling Shepard's impact with WR Chris Godwin Jr. and WR Jalen McMillan out, in terms of his production and his leadership)

"It's both. It's the juice he brings, just talking trash out there five minutes ago, and how hard he plays. It can be quiet out there and you can hear him saying something – you don't know what it's going to be, but…His ability to make plays for us – he's had some that might not even be designed to go to him. Baker [Mayfield] scrambles, finds him – he's been doing that for over a decade now, I guess, with their connection. But the juice that he brings, whether it's him blocking somebody or running through somebody on the two-minute drive versus Atlanta…Those are the kind of guys, when people love them and respect them and how hard they play…It's the same thing like what happened with 'Buck' (Bucky Irving) on the two-minute [drill], where it just makes everybody on the sidelines juiced up and that sparks everybody."

(On WR Emeka Egbuka's practice status and who's next up if he's limited)

"I'd say it's still a little bit early on that in terms of where we're at with it. We've still got tomorrow's practice [to] see how it's looking and then really go from there as we get a little bit later in the week."

(On the challenge of facing New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and the Jets' defensive front)

"It feels like it's every week in the NFL, but you're going against really good D-lines. It started in Atlanta, clearly that unit last week was fantastic, and then starting with Quinnen [Williams], but they've got guys at every level, especially with the edge rushers. We'll see if [Jermaine] Johnson plays, but [Will\ McDonald is a really good player. They run to the football – you can tell they preach that in practice and you can see it show up on tape. And then really with Sauce [Gardner] as well, he's a really good cover guy. But it's every week in the NFL with these D-linemen and D-ends."

(On RB Rachaad White's heads-up fumble recovery in the 4^th quarter)

"Absolutely selfless – just putting the team first. I mean, that was such a massive play to be able to get on that and give us a chance. You could see the way he had that look in his eye the whole game where we weren't going to be stopped, and he put the team on his back on a lot of it – a lot of dirty runs. That kind of epitomizes his day right there, even though he had really good runs and a couple catches, but it's fantastic to see."

(On RB Rachaad White's pass protection, dirty work, and his selfless nature)

"I don't know what kind of love he gets outside the building. I know in the building, when we have our meetings and we show those kind of plays…He had a massive pickup on, I think it was the play to Mike [Evans] in the low red area in the two-minute drive, being able to come across and block, I think it was [Jalen] Pitre on that one. He's a really good pass blocker, and the time he puts in during our pass-protection meeting and then being able to take that to the field and take on whether it's linebackers or fitting up on a D-lineman who might have him by 80 pounds – he's still selfless on that. And then especially once he gets some kind of [defensive back] pressure, to be able to pick that up. But [he is] really good in the run game and clearly in the protection, and then also be able to give him the ball a couple times. So, he played one hell of a game."

PASSING GAME COORDINATOR GEORGE EDWARDS

(Opening Statement)

"Another tough opponent coming in this week with the [New York] Jets. They do an outstanding job running the ball. They changed quarterbacks here -- that has been announced this week -- but Tyrod Taylor has been a good player in this league for a long time. [He] does a good job recognizing what defenses try to do. You are not going to throw too much at him that he has not been able to decipher and see. It will be a good matchup, and we have our work cut out for us."

(On DL Calijah Kancey being out for the season and how it impacts the defense)

"Anytime you lose a dynamic player like Calijah [Kancey], with everything he can do from an interior defensive line, that is going to take some guys to fill some roles to be able to replace what he brought to us. We have some very capable guys that can play different roles as far as playing against the run and other guys in the passing game, so we will have to use all of our resources to help with that as far as production."

(On DL Elijah Roberts stepping up into a bigger role on the defense)

"We are excited about [him] as he came in and he has just gotten better and better each week. We look for him to continue to mature and make the most of the opportunities that he has got as we move forward."

(On what he anticipates the rotation of the defensive line to be)

"I think we will have a lot of resources to be able to use different guys. It just depends on the packages from week-to-week. Different guys have different roles in different packages, so each week it is a different matchup and a different package to help out against what we are seeing from them offensively."

(On what he sees and expects from DL Elijah Simmons and NT Jayson Jones)
"Both of those young men have good size and are coming in and hitting it on the run -- which is a lot. They [have] been coming in and grinding, trying to figure out, schematically, what all we are doing. The guys have been doing a great job trying to help them along -- looking at them in practice, I know they have not played a game yet. We are looking forward to seeing them just continue to grow and hopefully we get a chance to use them in a game."

(On what he thinks is the reason for back-to-back weeks of giving up explosive opening-drive touchdowns and how he thinks he can prevent them)

"I think it has been something different. It has been two ball games where I think it has been something different in each one. [It is] just guys focusing and locking in on the different things that have happened in those games. If it was one guy, you point a finger at that one guy, but it has been different guys and different things come up. Let's face it, in the NFL, the first 15 plays of the game are usually uncharted plays that you have not seen, or they create a mismatch with something. So, from that aspect of it, we just have to focus on us and controlling what we can control and make the most of each opportunity."

(On how he plans to contain New York Jets' RB Breece Hall)

"Depending on what we are doing by down and distance in situations -- everything is so situationally oriented -- he is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, it does a lot of different things for him. He is an excellent runner. He will be a test for us this week as far as whether it is in coverage or him running the football."

(On how LB SirVocea Dennis can build off his training camp success)
"I think 'Voss' (SirVocea Dennis) [can] control what he can control and keep working with his technique, fundamentals and matchups from week-to-week. I think he will learn from his mistakes just like everybody else and continue to get better."

(On how he thinks OLB Haason Reddick has played through the first two weeks of the season)

"I think he has done a lot of good things. He is such a versatile athlete and has such a tremendous skillset. There are a lot of different things we can do with him as we continue to move forward, and we have from week-to-week. It will continue to grow throughout the course of the season."

(On how he would evaluate S Tykee Smith's performance so far)

"I think Tykee [Smith] has had two really good first games. Last week, the rush off the edge and going through the running back and just being in the box against the run, where he is fitting and even playing back in coverage -- protect the center of the field... I think he has done an outstanding job [through] the first two games and I look forward to him continuing down the path that he is on right now."

(On S Tykee Smith's bull-rushing ability)

"I would say he is at the top of the chart right now."

NOSE TACKLE VITA VEA

(On dealing with injuries to both the offensive and defensive lines and how they expect to handle not having DL Calijah Kancey for the season)

"That is just the model you live as football players. It is tough losing a guy -- any type of guy -- on the team. Losing a guy like Calijah [Kancey] hurts us up front; with that connection that we have -- that brotherhood that we have with him. Obviously, it is personal on another level, but it just goes back to that saying, 'Next man up.' We just have to play the hand we were dealt with."

(On DL Greg Gaines' performance in Week 2 against the Houston Texans)

"Greg [Gaines], he played very well. I think Greg is also one of those guys -- those sleeper guys -- a lot of people sleep on. If you really think about it, he won a Super Bowl as a starter with the [Los Angeles] Rams. He has that type of quality to step up in that position."

(On how the defense has played overall over the past two weeks)

"I think [we have been] pretty good. There is a lot more meat left on the bone for us. Some games we start off slowly, and that is just on us as players. [Head Coach Todd] Bowles has been harping on us [that] we have to stop passes and stuff like that. We [have] to step up to the plate. Some games the offense has our back, some games we have their back, and we just have to get to the point where we are feeding off of each other and working together as a whole team."

(On what they are seeing from New York Jets' running back Breece Hall)

"It is hard. You look at the media and you really do not see too much of Breece Hall, but once you put it on the tape you see what type of running back he is and how good he is. You do not really hear his name much, but when we put on the tape this week, we saw how good [of] a running back [he is] and how much he can hurt you. It is definitely going to be a challenge for us this week facing a running back like that. It will be good for us to go against him."

(On his impressions of DL Elijah Roberts)

"Elijah Roberts, he is an explosive guy. You do not really see that much in rookies that come in like that. Especially, when he was drafted in the mid-rounds, you do not really see too much of that. So, to see a guy like that who can step in for this defense and see how he plays the game throughout camp and beginning of the season so far. To me, he does not seem like a rookie, he seems like he has been here for a couple of years and has just been picking it up."

OFFENSIVE GUARD BEN BREDESON

(On the resilience of the offensive line room and the tests they have been facing early regarding injuries)

"Obviously, we are sad to see Cody [Mauch] go. It is the next-man-up mentality that we unfortunately all have to have. This is why we all get reps together during spring and during training camp going into it, so we are prepared for times like these."

(On OT Charlie Heck's performance after substituting into the game against the Houston Texans)

"Charlie [Heck] came in and did exactly what we expected him to do. He played his heart out, did a good job out there and came in cold on the third down and started blocking people. Charlie is a guy we can depend on every down."

(On what it is like having QB Baker Mayfield during end-of-game scenarios)

"I think I have said it, but there is nobody else I would rather follow in a two-minute drill. He goes in there with the utmost confidence, and then on fourth-and-10 is able to get out of something like that -- scramble, get us a first down, pop up and just lead the troops right down the field. I think he plays some of his best ball when it is a huge pressure situation like that, and he brings the best out of all of us."

(On maintaining focus during crunch-time situations with the game on the line)

"I think it starts with 'Bake' (Baker Mayfield). I think his leadership is incredible. The entire offense as a unit -- the resiliency that we have -- we have obviously worked in the two-minute drill a lot of times and we have some serious playmakers out there that are able to catch balls, knife up the field and get some yards. With the offensive line being able to get the protection that we need, and 'Bake' making the throws, we were cooking so far on that."

(On the coaching staff's success in getting offensive linemen ready to play early)

"'Carbs' (Kevin Carberry) and 'BP' (Brian Picucci) do an excellent job in getting guys ready. We have a very selfless and driven room where everybody takes their jobs seriously, and we have guys that are able to step up and -- like Mike [Jordan] -- pop in there in an almost seamless transition. It is a testament to the culture we have built in the room, and we are very proud of that."

WIDE RECEIVER RYAN MILLER

(On how it felt to catch an early touchdown in the game verses the Houston Texans)

"Yeah, it was awesome. Glory to God, man, what a blessing. [I am] glad my family was there to see it -- drove 10 hours, so shoutout to them. It was a cool experience, for sure."

(On how the team can continue to build off the 2-0 start)

"We are happy about being 2-0, but we are not complacent. We have not been 3-0 in a long time, we have to go out and have a good game on Sunday, no matter who our opponent is. I think we have the team to do it, and we are excited to go put our best game forward."

(On getting the go-ahead score with under two minutes of game-time in each of the first two weeks)

"It just shows our grit and our toughness. It is a testament to this team and a testament to us. We have a lot of dogs on this team -- a lot of good players. We stepped up when the moment was not too big for us and we came out with a win."

(On the offense's overall resiliency overcoming injuries early into the season)

"The thing about this game: injuries are a part of it. Guys are going to go down, but the name of the game is guys [have] to step up. I did that in my career, and I hate to see those guys go down, prayers to all the injuries that we have had, but guys have to step up -- it is just what we have to do."

(On what it was like to have to step into a larger role in previous seasons after several injuries to wide receivers)

"You are not always getting those first-team reps, but you just have to know your assignment -- know what you are doing -- and you have to be ready to go at any point at any time in the game, so you just have to be ready."

-BUCCANEERS-