HEAD COACH DOUG PEDERSON
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024
(On injury updates across the team) “Beginning with Trevor [QB Trevor Lawrence], he is progressing. He
was in today, getting his treatment and rehab, all of that. It’s kind of day-to-day right now, so we’ll see
how he is on Wednesday. We’ll see what his limitations or whatever it might be, but he is definitely
improving. I would expect Zay [WR Zay Jones] to potentially get more practice time this week and
hopefully he’s in a position by the end of the week to play in this game, so we’ll see where he’s at.
Christian [WR Christian Kirk], I’ll get more information, he’s doing well. He’s doing really well. Yes, I would
say there’s a potential to activate his window come Wednesday. We’ll see where he’s at there in a couple
of days, which would be positive if he could do something this week. We’ll wait and see. Then, Jamal
[WR Jamal Agnew], unfortunately Jamal has a little fracture in his lower leg. He’s going to be out. He’ll be
missed the remainder of the season. Unfortunate injury yesterday.”
(On if he would’ve expected to face Tennessee to determine the AFC South for the second straight year)
“We’re just fortunate and blessed to be in this position at the end of the year. It’s always been our goal
as you know to be in the conversation and to play in these meaningful games this late in the year. We
could’ve done better in a few games here recently and we wouldn’t be in this situation, but we are. We
embrace it and we own it, we’re looking forward to the opportunity Sunday.”
(On what S Antonio Johnson has shown defensively) “He’s showing up every week in game. He’s making
plays, he shows that he’s very capable of executing the defense and being in the right positions. He’s
getting better each week, he’s playing with more confidence and he had a good, solid game yesterday
and capped it off with the takeaway there at the end of the game.”
(On how much confidence one win give the team) “I think it can give a team a lot of confidence. It’s what
we needed. We needed something to go right for us, and it did. It wasn’t a pretty win; I don’t think
there’s any win or any loss that’s pretty or ugly. The fact that we got the win and the way we did it, I’m
proud of the guys. It can definitely spark your team at this time.”
(On winning justifying what the team is preaching) “Yeah, football is not a hard game, not a complicated
game. Sometimes we as coaches and players complicate things a little bit too much. I think if you just focus on the basics and that’s just it; you don’t turn the ball over, you don’t have a lot of penalties or pre-
snap penalties on an offense. You make open field tackles, you’re in the right position, you control the line of scrimmage on both sides. You run the ball effectively enough in the game to control the game. I
just think those are recipes for any football team. Obviously for ours and where we are, you can win
games that way in this league. There are games when you’re going to have to put the ball in the air 35-
plus times, something like that to win because there’s teams that can score every time they touch the
football. I think it’s proof to our players that we take care of our business, then you have a chance to win
games.”
(On if QB Trevor Lawrence had any setbacks last week) “No, he didn’t have a setback. He just wasn’t
there as far as throwing the football at the end of the week, so it just kind of kept him inside. He did come out for some of the team stuff, and was around for that, but just wanted to give him extra time in
the training room before he came out.”
(On OLB Josh Allen saying that practice last week was the best it’s been all season) “I thought it was one
of our better weeks last week. I put a lot of that too, on the coaches, the individual coaches. Preparing
their players for practice and getting them ready for the game. The players have a lot of pride, and they
take that stuff to heart. They understand that they need to practice better and eliminate some of the
mistakes. If you can do it in practice, then chances are you’re going to eliminate the mistakes in game. It
was a good week and this week we’ve got to have just the same type of focus and intensity, be
intentional with everything that we’re doing.”
(On WR Christian Kirk’s injury being the best-case scenario for him to return now) “Yeah, it was definitely
a bad injury for him and bad for our offense. He’s in a position right now to maybe help us this week and
we’ll see where he’s at. If we go ahead and open his window on Wednesday and get him out there, see
what he can do. You definitely want your best players on the field this time of year and he’s one of those
players for us.”
(On if he takes pride in coaching two different tight ends that have recorded 100 receptions in a season)
“I grew up in an offense when I played that we utilize the tight ends quite a bit. I’ve been around great
tight ends, whether I was a player or now as a coach. Zach Ertz and [TE] Evan Engram and Dallas Goedert
in Philly now, those are three guys that have been instrumental to the offenses and Evan is a big part of
our system. We try to find ways to get him the ball every week. It’s a credit to those guys for the type of
teammates they are, leaders they are, how hard they work on and off the football field and the set a
good example for the rest of the team.”
(On OL Tyler Shatley’s performance starting on the offensive line) “Well, I think you just said it right
there. Walker [OL Walker Little] and Ezra [OL Ezra Cleveland] were a little banged up. We needed to give
them some rest, and Tyler has done a great job when he’s in there. We didn’t feel like there was any kind
of let down or let up, let off, whatever you want to call it. We felt good. Both Walker and Ezra, Walker
played at the end of the game when Cam [OL Cam Robinson] was removed from the game. Both of those
guys, it was good. It was good for us as a team. We got through Sunday, now we can prepare this week
and we’ll see moving forward if it’s Ezra back there or if it’s Walker back there, or if it’s Tyler. Really the
health of the guys is the biggest concern at this time.”
(On if the league has communicated disciplinary action for OL Cam Robinson) “First thing, we have not
heard anything yet from the league on the Cam and I’m assuming that he’ll definitely hear something
this week, pretty quickly on that. It was good to have Cam back, he brings a level of excitement,
enthusiasm and physicality to the offensive line. I think too, there was some rust with him, much like
Tyson [CB Tyson Campbell], getting back out there. There were ome plays that just weren’t Cam-like type
of plays. He battled through it and for the most part, played a big part. As far as plays to the right, I think
sometimes you go in and when you look at the run game, you think who is better on the backside cutoff
blocks as opposed to the front side and things of that nature go into your run game a little bit. He does a
nice job with his athleticism to cut people off on the backside. It’s just the nature of how the run game
went yesterday, and week-to-week as to who will have the hot hand either the left side or the right side.”
(On proving good things can come from sticking with the run game) “Yeah, that was right there at the
beginning of the third. I think it was the first drive in the third quarter, he [RB Travis Etienne Jr.] had that
big run for the touchdown. That was a little bit of a halftime adjustment and what we had seen from the first half from Carolina defensively. How we can maybe utilize some of the perimeter runs and Travis is
really good at that. Again, that’s just the thing, when you stick to the run game, it may not be pretty. I
think we had 27 or 28 yards in the first half. It’s not pretty, but things begin to open up in the second half
and you get those longer runs that really help and spark your offense. It’s something that sometimes as
coaches we get a little impatient with the run game, but it was a great example of us sticking with it
yesterday.”
(On key players that were once injured coming together in peak time to lead the team) “I do think that
things are beginning, guys are getting healthy which is good this time of year. Especially with the
opportunity we have this weekend. It’s good to have these guys back in the lineup. On the flipside too, it
is unfortunate that Jamal [WR Jamal Agnew] is going to be missed, not only offensively but also in the
kicking game right there. I think the challenge really is just getting guys like Tyson [CB Tyson Campbell]
and if Christian [WR Christian Kirk] has a chance to play, they’ve had four games of not playing. It’s just
that rust and getting back into the game shape and the speed of the game a little bit. That’s kind of the
challenge, how are you going to get him into your offense or defense and incorporate them into your
game plan. Overall, it’s a good time to get these guys healthy.”
(On missing players with high IQ levels on the field due to injury) “It’s tough. It’s tough because it’s
nothing against the young player, they just haven’t had the experience of playing as much at this level.
Guys like Christian [WR Christian Kirk] and Tyson [CB Tyson Campbell], they’ve had a lot of games and
they can see things and they can anticipate things. As you mentioned, Jamal [WR Jamal Agnew] can see
things defensively and anticipate a route or something of that nature. It’s where your quarterback is, it’s
the level of brain power of where your quarterback is a little bit with that and being on the same page
with each other. It’s just the growing up and the growing pains of getting guys like Parker [WR Parker
Washington] more opportunity, [WR] Elijah Cooks more opportunity, [WR] Tim Jones more opportunities
in these football games. These are great opportunities for them to continue to showcase and show us
what they can do. I think it is critical when guys like Christian offensively are out there because they can
definitely be on the same page with your quarterback.”
(On if he plays cornhole as he threw the challenge flag well in yesterday’s game) “No, my sons are
actually better than I am. That thing kind of flipped out of my hand pretty good. I didn’t really need to
throw it quite that far, but I’m glad I did it because we got two challenges right yesterday.”
(On momentum OL Cam Robinson caused by being ejected) “Yeah, it can definitely be a boost. Players
know they’ve got to control their emotions out there and things are getting a little testy. Obviously, the
game was kind of one-sided at that point. There was some pushing and shoving. You just got to control
your emotions, obviously the ejection came because he threw the helmet, and he threw the helmet
about 20 yards. You just can’t do that, and he understands that. He’ll pay for it out of the pocketbook I’m
assuming, and it won’t happen again.”
HEAD COACH DOUG PEDERSON
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024
“…We don’t want any setbacks, so this will be a slow, gradual process. It’ll be good to get him out there.”
(On having WR Christian Kirk’s leadership on the practice field helping the team) “Yeah. He’s been
around the team; he just hasn’t necessarily been out on the field. But it’ll be good to get him back with
the guys.”
(On WR Christian Kirk’s odds of playing on Sunday) “I’m not a betting man. I can’t do that. Right now, he’s
just day-to-day. We’ve just got to see where he’s at the end of the week.”
(On WR Christian Kirk’s quick rehab process to allow him to potentially play) “He knew, I think, in his
mind that shooting for Week 18 or hopefully round one of the postseason if so be. It just shows the type
of person that he is and the care for the team.”
(On QB Trevor Lawrence will be a limited participant at practice) “A little bit more of a limited basis
today, he is feeling better. He’s another one that’s day-to-day as we go this week.”
(On talent of Titans QB Ryan Tannehill) “Well, obviously [Titans QB] Will Levis has played the majority of
the season for them, but earlier in the year, he’s a veteran a guy. He’s a veteran quarterback, you saw
him last week just getting the ball out of his hand. He’s smart, he knows where to go with the football,
he relies on that run game to get that going and had some success last week a little bit doing that and in
the couple of big games he played early in the season. You just expect that from him. A veteran guy
that’s just going to run their offense.”
(On knowing this game will bring the best of both teams) “You always do. My goodness, you just go back
to last year, Week 18. It came down to everything for both teams really. It was a tough game right to the
end. It’s going to be no different, the AFC South rivalry type of games, there’s a lot to be playing for on
both sides, really. It doesn’t matter who is out there playing, they’re going to play hard, we’re going to
play hard, it’s going to be a physical football game like it always is and you’ve got to prepare that way.”
(On impact of this game determining the AFC South title) “All of that does, you look at the history of the
AFC South and it’s been dominated by Tennessee of late. Houston has had their run, Indy back in the
Peyton [Manning] days when they had their run of AFC South and I think the Jags have only had two.
We’re trying to make our mark obviously, it’s a great division that has great teams in there. Great
coaches and leaders, and great football players. For us to be in this position in a second year is a credit to
our players in the locker room, coaching staff to work as hard as we do and the players to work as hard
as they do.”
(On why it matters for the team to win the AFC South more than once) “Well, I think when you’re talking
about our team and our players, I think they see that and they recognize that from me. The places that
I’ve been, so there’s credibility in the locker room with the guys. When you say certain things, you’re speaking from experience. I think that can go a long way with these guys, we’ve got a young team eager
to win and their desire to win. All of that can just help us this year, next year and however long that
goes.”
(On if he knows all of the playoff scenarios for the team) “There’s only one. There’s only one that matters
right now for us.”
(On if he communicates with the team there is only one desired playoff scenario) “That’s all I need to tell
the team. There’s nothing other than trying to win this game on Sunday.”
(On not giving the team too much information on potential playoff scenarios) “I’m not going to cloud
their mind with stuff. Obviously, our focus is trying to beat Tennessee and regardless of records and
who’s playing and who’s not playing, this is always a really good football game and it’s a four-quarter
game. That’s our focus right now.”
(On talent of Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel’s coaching ability) “I’ve known Mike for a lot of years. I
knew him as a player with New England and he’s been raised in this league the right way. He’s been on
championship teams and I think being a former player and being in those positions, he’s been able to use
that again much like my experience here, in a positive way for them. Obviously, a defensive guy and he’s
had a lot of great defensive players. There’s a level of intensity and physicality with Tennessee and Mike’s
teams over the years. He’s done a nice job. Again, regardless of where they might be right now or
whatever the situation, these guys are going to play hard for Mike and Mike is going to do everything he
can to win this game. His teams always feed off that and it’s a credit to what he’s done there.”
(On if he feels better about the team’s mindset going into this game compared to last year) “Yeah, being
and having gone through it, you know what to expect. You know the level of intensity. It just boils down
to having a good Wednesday, a good Thursday and a good Friday. Stringing some good practices together and understanding the gameplan and going to play. This year is way different than last year, even though it’s the similarities of coming down to Week 18 are similar for us, we just have to continue to trust the things that we’re doing and as coaches, we trust our players and put them in positions to be successful on gameday.”
(On if he can tell the level of focus among the team on the practice field at this point in the season) “you
can, you can tell just how they attack the practice, where they are mentally, the energy level, all those
kinds of things, even this late in the season here at the end. It pays off, this is when you lean on your
leadership of the team to drive that and to motivate that. It was a good week last week, we got to do the
same or even more this week.”
(On if the team has the right big-game mentality going into this week’s game) “You’re right in the sense
that we haven’t performed well in the big game yet. These are the things that I keep stressing to our
team; expect to be in big games. Expect to be in these types of football games and these types of
moments where there’s a little added pressure and you feel that pressure. We haven’t handled that
extremely well this year. One thing about this team as you guys know, they come out and play hard when
their back is against the wall a little bit. They seem to find comfort in that. I’ll keep talking to them and
we’ll get it figured out.”
(On if he’s seeing the right big-game mentality in the team after last week’s win) “Of course, to come out
and play as well, it wasn’t perfect, but to play well and defense played really good, C.J. [QB C.J. Beathard] stepping up like he did and filling in. The offensive line in the second half taking control there in the run
game. It’s steps in the right direction.”
(On what coming off a good win does for the team’s confidence) “Well, before Carolina, you would say
that our confidence was shaken a little bit, four game skid. A win can help get your confidence back. We
definitely needed that, we needed that win to be in this position in Week 18. It does give you a little
confidence, but yet, you still have to put in the work. You got to put in the time this week and you treat
each game as if it’s a playoff game.”
(On confidence of QB C.J. Beathard if he needs to play again after winning last week) “Yeah, it helps with
him. It helps with the team just knowing how he operates in game.”
(On performance of CB Tyson Campbell and how to prepare him to face Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins)
“Yeah, number one D-Hop. Great receiver, he’s had a great career so far. He’s done some really good
things there. It’s a reason why they got him. On Tyson, he did play better last week. They had some good
receivers last week with Chark [Panthers WR DJ Chark Jr.] and Thielen [Panthers WR Adam Thielen] and
the guys there. It’ll be interesting again, he’s taken progressive steps. He came out healthy which helps
his confidence moving forward. The challenge again is to go out and do it again.”
(On if the offensive lineup is a fluid situation) “Still fluid, Cam [OL Cam Robinson] was good, wasn’t great.
He can improve. Shatley [OL Tyler Shatley] was good, the offensive line as a whole was good. I think with
Ezra [OL Ezra Cleveland] and Walker [OL Walker Little] getting healthier, we’ll see how it goes this week in
practice and have a better feel for that towards the end of the week.”
(On injury status of WR Zay Jones) “Zay will be out there today. Hopefully, he’s in a day-to-day mode
again but he’s better than he was last week. I would anticipate him doing more in practice.”
(On if there’s any other injuries across the team after last week’s game) “Jamal [WR Jamal Agnew] is the
only one, but no. Travon [OLB Travon Walker], everybody is just kind of sore. C.J. [QB C.J. Beathard] is
sore, all of those guys are beat up right now. It’s just the way it is, it’s Week 18 and it’s been a long year.”
(On if he anticipates players trying to push themselves in rehab given the stakes of this game) “I don’t
think they do it, your body heals how your body heals. This time of year, it’s more important that you
take care of yourself more, meaning getting rest at night. I think the proper hydration, nutrition, all that
stuff plays a part in your body and healing. Guys do take advantage of the extra time that I give them
during the week to use all the amenities downstairs to make sure their bodies are as fresh as possible on
Sunday.”
(On what it means for OLB Travon Walker to have 9.0 sacks in the season) “Both of those guys really,
speaking on Josh [OLB Josh Allen] first, I think he’s third in the NFL right now at 16.5 [sacks] and just a
half sack away from being up there. He’s done a great job for us this year. Travon, you just see the
gradual improvement and you’re seeing him move around a little bit more on the front. Games and
stunts. The game is evolving, he’s a young player that continues to learn and to see him where he’s at
and what he’s done this year, I think the sky is the limit still for him. I know Josh has made the comment
that hopefully Travon breaks his record. I think he’s on the right track to possibly do that at some point.”
(On if QB Trevor Lawrence got any value from watching the game on the sidelines) “I think he did. I think
it definitely helps a guy like Trevor, your quarterback, who you’re seeing the game a little bit calmer, that 30,000-foot perspective. He sees things differently; how he would handle situations, so yeah, there’s
definitely things that I think he took away that he can definitely use the next time he gets an
opportunity.”
(On QB C.J. Beathard needing to slide more) “I was yelling, but he didn’t hear me.”
(On OLB Travon Walker and OLB Josh Allen moving inside) “It’s something that he [Defensive Coordinator
Mike Caldwell] and I have talked about for a few weeks. You try to put your best players in situations to
be successful and help your team, it’s a little different look for our defense to put those two guys inside
like that. He and I, we’ve been having some conversations in the last few weeks.”
(On if putting OLB Travon Walker and OLB Josh Allen on the inside puts more thought into opponents
minds) “Well, it’s no different than them putting stuff on tape that we have to work on. Vice versa, if we
see something we have to work on, if they see something, they’ve got to work on it and be prepared as
well.”
(On expecting Titans giving everything they can) “You’ve got to be so disciplined, your eyes have got to
be in the right spots. You can’t go chasing plays, you make the ones that come to you. They’ll have
opportunities they did in the first game, little flea flicker type of pass that got us, just things like that. You
have to be so focused and dialed in with games like this.”
QUARTERBACK TREVOR LAWRENCE
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024
(On how his shoulder is feeling) “It’s feeling better. Obviously, missing last week’s game is a little slower
than I would’ve liked to be progressing. It actually feels pretty decent today, it’s getting better every day.
I’m just trying to be cautious but also aggressive in how I’m trying to treat it and do everything I can to
get back as quick as possible, but also be smart. It’s a fine line, but I’m feeling better.”
(On if he will be limited at practice today) “Yeah, I’ll be out there today. We’ll just have to kind of see
how I’m feeling, I’m going to try to do some stuff and see how it feels. I need to move around though
and get back in the flow, I didn’t do a lot of that last week. I’ll be out there today and just as the week
goes on, depending on how it’s feeling, we’ll see how much I end up doing. Hopefully, everyday I do a
little bit more and get ready for the game.”
(On how much throwing he’s done so far) “So far, not much at all. Today will be a good little test, get to
throw a little bit and see how it feels. Probably still be limited out there and C.J. [QB C.J. Beathard] will
take the bulk of stuff. That’s the plan, just to see how it feels every day and hopefully progress to where I
can go on Sunday.”
(On if it feels like he could throw right now) “Yeah, it’s feeling better. I think certain movements bother it
more than others, there’s some things that I can do and some areas where I have totally normal
strength. It’s functional and all of that, but certain positions, there is some aggravation. That’s getting
better every day, but still, would like to see that go down a little bit before I just totally let it loose.”
(On if he’s ever had a shoulder injury before) “No, I haven’t. I’ve never had an AC joint deal.”
(On what it was like viewing the game from the sidelines last weekend) “Yeah, I think it was weird. I’ve
never really done that. I did it once in college for COVID-19, I was in Notre Dame for that game and
wasn’t able to play. That was really the first time other than that, that I’ve don’t that. First time in the
NFL in general. It’s a weird experience, being on the outside almost looking in. Obviously, you’re still part
of the team and you’re still involved, but I’m just trying to stay out of those guys’ way on gameday, I
know what it’s like to be in the zone. Especially C.J. [QB C.J. Beathard] playing and there’s pressure on
him, he’s really excited for the opportunity. I just wanted to stay out of his way and do anything he needs
to help him play better, whatever that is. I think most of that is just letting him do his thing; I know a lot
of people were checking on him all week and making sure he was good. I just wanted to let him have his
space, I was trying to stay out of the way a little bit, but also it was cool to see how everything operates
and get to hear the stuff in the background whether it’s the coaches talking or anything like that on the
headsets. The whole process between plays that you don’t hear as a quarterback, because obviously
you’re not hearing everything. You’re just hearing the final call that comes in. I thought that was
interesting, I thought it was cool to be able to share my thoughts with Mike [Defensive Coordinator Mike
Caldwell] and Press [Offensive Coordinator Press Taylor] and Phil [Offensive Line Coach Phil Rauscher]
and Doug [Head Coach Doug Pederson] and whoever on the sideline, halftime or whatever it was. I
thought it was cool being more apart of that because usually when you’re playing, you’ll talk about some adjustments maybe at halftime, but you’re really just focused on the next series and the adjustments
you’re going to make. It was definitely a different perspective; I think it gives you a good perspective on
the game and what it is. I think it takes a little bit out of it, at the end of the day, it’s just a game. I think
you realize that when you take a step back and get to watch guys and see how they go about their
process and see things that you don’t really pay attention to because you’re so in the moment when
you’re about to play. That was cool getting to see but I don’t want to get used to it. That’s not where I
want to be, standing over there not being able to play. I know I’m going long with this, but I think it does
give you perspective too, for guys like C.J. and other guys who are either backups or haven’t played in a
while. I have a lot of respect for guys that prepare like a starter every week, knowing that they’re
probably not going to play. I think that’s really hard to do and I’ve had to do that a little bit last week. I
just have a lot of respect for somebody like C.J., that’s his first start in two or three years and he prepares
every week that way, and usually doesn’t ever get an opportunity to even play a snap. I’ve been
fortunate to even play most of the time the last couple of years. I think when you think about that and
the things that guys sacrifice and how much they do sacrifice, to be in that position, to possibly play,
don’t know if they’re going to play or not. For C.J., still always wanting the best for me, I think that he
handles that really well and I was just really proud of him, it was cool for him to get that opportunity. I’m
happy that he was able to do that, and I know the guys were stoked for him, too.”
(On part of him feeling miserable from the sidelines last weekend) “Yeah, it sucks feeling like that. That’s
why it’s a team game though, I think that’s the other perspective part of it too, is it’s not just about what
I can do. We have a really good team and guys are going to rally around C.J. [QB C.J. Beathard]. C.J. is a
really good player too, so you’ve got to trust those guys and we’re a good team for a reason. It’s not just
about me or any one other particular person. You’ve got to be able to pick up guys when they’re down
and it was cool to see the team really do that, I feel like everyone played with a ton of energy and just
passionate. It was fun to watch and you don’t ever want to have to watch and be on the sideline, but like
I said, just the perspective deal of it and realizing that it is a team, guys are going to pick you up when
you need it and that was really cool.”
(On over the last month he’s potentially done too much that causes injuries) “I think at this point in the
year, everybody is dealing with something. It’s the way this game is, the way I see it is if you can play, you
play. If you can’t, then you can’t and you don’t. I do think it can be difficult depending on the injury to
make that decision sometimes, because you’ve got to weigh one, can I play close to my best to help the
team, and two, is this going to affect me long term to where next week or the following week, is it still
going to lingering if I decide to play. I think you’ve got to weigh that. That can be difficult, but the
commitment deal in this game is important and I think guys understand that on this team. If you can
play, you play. I think that we understand we’re an unselfish group and that’s the mindset of everyone,
not just me or anyone else. I just think that’s how it works, that’s how I view it anyways. Maybe not
everybody does, but no, I don’t think I was necessarily trying to play through too much. Yeah, I’ve been a
little unfortunate this year having some injuries and things I’ve been dealing with, but everybody has
that and it’s going to happen at some point. Those are the things you’ve got to battle through, yeah I
think I could’ve played a lot better through some of that and I think there was some stuff where I
definitely didn’t play my best in the past three, four weeks, whatever it was before last week. I’m never
going to make an excuse for injuries, if you step on the field, you’re expected to perform at a certain
level regardless of what’s going on and I’m well aware of that. I think everybody makes that decision on a
week-to-week basis.”
(On if last years’ experience against Tennessee helps for this weekend’s matchup) “I think yes and no, it’s
a different year. These are two different teams. But it does feel kind of similar, it was different because the way the season went last year, I don’t know if we had the same record going into the game or exactly
what it was, but it was a little bit of a different situation. Both playing for a potential spot in the playoffs
and if you win, you’re in. That’s the same sense of urgency we feel this week and we understand that we
have a job to do. We want to find a way to win this game and we get another week to play. That’s our
mindset and that’s what we’re aiming for. I think there’s no secret about that. I think that experience in
the past can help you, but this is a new week though. You’ve got to prepare and put everything into
winning this game, you can’t really rely on your past and the past experience you hope helps you. But
you’re not thinking about that, you’re thinking about this week and what we can do to beat them in
Week 18.”
(On when he came to understand the rivalry between Jacksonville and Tennessee) “They beat us twice
my rookie year. I had a really bad experience up there in 2021. That was just a rough day all the way
around. We got shut out, I played really bad, just in general, our team was in a really weird spot at that
point. That kind of stuck with me, even through last year going back there again and thinking about that
experience, wanting to play better and get a win up there in Tennessee. Then, you talk about just the
rivalry and the passion from both sides, kind of how much we dislike each other on the field. I think
that’s a real thing in this rivalry and it’s cool to have teams like that in your division where it is
competitive and every time you step on the field, no matter the circumstances, no matter how many
wins they have or we have or what the situation is, you’re always going to get their best. They’re going to
do everything they can to beat you and you’re going to do the same. I think that is the cool thing about
football in general, but especially in a division rival like that. You know what to expect, there’s no secrets
and I think that’s the cool part of it.”
(On handling the pressure of being a must-win game) “I don’t think anything changes. I think you
prepare the same way, the biggest thing is just during the week, you prepare yourself for those
moments. You do everything you can to have your plan down, to watch the tape, know the team, know
the opponent you’re playing and be prepared because that’s something where you can’t make up for
that on Sunday; it’s too late. As long as you do that, the moment is what it is. You know what’s on the
line. That’s not going to change, and I don’t think that should change how you view things, you prepare
the same way and you stick to your process. You can’t change when the stakes get higher, you’ve got to
be committed to what you do and I think we are here. We know what to do, we’ve been in this situation
before, like we said. I think we trust our process and we know how to prepare for games like this. The
attention to detail throughout the week is going to be huge, leading up to Sunday. On Sunday, everybody is going to be juiced, everybody is going to be amped. We know what’s on the line, but we’ve got to take care of today first and then tomorrow and Friday, Saturday, then we’ll get there Sunday.”
(On what it could mean for WR Christian Kirk to play this week) “It would be huge. Obviously, the type of
player Christian is, but also the leader, the voice he is in that room, in the locker room, all those things.
He’s a great player and one of our best players and we need him back. We’re excited for whenever it is,
he’s clearly doing everything he can to come back. It’s been amazing to see him moving around and even
doing some of the stuff he’s doing already. I’ve been super impressed and there’s not a guy more
committed. I know he’s going to do the right thing and take care of himself also, but obviously whenever
we can get him back, we’re excited for that because he’s going to help us a lot.”
(On sense he gets to push himself leading up to the game when injured) “It really depends on the injury.
Obviously, something like a concussion, there’s not much you can do. You don’t have much pull or any
push in that. You have to go through the protocol and you have to clear. I think other things, I have a
great relationship with our training staff and our doctors and obviously Coach [Head Coach Doug Pederson]. We all talk about these things when they come up and what’s the best decision. Typically,
we’re all aware of the injury, what it is, maybe what the risks are, how you’re feeling, then you make that
decision whenever you feel comfortable. Whether that’s early in the week or whether that’s later.
Usually, that’s later because you want to see how practice goes. That’s something where they have a lot
of trust in me, and I have trust in them to just be honest and communicate what’s going on. I think that’s
the biggest thing.”
(On not allowing himself to push himself too hard when injured) “Yeah, I think it depends on the
situation. I do everything I can to play and I’m going to play through whatever I can, as long as I don’t
feel like it will affect my play too much, I guess that would be the best way to answer that. I felt like last
week it would’ve. I don’t think I would’ve been able to play anywhere close to what I’m capable of. I just
didn’t think it was smart to put the team or myself in that situation, especially with a throwing shoulder.
That situation is a little different than some of the other things I’ve dealt with. Everyone has that
competitor in you, you want to do everything you can to play, especially this time of year. There’s no
denying that for myself or for anyone else. There’s a lot of questions you’ve got to answer throughout
the week. You’ve got to feel like yourself, you’ve got to be able to go play and play the best of your ability
and not hold the team back. I think those are things you’ve got to answer.”
January 2, 2024
JAGUARS MAKE ROSTER MOVES
JACKSONVILLE –The Jaguars have signed OL Chandler Brewer to the practice squad, the team announced today. Additionally, the team has placed DL Henry Mondeaux on the Practice Squad Injured List.
JAGUARS OPEN WR CHRISTIAN KIRK’S 21-DAY PRACTICE PERIOD
JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Jaguars have placed WR Christian Kirk on the Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return List, the team announced today. He was originally placed on the Reserve/Injured list on December 8, 2023.
Kirk has appeared in 12 games this season (Week 1-13) and has recorded 57 receptions for 787 yards and three touchdowns. Since signing with Jacksonville in 2022, he has amassed 141 receptions for 1,895 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 29 games.
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