Todd Bowles, Baker Mayfield and Bucky Irving speak following game vs. Falcons

[0:56] playing with the police and so I have not you know it's the first time for everything a problem with [1:03] it none at all considering considering dream not complete a pass get a shutout to win a game [1:10] only if we're running the ball as good as we run it if we're not running the ball and it's not a [1:15] dream I mean we knew it was going to be a nasty day and what type of conditions it was going to be [1:19] so you know we were worried about ball security and you know we took care of it other than the [1:24] fumble in the end zone you tell Zach we didn't say they're not going to throw the ball the [1:29] conditions told them that I mean you could see it as a downpour down there and the wind's blowing [1:33] you can kind of see that ball wasn't going anywhere can you talk about just what Bucky has done these [1:39] last few weeks and then with Kenny to go over 100 as well what that means I mean they've done a great [1:44] job pounding the rock especially the last two weeks I mean they've been getting yeoman's work [1:49] carries and the offensive line has done an outstanding job of course that includes the receivers and [1:53] tight ends and you know we knew what kind of game was going to be last week it just turned into that [1:57] this week with the weather you know both sides was going to pound the ball and kind of see who [2:02] made mistakes and that way and you know we want to turn over battle so you know that was important [2:06] the takeaways are coming in bunches uh Todd did uh Anzalone set the tone early [2:11] he really did he made two he made two great plays obviously uh he's one of our leaders over there he's a [2:16] captain you can really see him coming around getting comfortable in the defense and he set the tone [2:20] real early Todd the defense has had leads late what happened what was different to let them close it [2:25] out as well as they did today talk about it all week we got to close it out you still don't like [2:30] the pass at the end with two guys sitting there that could have made a play and didn't make the play [2:33] but you know we're growing from that aspect understanding how we have to win games and play [2:38] four quarters and we're finally gelling as a team you're still not 500 yet but you've dug your way back [2:44] into contention now in the NFC South what does that mean for you guys to turn the page a little [2:49] big gun back in the race you know we did a lot to dig ourselves out of it we're still in it you know [2:54] being three and five not being 500 or anything else I told them to keep their shovels closed because we [2:58] got a lot more digging to do but you know it gets us back in it you know at least it gets us back in it [3:03] now we got to dig even harder and dig even a deeper hole just to get out of the hole [3:08] Todd it wasn't just Anzalone, Zion McCollum and Jacob Parrish had interceptions too what can you say about their play [3:14] they've been playing great I mean they've been playing great all year I've been saying that [3:17] non-stop those two guys make the rush go they play very sticky covers they're very smart players and [3:24] they make plays every week Robinson's as good as they come Todd and they got a 26 yarder but other than [3:31] that he was totally bottled up once again by these guys they missed the tackle obviously in those [3:36] conditions you know both sides were going to pack the line of scrimmage it's just about standing gaps [3:41] and making gap control making it right gap control wise and I thought our guys for the most part did [3:46] a good job it's warm into the ball on the defensive side of the ball had to because it's hard to tackle [3:51] that guy with one guy coach you had big days on the ground against Dallas and Carolina but they've [3:56] both had a tough time stopping the run this year Atlanta came in fourth against the run yards per game [4:01] is it more gratifying doing against the defense that's been that good against the run all year long [4:05] I still think they're good I mean it's gratifying to win you know those conditions we're going to run [4:10] the ball a lot they were going to run the ball a lot and it was just a matter of you know who let [4:14] who out a little bit more and you know we made some plays back-to-back weeks in which your offense [4:19] was able to establish a ground game your defense looked great which of the two has been most [4:23] impressive to you over the last two weeks both impressive you know complimentary football that's [4:28] what you want you don't want one side out doing the other as well as special teams with field position [4:33] in a day like today all of them have been impressive the last two weeks Baker's only throwing it [4:38] 14 times or so the last two weeks but what about him operationally getting the guys out of the right [4:43] runs the right reads how much is he as he quarterback this team the last two weeks oh he's played great [4:48] quarterback play he's gotten us in and out of plays and understanding situations and where the [4:53] blitz is coming from and getting us into the right play and checking to the right call at the right time [4:57] so he's instrumental in all of this talk about the pride on the offensive line Todd slow start during the [5:04] 0-1-5 start but really picking it up right now I think we're figuring it out you know the coaches are figuring out the [5:11] players what they can and can't do what runs they like and can't relax and don't like and things like that and they're [5:16] really starting to gel anything else thank you all right let's get this over with you don't want to talk to me so [6:00] Baker how can you describe what happened O-line taking over the game defense doing the same thing in these conditions [6:07] um and special teams chase perfect in these conditions is big time Riley had some big punts [6:12] pinning them back deep just complimentary football doing whatever it takes in the conditions uh [6:16] everybody's going to play in it so um our guys handle it really really well [6:19] did you ever imagine you'd have fewer uh pass attempts than last week no but it's a win so I'll take it man [6:26] yeah nice lead black there I think on game play and a little uh the curricular tell me about that play [6:32] you know if I'm not going to throw the ball I got to get active somehow so me and Jesse were out there [6:38] playing in the mud so it's been a historic work for your first quarterback it's beers it's winning [6:51] that's what I think about it we won and what do you do in these situations yeah I mean getting guys [7:01] lined up making sure we're running the right run plays um obviously ball security in these conditions [7:06] we had some early ones you know decided to go to the shotgun and pistol sets just easier to receive [7:11] the snaps instead of it coming back through your hands under center so um going from there and just [7:15] really trying to manage the game and time management trying to bleed as much clock as possible [7:19] just get everybody on the same page and go from there so that's that's that's my job in these [7:22] conditions and uh listen I'll do whatever it takes to win that's all that matters to me [7:26] figure you decided late in the week yeah I mean the three pass attempts felt fine so [7:35] fumble snaps you had one you said it's more the weather conditions yeah yeah yeah not not a thumb issue [7:42] did you check out no just hand the ball off do what do what I'm told how many times did you check [7:53] them to get into uh you know it's a few times but not you know a lot of that's built into the [8:01] can criteria of the first place called and our coaches do a great job of you know the second play [8:06] that's in there for the alert and the can is uh going to be successful so they do a good job of [8:10] formatting it that way and our guys do an even better job of making it happen you guys did two [8:15] big running days against Dallas yeah it's big time you know and I think even more so in these [8:26] conditions where you know you're running it um for our guys to just truly take over the game [8:30] um you could tell that they were feeling it and you just want to continue to lean on that I mean I [8:35] don't think we had a choice with the weather but then they were they were ready for it [8:38] Vic you guys had a great celebration in there to beat this team at this moment after an 0-4 start [8:45] what does it mean for you guys yeah I mean it's a long season you know obviously you guys have seen [8:49] in the past where we started out really hot and gone through the midseason lull so it's all about [8:53] getting hot at the right time and continuing to get better as the season goes on [8:56] uh since it is a long season so for us it's not how we not how we want to start don't get me wrong [9:02] but we're continuing to improve uh and come together as a team and as a unit so playing more [9:06] complementary football uh and playing for each other which is good to see uh you know when [9:11] stuff's hitting the fan uh guys are coming together and not spreading apart pointing fingers at each [9:15] other we're trying to figure it out and make it work what was it like being on the sideline and seeing [9:22] that defense I mean unbelievable uh Anzalone obviously two of them big time um I know Parrish [9:29] probably could have had one too but I mean just those guys flying around making plays uh it's [9:34] it's fun to watch it's fun to watch our defense play to the potential that that I know they have [9:39] and continue to do it a couple weeks in a row now did you have a chance to talk with Stefanski either [9:44] before or after the game maker nope could you talk about Bucky's elite vision especially today [9:50] finding holes stopping and starting as good as it gets yeah I mean I think both those guys him [9:58] and Kenny were extremely patient today you know um seeing trusting their tracks being where they're [10:03] supposed to be at but then if it's not they're being patient and not trying to cut it back every [10:07] single time trusting these guys continue to move the line of scrimmage and move those guys up front [10:10] so they did an incredible job today so they're continuing to see the fruits of the labor [10:14] now that you guys have climbed back to three and five what's the message right now in the locker [10:19] room as you guys prepare to head to Chicago just got to continue to do the things uh that we've been [10:24] getting better at the last couple weeks continue to do that lean on that um and just like I said [10:29] it's about taking care of the football when we do that we play well we feed off each other um so [10:34] just got to continue to do that doesn't matter the stage the setting the conditions just [10:37] play as a unit obviously at some point you guys have got to get this you've done it in the past [10:44] what's your level that you can get I'm very confident in it you know obviously last two [10:52] weeks we haven't needed it and today was more condition based but um I'm very confident in the [10:57] fact that we'll be just fine you know we've had two really good weeks of practice when it comes to [11:01] the past game stuff we've been prepared uh yeah whenever whenever we need it we'll have it [11:05] because your thoughts on the offensive line performance for today's game your thoughts on [11:10] the incredible I mean single season or just a rushing record in a single game uh record for [11:17] the Bucks franchise I mean that's incredible so to do that like I said earlier when you the team knows [11:22] that you're going to be running the ball um that's that's imposing your will on somebody and it's [11:25] it's awesome to see I'm happy for those guys two weeks in a row of big time ball thanks guys [11:29] I mean like I always say I want to give glad to I want to give all glory to [13:46] God without him none of this is possible uh but like I always say man them guys up front uh I see [13:51] a different look in their eyes when when it's time to run the ball and just being able to trust them [13:55] guys up front I mean I'll go with them guys any day of the week but just being able to know that [14:00] them guys gonna be where they supposed to be and get ahead on the right people so I just being [14:04] there like I always say I'm gonna keep telling y'all once I trust my track good things happen and [14:08] just getting the floor of the game and getting in the rhythm and you just got to take what the defense [14:12] give you at times uh I had to get out of a habit where and thinking everything is going to be a [14:17] home run and uh that's not the case in this league uh you got very good defenses and very good players [14:22] uh so just being able to take what the defense give you and as the game go on they start weighing down [14:28] and getting tired but just being able to trust what I play call the calling our offensive coaches [14:32] putting us in the right position to have success [14:34] uh I don't really care about records I care about winning so uh all I gotta say is nobody cares we [14:49] got to do it again move on what do you think has been the biggest difference in the past month [14:54] now having three 200 yard plus performances on the ground uh just being there to come out uh and you [15:01] know the identity uh we want to start running the football we want to set the tone and uh some [15:05] games every game is not going to be like that uh you know it's going to be games where our receivers [15:09] going off and uh we got good looks in the passing game but uh for the past two games we've been [15:14] gasping it in the run game so just being able to like I said our coach is putting us in the right [15:18] position to have success and we're going to lean on them whatever they call Kenny went over 100 as [15:23] well both you guys over 100 what does that mean to the tag team like that I know you're a big [15:28] coach together uh I mean I'm a big believer in man just being uh knowing your brother's gonna come [15:33] in and have a day but just being there with a like I'm a guy I want everybody to have success I'm not [15:37] I'm not a selfish guy I'm not a me guy uh I just want to win football games and like I said all [15:42] them backs in that room man um uh we go to war every day uh we we we practice like it's the game [15:47] I tell them guys you got to treat practice like it's a game because you're going to get the same [15:51] look so just being able to come out every day and practice and and it started in practice and we had [15:56] a great week of practice so just being able to uh well like I tell them guys 24 hour rule move on [16:01] get ready for Chicago Bears like watching your quarterback out there pushing safeties around [16:05] I mean you know that guy gonna throw his body out there if he got a boot he gonna make his way to [16:10] try to block somebody but like I always say man it's probably one of the best quarterbacks I ever [16:14] been around and he is he an even better person man I love him to death uh just being able to know I [16:19] can go to war with him each and every day uh it's a blessing that I get to do that did the huddle [16:23] were you guys saying no no we just go with our uh our offensive coaches call him but the break [16:30] you were saying what he likes emotions is the weather you kind of know it's a game having the [16:37] success you had when they know you're I'm not gonna lie to you I don't know the last time I [16:42] checked the weather for a football game uh we're gonna have to play in it anyway that's how I think [16:47] about it rain snow muddy you're gonna have to play in it anyway but just being able to know like [16:52] this is that like little league football you wake up on Sunday uh it's raining nobody gonna come to [16:58] save you unless it's the lightning though that'll save you uh but just being able to know that we [17:03] we went out there and executed at a high level now we just gotta put this game to bed and move on [17:08] is it fun playing in the elements or would you rather be perfect I really don't care bro [17:13] but you beat this team especially with some of the losses that you've had for the Falcons [17:18] that were starting you guys are right back in front in the division um and I know you were enjoying [17:23] it out there on this particular team what was it like like I always said man the past two years [17:29] that I've been here we'll start off smoking hot and uh towards the back end of the season we'll [17:34] kind of tumble but just being able to have some adversity man life is about adversity if you don't [17:39] go through nothing if you want everything handed to you I won't want it no other way I want it hard [17:43] because that's how I had to get in my whole life so just being able to know things are not going to [17:47] be handed to you we got 32 football teams that's pretty good everybody got the same goal everybody [17:52] want to get to the Super Bowl everybody on the win but what are you willing to sacrifice to get to that [17:56] everything's not going to be perfect all the time so just being able to know that we have some [17:59] adversity early on and just being able to stay on the course and uh keep it going and trust our [18:04] coaches to put us in the right position to win every week so uh a couple of your teammates have [18:08] mentioned that Baker they like that he's back share some things uh it's not a specific thing he just [18:20] he just bring the juice every day man he know when people are down like if I'm too quiet or I'm not [18:25] juiced around he's gonna say yo you need some energy today like what's going on pick it up [18:29] so just being able to hide that guy uh around all the time like I say man uh he a different breed [18:34] bro uh I've been around some great quarterbacks I played with Bo Nix uh I played with a couple [18:39] quarterbacks but just being able to know he he wired different he loved the game uh and he he won the [18:45] win he don't care if he handed it off 20 30 times as long as we get the win he always gonna have a [18:49] smile on his face he's not a me guy as long as we come out with the win uh he's excited and happy [18:55] yeah and tell us about too how you were talking about just wearing down the defense so how does [19:05] that feel uh I have a mentality each and every time I get the ball uh like I always say I get mad when [19:19] the first man bring me down so just being there to have a mentality and line up uh and know each [19:24] and every time that you get the ball you're trying to make a big play for your team so just being [19:27] able to have that mentality whatever game it is I don't care if it's we we're not running the ball [19:33] how we're supposed to be every game is going to be different you're gonna have some games where [19:36] you got to take the dirty runs uh it's not going to be that many lanes but just being able to take [19:41] what the defense give you and just keep that course every week. Bucky looking ahead how much are you [19:46] looking forward to returning to Chicago next week? Uh I mean it's going to be emotional man uh I know [19:52] where I come from so just being able to go back home to play in front of uh people that that watch me [19:58] grow up uh from the start that seeing me develop into the person I am now it's going to be uh an honor [20:03] but I got to try to keep my cool man it's going to be exciting though all favor to God though. [20:08] Just one mistake today at the one yard line you lose the ball through the end zone uh you overcame [20:14] that so I'm sure it just motivated you more. Uh when stuff like that happen uh I get in my head but I [20:20] snap out of it make me run even harder because I know I just let the team down and that ain't me but [20:25] uh that's something I got to focus on man I gotta I gotta I gotta hold the ball with two hands stop trying [20:29] to put it out there uh that's on me I'm gonna I'm gonna make up for it I'm gonna do my punishment [20:34] that I do I'm gonna pull the sled uh just being able to know I gotta I gotta I gotta stick to the [20:38] little details man and hold on to the ball for my team. Okay thank you. Thanks Mark. Thank you.