How does the loss this week prepare you for the next game?
Losing to the Vikings, the back-to-back Super Bowl champions, is tough, but there’s a lot to take away from that game. We had them on the ropes, we were up late, and for a good stretch, it looked like we were in control. That’s no small feat against a team that’s been the class of the league for two straight years. The problem wasn’t effort or heart—it was that we just didn’t have all the answers for what they were throwing at us late in the game. They’re the champs for a reason; they know how to close games out.
That said, I’m incredibly encouraged by what I saw from our team. Momentum hasn’t exactly been on our side recently, but the way we fought and competed in this game shows me that we’re capable of beating anyone in the league. If we can take this experience, clean up a few things, and channel that same energy into next week, I’m confident we’ll get back on track. This isn’t the kind of team that gets discouraged—we learn, we adapt, and we come back stronger. That’s what this loss will do for us.
Can you summarize what it was like playing against the Buccaneers last week?
We let the game slip away too fast and too early, and we weren’t nearly as aggressive as we should’ve been. Credit where it’s due—they took advantage of our mistakes. But let’s not forget, this is the same Buccaneers team that we eliminated in the playoffs last season as a wildcard. Yeah, they’ve gotten the better of us in the regular season, winning six straight, but when it actually mattered, when everything was on the line, they couldn’t handle us. That’s the difference between pretenders and contenders.
The Bucs love to talk a big game, and I’m sure they’re still riding high off those regular-season wins, but at some point, you have to win when it counts. They’ve made a habit of getting by on flash without the substance to back it up. Sure, they beat us last week, but if I were them, I’d stay humble—because history has a funny way of repeating itself. And if we see them in the postseason again, well, I think we all know how that story ends.
Can you talk about the development of Kaden Feagin so far?
Kaden Feagin is coming along really well. We’re finding ways to get him involved because we know the kind of talent he has and what he can bring to this offense. It’s a bit of a balancing act because we’ve got a loaded backfield, and our running game is such a critical part of what we do. But Kaden’s versatility and work ethic make him an easy player to root for and an even easier one to find opportunities for. Whether it’s running between the tackles, catching passes out of the backfield, or contributing in pass protection, he’s proving he can handle it all.
What I love most about Kaden is his patience. He understands the situation—he knows we’ve got a deep group of running backs—but he’s stayed ready and made the most of his chances. We’re excited about his growth and think he’s going to be a key piece for us moving forward. In a backfield like ours, where everyone plays a role, it’s all about being prepared when your number is called, and Kaden has shown us he’s more than ready for that.
