OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR JOSH GRIZZARD

(On what he sees from the Atlanta Falcons defense)
"It's a good unit. We have a lot of respect for them, especially coming off last year and dropping two games to them. And then what they've done in free agency by adding edge rushers and stack backers as well as [defensive backs] – it's a good outfit. We know they're very well-coached from the top down, and it'll be a good challenge for us."

(On how the three preseason games helped with his rhythm as a play-caller)
"It helped immensely. It helped in practice being able to do it and then carry that over to the game and do it live. Being able to see it from the field for two games – I guess two and a half games – and then just going from there. It helped with the staff continuity, getting all of us on the same page. Even though they're not necessarily in a lot of different spots than they were last year, but having it in real time, seeing the ball move down the field, adjusting to situations, who's in the game – it helped a ton."

(On the advantage of being on the field as a play caller)
"You get instant feedback on how the play goes [and] who's going to go into the game on the next play – which is huge – the communication with 'B-Mac' (Bryan McClendon) or [Justin] Peelle or Skip [Peete] on, 'This guy is out, that guy is out,' to adjust the next play call based on who's in there. Then, the real-time fixes – if something didn't go well, those guys are right beside you so you can get the correction done. As well as the communication with [Head] Coach [Todd Bowles]…He was huge, especially situational football – what we're thinking, hearing it upstairs, communicating that out. I thought was really good."

(On whether he plans to stay on the sideline)
"I do. I do plan on being on the field."

(On QB Baker Mayfield standing next to him in preseason and how that could help later on)
"If we can be aligned in our thought process, it's only going to help the unit. If he can have an idea of what we're getting to based on if the runs are hitting, if the passes are hitting, who's in the game, it allows him to have the play call quicker so he can think through what his process is, as well as any potential issues, so he can get us in the best play possible. That really helped – even just talking to him while the other guys are in the game."

(On which offensive assistants will be in the booth)
"There's a bunch of them. Brian Picucci is up there – he does defensive personnel for us, so we communicate who's in the game. Jeff Kastl does the down and distance, so, 'Second-and-eight on the left hash.' Kefense Hynson, our pass game coordinator, is essentially doing what I did last year – communicating coverages, next-best plays, things like that. Then, Jordan Somerville is up there as well – he looks over all that and has a feel for what's next up, what runs we should get to, passes…It's good communication from all those guys."

(On facing a defense with new players and a new coordinator compared to last year)
"There's an element of seeing what they did in New York with [Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich] as well as what they were doing in Atlanta with Coach [Raheem] Morris. You see a little bit of mix-and-match between both. You watch tape on both and compare them and see where they're different and where they're the same."

(On the offensive scheme similarities with Atlanta and the challenges that presents)
"They have an idea, and there are similarities. Watching them last year, they tailored their scheme to fit Bijan [Robinson] and how he plays and [Kyle] Pitts and the rest of the receiving crew with [Drake] London. There are similarities but also some differences. For us, just morphing it around, even though it might have the core principles that are the same – just being able to use different personnel groupings at times on our end, just matching how we feel [are] best fit for our guys. There's definitely an element of similarity to it."

(On WR Emeka Egbuka's role with WR Jalen McMillan out)
"It was already going to be a big role, and it still is. Like we've talked about a little bit up here, his ability to play different positions and move around – you feel better if somebody comes out of the game that he can take over that role. It might be something he hasn't repped, but he can go out there and not only execute it but he can win on the route, win on the run block. That gives us a lot of confidence – especially myself as a play-caller – to lean on him in those situations. He's been up to the task since he's been here. I'm looking forward to doing it on Sunday for him."

(On how T Tristan Wirfs' injury affected the Week 1 gameplan)
"We have confidence in what we've seen before and are going with that. We also looked at their end of it – who they acquired in free agency and how that fits what they're doing, who they drafted. We feel [like we're] in a really good spot with it, even looking at some of their stuff back in the spring. [We are] ready to roll."

(On potentially using silent count in a loud road environment)
"Absolutely we're ready. It's definitely a challenge going into a hostile environment, division rival, first game of the season, with them beating us twice last year. I know their crowd will be ready to roll, but we have plans for that. We work that. It's not overly different from environments we played in last yea [and] being able to use some of those reps to lean back on how we operated. We'll be ready to go."

(On carrying over last year's collaborative offensive process)
"That's been huge. Being able to have the conversations with guys knowing certain parts of the game plan…It's very collaborative. We break up each part of the game plan where everyone has an input on it. Having the memory of last year of how we did it and integrating 'Fense' (Kefense Hynson) into how we do it and operate practice and script practice has definitely helped us, especially from where we were Week 1 into the playoff game. Now getting into Week 1 this year, I wouldn't call it easy, but it's been relatively seamless."

(On preparing QB Baker Mayfield without preseason game reps)
"I think in the call-it periods that we had here, going against our defense where it could be a 20-minute period where we're moving the ball up and down…He's not getting hit – (thank God) – but we're out there playing football. Then, in the Tennessee week, as well as the Pittsburgh week, you watch a little tape and you have an idea what they're doing but you're not game-planning for them…Then, we get probably 55 or 60 reps in those practices where he's now going against another defense, seeing it live for the first time [where] there's no scouted looks. He operated well during those."

(On whether it has set in that he'll call his first regular-season game)
"Definitely. Once you start designing the plays and look at them at practice and see how those things unfold – especially today, working third downs and high red area – you can start envisioning that happening on Sunday, which is pretty cool."

(On whether Atlanta's secondary or edge rushers present a bigger challenge)
"All three levels of the defense [are] a very good unit. Up front, bringing in [Leonard] Floyd, the two edge rushers in [the draft], and [Arnold] Ebiketie and what he's been able to do and bringing in [Divine] Deablo – I have some history playing against him. And on the back end, starting with [AJ] Terrell, [Jessie] Bates is a really good player, bringing in [Xavier] Watts in the draft – looks like he's done a good job through the preseason. You can see [Billy] Bowman at nickel [cornerback] mixing it up. It's a stout unit."

(On if he has a game-day routine as a coordinator)
"I try to keep it pretty similar. I wouldn't say there's much of an, 'I do the exact same thing.' Probably a four-egg omelet with some bacon, mushrooms, spinach – try to get that going, get some protein. Outside of that, it's fun being in the locker room with the staff because it's close. Then, go out there, operate, and try to score some points."

(On how much motion and shifting he will utilize pre-snap)
"I couldn't even tell you a number – there's a lot. I don't know if it's 45 – that's a ton. But it helps every position – from the O-line through the quarterback, halfback, tight ends, [wide] receivers on…Seeing coverage, is it man or zone? How they adjust to motions…We just try to gather information by doing that. We feel like if we can do that and have people in motion at times at the snap, it can help undress coverage and make them communicate which we're hoping, at times, would get them off balance. That's how we had it in Miami – very similar thought process coming here over the last couple years, and definitely with what he was seeing as well."

(On having two running backs who can run, catch, and block)
"It's huge. Whether it's run game, protections, or throwing the ball like you saw last year. Especially with 'Buck' (Bucky Irving) catching that fade in Pittsburgh – it was really cool. As flexible as they can be, we try to get them the ball in different ways, as well as the receivers and utilize their skill sets. It's huge for us, because we can look at them somewhat as positionless players where he might play halfback, but he can catch it, so we can use him a little like a receiver."

PASS GAME COORDINATOR GEORGE EDWARDS

(On facing a left-handed quarterback in Atlanta's Michael Penix Jr.)
"Well, the mannerisms of the quarterback are important and, you know, his throwing percentages to different areas of the field and all those things also become a factor. When they move him in the pocket, those things become a part of the factor. So, you know, it's going to be a little bit different than it was the two games previous we played against them last year."

(On if there's a way to practice against a left-handed quarterback)
"Well, the thing you just point out is like when they move the pocket and things like that, it's going to be primarily to our right side as opposed to our left side. I mean, just things like that at the end of the day."

(On if left-handed-throwing Head Coach Todd Bowles was the scout team quarterback in practice)
"Oh, he gets enough throwing in walk-throughs and stuff like that. So, we definitely get a chance to see a left-handed thrower."

(On whether they have someone simulate that role as a left-handed quarterback)
"No, we don't have a left-handed quarterback, so you know, kind of is [what it is]. We just rely on [Head] Coach [Todd] Bowles, so we're good."

(On the challenges Atlanta's offense presents)
"Well, I mean, their exceptional running game. I mean, they've got really two good backs that can carry the football and do a good job of making explosive plays for them down the field. Their receivers are tough matches, the tight end's a tough match. So, they have a plethora of weapons that we're going to be facing this Sunday. So, I think our guys will rise to the challenge, but it will be tough-contested throws and those kind of things down the field with their receivers and the back out of the backfield…Those kinds of things"

(On his assessment of the defense throughout the preseason with the increased number of takeaways)
"Yeah, I mean, that was a big emphasis for us in the offseason. It was a big emphasis for us throughout training camp. So, you know, now it's time to go and play. So, we're excited about the opportunity to get out and see those guys go play and be able to break on the ball and, you know, hopefully get turnovers. Turnovers are such a big factor in our games from week to week. So, that's one thing that we've really tried to hammer on throughout the course of the offseason and through training camp."

(On his role in weekly preparation with his new title)
"Well, I basically focus on whatever area needs to be done, but primarily, my title is the pass game coordinator, so I spend more time with the secondary than I do probably with any other position group. Whatever [Head] Coach [Todd] Bowles needs me to do, I'll make sure that I get it done at the end of the day. So, anything I can do to help him out, with him playing two different roles and making the calls on Sunday and also the prep during the course of the week, he gets pulled away because of things that come up as the head coach. So, whatever he needs me to do, I'll do."

(On adding Linebackers Coach Mike Caldwell and the updated roles on the defensive coaching staff)
" I think guys have really gelled pretty quickly together. I think it's been a pretty easy transition and I think the big thing for us is now it's time to put it into play and I think we're excited about that as we move down the road."

(On OLB Haason Reddick's impact on the defense and his teammates)
"Well, I think Haason is a rare athlete as far as his ability to rush, his ability to drop [back]…He's very instinctive, you know, in the different roles that we asked him to play. So, we're excited to see him and be able to use his talents as we progress through the season with different jobs that he's able to do. I think that'll help the guys around him because it can take pressure off of certain things that we do ask him to do. So, we're excited about the possibilities as we move forward with him. He's done a great job of grasping what we're doing defensively from a schematic standpoint. You can really see his athleticism and his ability to get hands on the ball and be able to move around."

(On Reddick making plays in coverage as well as rushing during training camp)
"Yeah, there's no doubt he's made some plays on the ball, but you know, him rushing the quarterback has been good. I mean, you can see the skill set there as far as him being able to put pressure on the quarterback, get him off the spot, and have athleticism to get him down. So, we're excited about all the possibilities moving forward with him."

(On CB Jacob Parrish)
"We've kind of worked him inside and outside. I mean he's a good chess piece to kind of match up. So, we're excited about taking his skill set the same way and kind of like you talked about with Haason [Reddick], being able to use it throughout the course of the year and move him around to different positions…Whether it's pressuring the ball, whether it's pressuring the quarterback, whatever we come up with, being able to use his skill set to benefit not only us defensively, but the guys around him also."

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER YAYA DIABY

(On the challenge of going up against a quarterback they have not played before)

"It is going to be a great challenge. They [have] got guys on the other side -- we have been doing a lot of scouting -- they have a right tackle down and a center down. Michael Penix Jr. -- he is a great quarterback -- he does not fold under pressure. For us, we just have to get him off his mark and we will be just fine."

(On what excited him about the Buccaneers offense)

"Our offense is super explosive. Baker [Mayfield] just gets better and better every time we practice, it is amazing to see. [We have] guys like Emeka [Egbuka] and Tez [Johnson] -- all of those guys are getting good reps in and getting into a flow with Baker, so it looks pretty good."

(On playing opposite to OLB Haason Reddick on the defensive line)

"I am super excited. The guy is hungry. It is just amazing to have somebody like that who is hungry, and we are going to be fighting for sacks, but at the end of the day as long as I get mine and he gets his, we will be just fine."

(On how OLB Haason Reddick helps open up the rest of the defensive line)

"It is going to be awesome because at the end of the day, that means they cannot block everybody. If you want to double team someone, then you are going to leave someone else one-on-one, so it is going to be a great task, and I am excited for it."

(On the challenge of rushing a left-handed quarterback compared to a right-handed quarterback)

"[With] me being on the right side, I have to make sure I am super mindful and super careful with how I rush him with the depth and everything. I am looking forward to the challenge."

CORNERBACK JACOB PARRISH

(On if he is nervous to play in his first NFL regular season game)

"I would not say I am nervous. I have been preparing for this my whole life. [I am] going out and practicing -- practicing at a good tempo -- but like I said, I am excited to go out there and show what I can do."

(On what he thinks was his biggest growth through the summer)

"Definitely the playbook. Knowing what others around me are doing, knowing where my help [is] at and just being a better communicator."

(On going up against QB Michael Penix Jr. in Sunday's matchup)

"He is a really good quarterback. He is a young quarterback, so we can go out there and challenge him. I know [Head] Coach [Todd] Bowles is going to do a bunch of different things. I am very excited to go out there."

(On which player on the team he looks up to the most)

"I would say Zyon [McCollum] -- that is my dude. He is a very humble young man, and he always does the right things, so I try and follow his footsteps in everything he does, and I am excited to be his teammate."

(On how OLB Haason Reddick can make his job on defense easier)

"He is a beast. He is going to make my job a lot easier getting to that quarterback. [If] he can get to the quarterback, that means the ball has to come out quicker, so I can get more interceptions -- I am excited for that."

-BUCCANEERS-