Transcript: Buccaneers Head Coach Press Conference




What were the keys to the team’s victory this week?

When we stepped onto the field against the Carolina Panthers, we knew exactly what we were up against. Their rookie running back, Ashton Jeanty, has been talked about all offseason, so our focus was on limiting his impact. He’s got explosive speed and vision, and we knew if we let him get into a rhythm, he could control the game. We made sure our defensive front was physical and disciplined, not allowing him to break off big runs or get into space. But it wasn’t just about stopping Jeanty – we also emphasized limiting our own turnovers. We couldn’t afford to give Bryce Young and the Panthers’ offense extra opportunities, especially with how dangerous they can be when they get a short field. On defense, we put a premium on getting pressure on Bryce. Our defensive line was relentless, forcing him off his spot and making it tough for him to get comfortable in the pocket. We knew if we could disrupt his rhythm, he’d make mistakes, and that’s exactly what happened – we were able to force multiple turnovers, which was a game-changer. Offensively, Kurtis Rourke really stepped up. Our rookie QB was on fire, throwing for four touchdowns and adding another on the ground, while keeping a clean sheet with zero turnovers. His poise in the pocket and ability to take what the defense gave him was impressive. All in all, it was a complete team effort – we executed the game plan well, forced turnovers, and Kurtis took control of the offense, leading us to a big win.









How has Lavonte David’s experience in the league helped the team so far?

Lavonte David’s impact on our defense has been immeasurable. His wealth of experience in the league has allowed him to be the steadying force we need, especially when it comes to getting the entire defense on the same page. We have a lot of new faces this season, and it takes time to mesh as a unit, but Lavonte has made that process so much smoother. His understanding of the game and ability to communicate it to others has been a game-changer. He’s essentially a coach on the field, directing traffic and making sure everyone knows their assignments, not just in terms of Xs and Os, but also the mindset and mentality that’s required to execute at a high level. His leadership has allowed our defense to stay focused and organized, even in high-pressure situations.

When you have a veteran like Lavonte, it’s not just about his own play – it’s about raising the level of everyone around him. He’s been a tremendous mentor to our young linebackers, particularly Derek Wingo. Derek’s potential is sky-high, and under Lavonte’s tutelage, he’s made huge strides this season. There’s no doubt in my mind that Lavonte has a future as a defensive coordinator or even a head coach in this league – Lavonte is helping lay that foundation for our team. His leadership isn’t just about making plays on Sundays; it’s about setting a standard for professionalism, preparation, and the kind of mentality that great defenses are built on. Lavonte’s contributions go beyond the stat sheet – he’s a key reason why our defense has been able to come together so quickly.




What makes Bijan Robinson so good?

As we prepare for the Falcons next week, we know it’s going to be a tough matchup. They’ve got a talented roster, and the key player we have to focus on is Bijan Robinson. This kid is a special talent, and he’s a legitimate weapon in every aspect of the game. His elusiveness in the open field, combined with his power to break tackles, makes him a nightmare for any defense. You can’t just try to arm-tackle him, because he’s strong enough to shed that and turn a short gain into a huge play. But what really separates Bijan is his versatility. He’s as good as a slot receiver when it comes to catching passes out of the backfield, and that makes him a dual threat that can change the dynamics of a game in an instant. We have to be disciplined in our approach because if you give him space, he can take it to the house from anywhere on the field.

We can’t let Bijan dictate the game. It’s pivotal that we rally and swarm as a team to the ball every time he touches it. We’ll need all eleven defenders to be on the same page, flying to the football, because one missed assignment could lead to a big gain. Bijan is the type of back that will make you pay for any mistake, so we have to be fundamentally sound. It’s not just about stopping him as a runner, either. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield forces us to stay alert in coverage, as he’s a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties. On top of that, he’s a solid blocker in pass protection, so he’s going to be involved in all facets of their offense. We can’t get too focused on him to the point where we forget about the rest of their team, but stopping Bijan is the first and most critical step. We need to execute our game plan, stay disciplined, and play with intensity from the first whistle to the last. If we can limit his impact, we’ll have a much better chance of coming out on top.