Normally, on a Friday, it’s a light media day at One Buc Place, but as the team prepares for its Monday Night Football showdown against the Steelers, everything has been moved back one day.
Due to that, we were graced by the presence of the best offensive coordinator in football (we’re kidding, sort of, but statistically, not really), Todd Monken, at the podium to start the day.
Monken on the success of Ryan Fitzpatrick pic.twitter.com/OAtPZRfDCz
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) September 21, 2018
The first question for Monken was pretty straight forward: What’s behind the FitzMagic?
Monken’s answer was that Fitzpatrick has incredible preparation. When he gets in the game, due to the experience he’s had in the league and how focused he is on preparation each week, nothing seems to fool him.
That and the top-notch accuracy he’s displayed over the last two weeks.
Monken on when Jameis Winston comes back Tuesday pic.twitter.com/l2HZSG1Xyz
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) September 21, 2018
As you would expect, Monken was also asked about Jameis Winston, as the suspended quarterback is just a few days away from re-joining the team.
Monken said that with Winston, they will welcome him back as a valued member of the team. But, he, of course, didn’t comment on who would be the starter.
One of the reasons why that question was so prevalent on Friday is because earlier in the week, wide receiver DeSean Jackson said on NFL network that he thinks the Bucs should stay with the hot hand — meaning Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick was asked about his relationship with Jackson, and if it’s any different this year.
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick on his friendship with DeSean Jackson #Bucs pic.twitter.com/cS1uJ8ujRu
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) September 21, 2018
Fitzpatrick smiled and said that anytime you’re throwing touchdowns to wide receiver, you’re their best friend. But he did say later in the interview that it’s great to have the confidence of his teammates.
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick mentions that one of the congratulatory texts he got for his hot start was from Jake “The Snake” Plummer. Someone that he looked up to. #Bucs pic.twitter.com/jHi12YAff7
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) September 21, 2018
As this whole FitzMagic craze has blown up, Fitzpatrick was asked if there were any memorable people who have reached out to him.
The name Fitzpatrick said stood out to him the most was Jake Plummer, because when he was grown up, Plummer was one of his idols in the game.
Now he’s getting congratulated by him.
#Bucs WR DeSean Jackson on his comments saying Fitzpatrick should remain the starter: “I’m a guy who speaks my mind… obviously it’s not my decision… we feel great having two guys who can make plays.” pic.twitter.com/efNLhi1FJG
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) September 21, 2018
Later in the locker room we were able to ask DeSean Jackson about his comments from the NFL Network interview himself.
He said that he’s not afraid to speak his mind, and that’s still what he believes, but said it’s a good problem to have with two guys who you know can make plays (Fitzpatrick and Winston).
#Bucs WR DeSean Jackson: “We felt like the odds were against us… that out backs were against the wall… we just gotta keep that mentality going.” pic.twitter.com/Hj2lcq2feW
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) September 21, 2018
Jackson also spoke to the 2-0 start. He said that last season really left a bad taste in their mouth, and they’ve been trying to wash that taste out. He said no one gave them a chance, and they want to keep that mentality, no matter how many wins they get.
#Bucs DT Gerald McCoy on Antonio Brown’s saying his Steelers team “sucks”: “If that’s how he feels about his team that’s his opinion… we don’t think they suck at all.” pic.twitter.com/VIfKKprvAc
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) September 21, 2018
As for keeping that mentality and potentially getting that 3-0 start, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said that even though the Steelers might be down on themselves, the Bucs certainly aren’t, and they won’t take this week’s assignment lightly.
#Bucs DT Gerald McCoy said the defense got better from Week 1 to Week 2, but they “haven’t played a complete game yet.” pic.twitter.com/wUZ5Kw98K8
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) September 21, 2018
McCoy said that the defense improved from Week 1 to Week 2, but noted that they have yet to play a complete game.
HC Dirk Koetter on getting injured players back with that extra day off from MNF #Bucs pic.twitter.com/3MOVFNpAni
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) September 21, 2018
Going into their Monday night matchup, head coach Dirk Koetter talked about the adjusted schedule of a Monday night game. He said it’s advantageous, especially for the guys trying to heal up.
The waiting is the hardest part.
Koetter also touched on the quarterback situation very briefly saying when they know who the starter should be, it will be obvious.
HC Dirk Koetter on when he’ll make a decision about the starting QB next week #Bucs pic.twitter.com/ZxQjhBZ7Dg
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) September 21, 2018
We’ll be back tomorrow with the final practice of the week.