It was a quiet day at One Buc Place on Monday as Christmas Eve took over much of the conversation.
Head coach Dirk Koetter opened the day at the podium as he spoke to the media following the team’s loss to the Cowboys on Sunday.
Prior to the game it was announced that quarterback Ryan Griffin was active in place of Ryan Fitzpatrick and would serve as Jameis Winston’s backup. Koetter talked about the thought process behind making the positional switch, emphasizing that it had less to do with Fitzpatrick and was more in response to Griffin’s consistent performance in practice.
#Bucs HC Dirk Koetter on the improvement of Ryan Griffin who was QB2 yesterday pic.twitter.com/xsNumVIKlN
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) December 24, 2018
Koetter went on to talk about the talent Dallas has on defense, specifically at linebacker, before mentioning the improvements he’s seen from Winston and the team’s first round pick, Vita Vea.
#Bucs HC Dirk Koetter on the play of Dallas’ front 7 pic.twitter.com/z0VVfieQAo
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) December 24, 2018
#Bucs HC Dirk Koetter on Jameis Winston’s improvement this year pic.twitter.com/sfbteJvF1f
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) December 24, 2018
In the locker room there were just a few players, with many putting together or opening gifts and cards, including personalized “Trench Mob” championship belts given to the entire defensive line from Coach Buckner.
Coach Buckner got all of the #Bucs D-Linemen championship belts with their name and number for Christmas. pic.twitter.com/al5nGTyaYJ
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) December 24, 2018
Before leaving, wide receiver Chris Godwin and offensive tackle Demar Dotson made time to talk about their favorite Christmas memories.
#Bucs WR Chris Godwin talks about the vintage Magic Johnson jersey he got on his most memorable Christmas. pic.twitter.com/DdXbZYDA84
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) December 24, 2018
#Bucs OT Demar Dotson talks about his most memorable Christmas and what Christmas was like around his house as a kid. pic.twitter.com/AGoE6i9cyo
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) December 24, 2018
Despite the holiday season upon them, the team still has a game to play on Sunday against the Falcons. Godwin finished his 2017 season with a big game against the Saints and today he spoke about what he expects from Atlanta on Sunday, as well as the momentum players can carry into the next season when you finish a year strong.
#Bucs WR Chris Godwin on facing the Falcons this weekend. pic.twitter.com/OGMW29p03X
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) December 24, 2018
#Bucs WR Chris Godwin on the momentum you can carry into the next season by finishing the year strong. pic.twitter.com/QQls4bMDs4
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) December 24, 2018