TITANS HEAD COACH MIKE VRABEL
POSTGAME MEDIA AVAILABILITY
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2023
Q. How hard was it to lose like that?
MIKE VRABEL: I mean, it’s difficult to lose any time in this league, you know. I felt like we were going to
win the game. [I] felt like we were going to win the game Monday, Tuesday, all the way through the
week, felt good about where we were at. Obviously, we played with great effort, kept answering. When
offense needed an answer, they did, and when the defense needed, it they did. They just made a play
there at the end.
Q. You preach winning the turnover battle. How tough was it to have those two turnovers so late in
the game?
MIKE VRABEL: That’s what cost you the game. In this league you can’t turn it over and give up defensive
scores. But we’re all in this thing together, and that’s the most important thing that we have to
recognize.
Q. How much did you feel like your defense gave you a chance by holding them to the field goal?
MIKE VRABEL: Yeah, I mean, they did, you know, but that’s their job and that’s the expectation. Just the
same way as there were times where the offense put together some drives, 17-play drives, and took
some clock off and kept the ball away from them.
Again, really close but not close enough.
Q. Regarding the review, do you think it was the right call? Did you get a chance to get a second look
at it yourself?
MIKE VRABEL: I mean, yeah. I mean, all scoring plays are reviewed, you know. [There was] only one
game going on, [so] probably a couple sets of eyes that looked at it.
Q. Did you look at it, though?
MIKE VRABEL: No. They didn’t put it on the replay. When I looked up, I didn’t see it.
Q. How limiting was field position in the second half?
MIKE VRABEL: I mean, starting in the shadow of your own goal post, you know, certainly isn’t ideal. You
know, just got to be able to string some first downs together, get off to a better start, maybe convert. I
thought when Jonathan [Ward] made the extra effort play I thought we had a chance to get into the
drive and do some things, but, you know, that ended.
Q. How would you assess QB Josh Dobbs’ overall performance?
MIKE VRABEL: None of us were really good enough at the end of the day. I thought Josh did some good
things, but, you know, [it] wasn’t about one guy.
Q. On the first scoring drive, what happened there when WR Treylon Burks tossed the ball across the
field. Was that a design?
MIKE VRABEL: Yeah, it was just a third and long play. If they had given us some free access, just trying to
get into the defense. We had shown a similar look earlier in the year. Tried to get to Treylon [Burks] and
catch a run and thought, you know, maybe steal one. If not, hopefully still be in field goal range. Again,
they’re coming at him. We wanted to go down, but if they had giving us free access try to get into and
see if we can convert on a third and 15. That was it.
Q. You went for it early in a couple fourth downs. Did you guys do what you wanted?
MIKE VRABEL: I thought we started the game how we wanted to, but you got to finish better. You have
to finish. I was confident that we would, and we didn’t.
Q. What do you think some of the second half offensive struggles have been in this year?
MIKE VRABEL: [I] only talk on tonight. Come on, you know, we’re out there battling, Joe. I mean, battling
their ass off with guys that didn’t even start the season with us. That’s what the problem was sometimes
tonight. But that is where it was. We’ll try to take a look at everything else at a later time. We’ll focus on
tonight. The penalty, there were some penalties. Costly, again. First and 30-yard run that gets called
back and it’s first and 20. Those are tough and things you can’t do, two turnovers. Keep typing all these
things down, those will lead to not much points.
Q. At what point did you guys kind of start to ramp things up on defense?
MIKE VRABEL: You know, in the second half I think we just kind of were figuring out what we felt like
was going to work and where the game plan was. Thought we did a nice job mixing it up and tried to
limit them, again, just trying to disrupt the timing and affect the quarterback a little bit, which we were
able to do, which allowed us to get some stops and some three-and-outs and some sudden change
situations.
Q. QB Josh Dobbs in the first half did really well against the blitz, but the second half wasn’t exactly
the same.
MIKE VRABEL: It’s not all on the quarterback.
Q. I wasn’t saying that it is.
MIKE VRABEL: And I wasn’t saying that you were. I’m just answering the question and saying that that’s
something that you have to do, is being able to block pressure, make them pay for it down the field,
whatever the situation is, and execute. But we weren’t, you know what I mean? We have to be able to
get the production right and block them and all those things that go into executing on third down.
Q. You guys gave up a 50-yard kickoff return after you had gone up ten to nothing. How much of a
momentum switch was that?
MIKE VRABEL: I mean, one of the keys with special teams is limiting WR Jamal Agnew being an explosive
runner in his career and even this year. You know, touchdown against us that was called back, so we
clearly understand how explosive he is, and we have to do a better job.
Q. What did you say to the offense after the fumble before they went out for the last drive to rally the
troops?
MIKE VRABEL: Go win the game, you know what I mean? Go win the game. Nothing we can do about it
now. Went from four minute to two minute, and that’s how situations quickly change in this league.
Trying to get a third down conversion. Because we did some pretty good things with six minutes and
trying to get a couple first downs. Trying to get a third down there, a conversion with three minutes and
whatever it was, 15 seconds, really start forcing them to use timeouts. Then it didn’t work out.
Q. The end of the marathon grind is always sudden every year. What did you say the guys
immediately?
MIKE VRABEL: How proud I am to coach them. We didn’t waver. A lot of teams, guys would be fighting, I
would be breaking up fights and guys quitting on teammates. I think you can tell by the effort that
whoever goes out there is playing with great effort. Again, it’s got to be more than just great effort. We
have to have a lot of things happen to be better. But those are just signs that you look for. Like guys are
competing. They’re fighting. They’re coming to work. That’s what I told them. I was thankful for the guys
that started this thing with us, been here through the long haul. It’s a long season from April 18th. [I’m]
thankful for a lot of guys that came in here mid-season, mid-week that played. That’s what I told them.
And I’m sorry. I’m sorry that they lost. That we lost. That we lost. I wanted to win for them and the
people that have stood by us through this whole thing.
Q. How difficult has this last six weeks been for you?
MIKE VRABEL: I mean, not for me. I only care about the team. I care about the players, their families. No,
it hasn’t. My family is healthy, you know what I mean? I get to see Carter. I get to go home and see Jan
and the family. These guys, we’ve been through a lot. We’ve celebrated life, mourned loss of life within
our players’ families, and told them this is the first game I played or coached in the state of Florida that
my grandfather hasn’t been at. We all go through stuff. We all stood by each other, supported each
other. We just got on a shitty streak we couldn’t get off, couldn’t make the plays when we needed to,
couldn’t be just consistent when we needed to. That showed up again tonight.
TITANS QUARTERBACK JOSH DOBBS
POSTGAME MEDIA AVAILABILITY
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2023
Q. Do you feel like your arm was going forward when you let go of the ball that was ruled a fumble?
JOSHUA DOBBS: I did. Obviously when you’re away they’re not going to show the replay, so we didn’t
get a chance to see it. I felt like it was going forward, but the ref has to make a call. Personally, I wish I
got the ball off a little quicker. I know it was a big third down in the game and we were up; trying to get
the ball to Treylon [Burks]; let him work in man-to-man coverage. Yeah, I just got to get the ball out a
little bit quicker, feel that rush, especially at that point of the game, and keep us in a better situation.
Q. How surprising was that blitz on the fumble?
JOSHUA DOBBS: You know, we were doing really well on third downs and fourth downs throughout the
game, especially early, so we knew they would get more aggressive. The O-line (offensive line) was
doing a good job picking it up, and we were doing a good job, the receivers were doing a good job
getting to the open areas so I could get the ball out of my hand quickly. I had to take an extra hit, just
man coverage. They got a win and hats off to them for making a great play in a big moment of the game.
Q. The interception, was that under-throwing on your part?
JOSHUA DOBBS: Yeah, we were trying to take a shot on third and long. Treylon ended up running by him
and I was trying to give him a chance to go up and make a play. As I said, it’s a critical situation when you
turnover the ball. Defense did a good job getting off the field right after, so we still felt good about the
situation. But, yeah, I think obviously when you get here two weeks ago and you got a guy on a go-ball
and I haven’t had a ton of reps at it, so that was tough. But I got to put the ball out there and let Treylon,
a big-bodied receiver, go up and make a play.
Q. I know you’re fresh off it, off the top of your mind, looking from the first half to the second half,
there was a lot more success against the blitz. What do you think changed in the second half?
JOSHUA DOBBS: Nothing. It’s all about situationally and playing the game, right? In the second half, both
teams on offense were still trying to find their rhythm and defenses were playing better, so just
recognizing the part of the game, trying to get the ball out of my hands as quickly as possible. We did a
great job executing in the first half. In the second half we were still executing, but just coming up a little
short on third down. At the end of the day that’s what the game comes down to, those two, three plays.
We were able to stay on field and keep the chains moving, and then we have a chance to go down and
win the game.
Q. Were you hopeful they look at the replay and say, the arm was moving forward? Did have you
question at all that was a fumble?
JOSHUA DOBBS: I felt like my arm was moving forward. I mean, when you throw the ball, and the ball
goes forward after the guy hits you. It feels like, I’m a physics guy, so feels pretty simple it was going
forward. Like I said as well, I haven’t seen the play as well, so I don’t know when he hit me in the act of
throwing. When you’re on the road they do a great job of not showing replays of big plays. I’ll check it
out on film and see. But, yeah, that is definitely a tough one.
Q. Whirlwind for you. Got here, been here 18 days. Season is now over. What will you take from this
experience? Even Derrick [Henry] said he thanked you for giving this team a chance.
JOSHUA DOBBS: No doubt. I think obviously losing sucks, right, especially with the magnitude of the
game and everything that not only personally just coming here, but the guys just putting into the
situation. Chris Conley really put things into perspective. He was like, just look how far you’ve come in
your journey this year from where you started, to shoot, where I was four weeks ago. So, it’s been a
tremendous journey. I’m really proud of my effort, proud of the team’s effort, how the guys fought,
especially with the championship on the line. It sucks losing, but it’s part of the game. We’ll rally, watch
the film, figure out how we can improve, situationally take care of the football better, and keep pushing
forward.
Q. First half go about as well as you could have hoped for just the way you guys were able to keep the
chains moving and win time of possession?
JOSHUA DOBBS: Yeah, you know, it was — we really were on script. First third down the game I game J
Ward [Jonathan Ward] a bad ball. From there we were really able to execute in the big moments. One of
our keys was scoring touchdowns in the red zone, so personally I feel like we could have done a better
job of that. I could have done a better job of that. We ended up settling for a couple field goals. We got
touchdown, a big play to Chig [Okonkwo]. But, yeah, score touchdowns in the red zone and that’s what
the game comes down to. We played well in the first half. They did a great job making adjustments on
defense. I thought we still moved the ball well, especially coming out of the second half. Just came down
to those couple plays at the end of the game.
Q. How tough was that last drive having to come back out after the fumble? How do you feel like you
and the offense handled that?
JOSHUA DOBBS: It wasn’t tough at all. I think for me personally, just kind of my mental disposition just
on ball, is one play at a the time. There are going to be plays where they get you; there are going to be
plays where you get them. At the end of the day, it’s all about how respond whether it’s good play or a
bad play, because the last play has no effect on the next play. Yeah, they got us on that play, but we did
a good job responding. We drove the ball. We didn’t finish the drive how we wanted, which is tough, but
I like the look in the guys’ eyes, the no-flinch mentality, I like just feeling the energy in the huddle saying,
we’re good. Let’s go down and stay confident and keep moving the ball. With that energy and effort, it’s
definitely going to set you up for success in the future.
Q. How do you deal with the suddenness of just how this all ended?
JOSHUA DOBBS: Trying to figure out how to deal with it, honestly. You put a lot into it game, especially
given my situation, the team’s situation and guys battling back from injury, all for this game, right? It’s
really the season is on the line, AFC South champs and an opportunity to go to the playoffs. When you
wake up, grow up playing ball, man, like these are the opportunities that you love and that you yearn
for. It’s definitely tough. It’ll be a tough flight home, but we’ll be able to rally and keep pushing forward.
Q. What have you learned these last three weeks, Josh, your experience going forward?
JOSHUA DOBBS: Shoot, you know, obviously I’ve learned more ball. I wouldn’t say I learned anything
about myself because I expect myself to be ready for difficult situations, you know. So, to be placed in
this situation and have to come in and play well, you know, I really take pride in that, just with my
mental disposition, how I work, prepare. Thankful for the opportunity because shoot I’ve been waiting
for this opportunity for a long time. Hope there is many more like it. I will definitely look forward to it.
Q. Based on — maybe it’s soon — based on your time here, would you like the opportunity to come
back and compete for a role here next year?
JOSHUA DOBBS: No doubt. I love Tennessee. Shoot, I spent a lot of time in Tennessee. I enjoy the
offense. I feel comfortable in the offense. I know those decisions aren’t made by me, so we’ll see how it
shakes out this off-season, but if the opportunity is presented, I would love to be back.
TITANS RUNNING BACK DERRICK HENRY
POSTGAME MEDIA AVAILABILITY
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2023
Q. It felt like the game was going like you wanted it to for a long stretch. How tough was it to see the
way it turned at the end?
DERRICK HENRY: We put drives together, we were moving the ball. We had a lead, but we had some
mishaps late and it cost us.
Q. Did you get a look at what happened on the strip sack?
DERRICK HENRY: No, I didn’t. I didn’t see what happened.
Q. Did they adjust or do anything different defensively in the second half?
DERRICK HENRY: They made some adjustments for the defense, as far as the personnel they put in, and
we struggled to execute.
Q. What does it feel like knowing when you leave here, it’s going to be a different team next year,
that you played with some of these guys for the last time?
DERRICK HENRY: I told the guys that I appreciate their efforts. We went through some adversity this
year. Adversity builds character, and I feel like everybody showed that, coming to work, making no
excuses. We made each other better in all three phases, and just kept working. We kept our head up,
believing in what we do, and that’s all you can do, is appreciate it. If they’re here or anywhere else, I’ll
be friendly.
Q. Through the adversity, did you learn anything new about yourself this season?
DERRICK HENRY: It’s just life. You’re going to go through things, they’re not going to happen the way you
want them to. You just keep swinging, keep pushing, keep fighting, keep working and good (things) will
happen for you. Just put faith in the man above.
Q. What was the toughest part – inconsistencies with the offense, you guys had so many injuries, you
had three different quarterbacks. What was the toughest part about dealing with inconsistencies with
the offense week-in and week-out?
DERRICK HENRY: That was tough, seeing guys go down, not being in the lineup with us with the work
they put in throughout the season. Guys did a great job stepping in and doing whatever they could to play like a starter and prepare like one as well, and I’m just thankful for that. Like I said, we’re all in this
together, so whatever happens on the field and the results, it’s all on us, and we’re a team.
Q. Josh (Dobbs) was your teammate only a couple of weeks. How do you think he did, and what do
you say to him?
DERRICK HENRY: I say, ‘Thank you.’ Thank you for coming in and learning the system quick. Thank you
for giving us a chance. I appreciate his leadership, from the time that he got here, and the way he
worked. It was fun having him, and he has a bright future.
Q. Starting out 7-3 and losing out to make the playoffs, how shocking is that for you guys? Could you
ever imagine a finish like that to a season?
DERRICK HENRY: I mean, nobody wants to finish how we did. It’s never the plan, never the goal. But, like
I said, stuff happens, adversity happens. Did we want to win the division and have a great record? Yeah,
but it didn’t happen this year, so what are you going to do? It’s over with now. All we can do is go back
to work and be thankful for the journey and everybody and their efforts, and look forward to next year.
Q. What does this offense need to get back to being productive like it was recently?
DERRICK HENRY: Get everybody healthy. And the game just ended, and I’m not going to get into all that.
But the guys who were in there tried to do the best they could. That’s all you can hope for. We had guys
that went down, starters go down. Guys had to step up and earn their place, and I feel like we did a
great job and the best that they can. That’s all you can wish for, that’s all you can hope for. I’m not
going to get into what this offense needs, this and that. The game just ended. There will be plenty of
time to answer those questions on the things we need to fix.
