Transcript: Buccaneers Head Coach Press Conference














What is the status of Nic Scourton and when is he set to return?

Nic Scourton has been missed these past few weeks, no question. He suffered a rib injury in the first preseason game, and on one of his last scheduled snaps, he got popped in the side by an offensive lineman, which caused a slight crack in his ribs. It’s been tough, but the silver lining is that, due to the time he missed during the preseason, he’ll only be out for two regular season games. We’ve made it through the first couple of weeks without him, but we’re definitely looking forward to having him back in Week 3.

It’s a shame we couldn’t have him this week against a divisional rival, but we have full confidence in guys like Diaby, Braswell, Jackson, and Campbell to step in and fill that role. We’ve got great depth, and that’s a big strength of our team compared to a lot of others around the league. Still, you can’t fully replicate what Nic brings to the table. He’s a complete player, and his well-rounded game makes him a star. We’re excited to have him back soon, and we know his return will give us a big boost moving forward.


















I want to ask you about the receiver position in general. How have you seen that position evolve in importance over the years and how does having a player like WR Trey Palmer sort of factor into that perspective?

The receiver position has absolutely evolved over the years, and it’s become more important than ever in today’s pass-first league. In the PML, the prominence of the passing game is undeniable. As offenses continue to evolve, having elite receivers who can stretch the field and create mismatches is critical to success. The game is so much more dynamic through the air now, and having top-tier talent at receiver is a huge advantage. You need guys who can not only make plays in the passing game but also force defensive coordinators to adjust their schemes to account for them. And in that regard, Trey Palmer is a perfect example of how the position has evolved.

Trey has been the apple of a lot of coaches' eyes over the last few seasons. We’ve fielded plenty of calls to see if he was available, especially during the time when he was learning behind veterans like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. We knew he had all the talent in the world, but last season, he truly took that next step into superstardom. He’s a bonafide number 1 receiver in the PML now, and he proved it in Week 1 with 140 yards and two touchdowns to kick off the season. What stands out about Trey is how effortless his route running looks. He makes it look smooth and easy, but there’s a lot of work that goes into that. We love what he brings to the table, and the best part is that he’s only scratching the surface of his potential. He’s a key piece of our future, and we’re excited to have him as a cornerstone of our offense for years to come.




Some would say your roster is one of the better teams in the league. Would you agree with that? Do you see any weaknesses in your team as you self-scout?

I truly believe we have one of the best and deepest teams in the league. We’ve got talent at every position, and our depth is something that really sets us apart. We’ve got a great mix of youth and experience, and we’ve got guys who are hungry to play more snaps and prove themselves. Our starters are motivated, not just to keep their spots, but to show they belong as top players in the league. That kind of competition within the locker room is invaluable. Everyone is pushing each other to be better, and that’s what makes a team strong. The hunger and drive we have from top to bottom on the roster is what gives us the edge.

That being said, I think the biggest weakness we face as a team is consistency in execution. We’ve got all the talent in the world, but talent alone isn’t enough to win. Execution is what gets you past the finish line, and that’s something we need to keep improving on. For me personally, I recognize that I have to do a better job of putting these guys in positions to succeed. I’ve got a great staff and a great roster, but sometimes, I think we beat ourselves by overthinking things or trying to do too much. We need to keep things simple, focus on what we do best, and just execute. If we do that, the results will follow. It’s about staying disciplined and trusting our preparation. I’m confident that if we continue to execute at a high level, there’s no limit to what this team can accomplish.