TENNESSEE TITANS VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
WEEK 18 POSTGAME QUOTES
Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024
HEAD COACH DOUG PEDERSON
What is your message to the fans?
It’s disappointing. It’s disappointing the way we finished our season. Obviously, it’s definitely not good
enough. Things start with me, and I got to make sure that I’m holding myself accountable and doing all I
can to help our football team win, on and off the football field. But it’s just not good enough.
What can you pinpoint on defense that led to Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears having such a good
day?
Not until I really dive into the tape. But obviously, we had missed tackles again, and some of the same
self-inflicted gap integrity, rules, things like that. I would venture to say it would show up today. But until
we really dive into the tape, it’s hard to fully comment on that.
Was the misses Trevor Lawrence had today due to missing practice time the last few weeks?
It could be. But those are obviously plays that he knows that he can make. It’s just unfortunate at the end,
we’re just couple inches away from either scoring or catching that deep ball at the end. It’s all something
we have to process moving forward.
With the situations on the goal line, are you hopeful that next year you guys can generate more of a
push on short yardage plays? It seems like short yardage was an issue all year.
Yeah, those are all things we’ll have to take a look at this spring.
Why did you pass up the field goal and go for the touchdown?
At that point, where it was in the game, three points really didn’t matter. You’re going to need a
touchdown at some point. So, if you get the touchdown and two points right there, you’re back in the
game.
What are your emotions that you are feeling right now?
Me personally, I’m frustrated, I’m disappointed, I’m mad, I’m angry. My hearts hurts, obviously for the
players and coaches involved. They’ve worked their tails off. Today’s game was sort of our season in a
nutshell really. The mistakes, the penalties, the turnovers, the missed tackles. Those were all the things
that hurt us down the stretch.
Is it more disappointment or frustration?
I think it’s the disappointment honestly. I know we’re a good football team. I see it during the week in
how the guys prepare. I got to look at why it doesn’t show up on game day and those are all the things I’ll
take a look at in the coming weeks.
Josh Allen said the team was always looking for a spark. Do you agree?
I think that’s accurate. But the thing is, you can’t sit around and wait for a spark. You got to be the spark,
right? That’s either me being it, or Josh (Allen) being it, or Trevor (Lawrence) being it or something when
that other team catches fire. That’s all part of learning how to win, learning how to do things right
repeatedly week in and week out. And it’s a long season. And I know there’s going to be losses during the
year, you’re going to lose a game, you’re going to lose a player to injury and things like that. But it
doesn’t change your attitude, your mentality towards trying to win the games.
What went into Trevor Lawrence stretching the arm out for a full yard to go?
Yeah, Trevor’s trying to make play. Obviously, he had success in the past on it, just came up inches short.
But you can’t fault him for trying to make a play.
Was that the call play from the get-go or is it something that he went to at the line because he saw
something?
He saw something that wasn’t the actual play call. But if he saw something there and he had an
opportunity to sneak it with his length, usually that works.
What was the single biggest issue this season that kept you out of the playoffs?
Gosh, I don’t think there was one single issue. I think there were multiple issues. I look at, we talked a lot
about it this season, execution, third down, red zone. You look at the turnovers versus the takeaways. The
penalties. All those things just add up, right? So, there’s multiple things I think that—we just didn’t play
clean football games. And down the stretch, I think that was our—the amount of turnovers we had in the
last four or five games, those things add up. You just can’t give your opponents that many opportunities in the game. You just can’t, it’s hard to overcome. I think there’s a few things you can really kind of pinpoint.
How do you make sense of the inability to finish games this year when you do have the same cast of
guys that were able to do it last season?
You’ve got to remember this is a new year. This isn’t last year. The teams we play are good football
teams. They get paid to stop us, and we get paid to stop them, and move the football and vice versa.
You’ve got to take everything—it’s kind of case-by-case, it’s year-by-year, it’s game-by-game. This is a
week-to-week business. It’s how well can you perform for three hours on a Sunday afternoon. And then,
you put that one behind you and you go to the next one. You put that one behind you, and you go to the
next one. We didn’t do that consistently enough, right? It goes back to the penalties and the turnovers.
You won’t be consistent if you don’t get that fixed, right? If you don’t stop the run or at least slow a run
team down. You just can’t gain the consistency you want. It always puts you behind. Again, those are all
things we need to—I need to look at going forward.
How difficult is it to figure out how much of it is execution by the players, system and coaching, and
figure out exactly what you have to do to fix it for next season?
It’s a little bit of everything. But again, it comes down to now, taking time and going back through
everything and really studying it and evaluating it. I think as coaches what we need to do is communicate
with our players and make sure that they understand the game plan, or the technic, or the scheme for that week. And then it’s the players who take it, they have to study it based on the tape and go do their job and let their talent take over. It’s a two-way street, right? But obviously, coaches are held accountable and that will start with me.
How baffling was it to you with having eight or nine men in the box and not being able to stop
Derrick Henry?
That’s the whole game plan, right? That’s what you got to do, and you know that coming in. That’s the
frustrating part, that’s the disappointing part. You know what’s coming and you still can’t stop it. Great
player. He’s a great player and he is a load. Give him credit. He had a good game today.
TENNESSEE TITANS VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
WEEK 18 POSTGAME QUOTES
Sunday January 7, 2024
QUARTERBACKTREVOR LAWRENCE
Can you describe, if it’s at all possible, the likely shellshock that you all feel right now?
It’s tough, it’s a surreal feeling. It’s kind of hard to put into words right now. The whole season
comes down to one game and when you look back and a few plays—your whole season comes
down to a few plays and you weren’t able to make them. Of course, you’re thinking about if you
did things differently, if one play went differently or if you weren’t in certain situations or
whatever. You think about all of that which that’s the hardest part about losing and losing games
like this. is you go back and replay everything. It hasn’t really set in yet that we’re done, we
aren’t going to be playing anymore this year. It’s going to be a long offseason. It’s tough to put
into words right now.
Speaking of one play, Doug (Pederson) said it was your call at the goal line to go ahead with
the outstretched (arm). Even though you had a full yard to go, did you just think with your
length, it’s worked before?
It’s one of those plays like we’ve talked about. We’ve scored on it four or five times, we didn’t
on that one. So, it’s unfortunate and it’s something I can learn from. Maybe that situation, you
just let play ride and hope you get in and let the guys up front do their job and the running backs
and all that, and don’t try to take that into my own hands. That’s something I got to watch it and
make that decision. But it’s done now. I made a decision and they trust me with those things and
they work. I’ve got to take accountability for that. At the end of the day, that’s on me. What I
decide to do and if we don’t get in, that’s one of those plays if you do it, you better score and I
didn’t. So it’s unfortunate.
On the interception to Zay (Jones), was that a timing thing or just a throw that got away
from you? Can you talk about how difficult it was to be in sync today with all the practices
that you haven’t been able to go through?
Yeah, a little bit of timing stuff on that particular play. I don’t think it was practice or anything
like that. But a little bit of timing stuff, I missed it inside. We weren’t 100 percent on the same
page there. At the end of the day, I just missed the throw inside. Just not a good throw and that’s
the play that they made. I think we had two turnovers almost back-to-back there in the first half.
That’s bad on me, I missed the throw, left it inside. I had him for a completion if I throw it
outside, so I just missed it.
How much of a missed opportunity is this with the talent you guys have in the room?
I think that’s what sucks the most is we feel like we have a great team, we have the pieces. Of
course you think about a guy like Christian (Kirk), who’s coming back next week. It hurts. It
hurts to not be able to finish and you look at where we were at one point in the season and just
finished really, really poorly. We kind of gave it away. There’s so many things you look at and its
disappointing and frustrating, and we have a lot of really great players and I think we have the
potential to be a great team. We didn’t finish the year that way. I think we were headed towards
that halfway through the season and, for whatever reason, just didn’t finish well. That’s
something we all got to look at and individually say, what can I do better? That’s how you get
better as a team. Golly, it’s super frustrating—and it just hurts, you put in so much time and
there’s just nothing to show for it. But you put in so much work from starting in April, or you’re
starting training camp in July. And it’s just done now. So, this will sit and it will sting for a while,
and it should. Hopefully, this just propels us forward. We’ve got to learn from it. I think we’ve
got the pieces to be a special group, a special team. We can go really far, but it doesn’t make you
feel better now. But we’ve got to learn from this and use this as a learning lesson and get better
from it.
It’s a different year, but essentially the same group of guys that was able to kind of close the
end of last season. Why was this group unable to find that spark and unable to get that?
Every year is different. We talked about it even after the game, what it took last year, wasn’t
what it took this year, it took more. We finished 9-8 both years and it took more this year. We
didn’t do enough. This league, it’s a crazy league and every week you have to do everything you
can to bring your best and we didn’t do that today. You look back at the last six weeks or five
weeks or whatever. It felt like we didn’t do that in a lot of those weeks. It’s going to sting and
we’re all going to have to take accountability and live and sit with that for the whole offseason. I
know it’s disappointing for me. I feel like I didn’t do everything that I could have done today to
help us win. I didn’t feel like I even played my best. It hurts, but at the end of the day, if that’s
what you put on the field, that’s what you did and you’ve got to live with the result. We’ve got to
use it to make us better.
Following up on that, do you feel like this team sort of settled at 8-3? Everything was going
to kind of fall into place?
It’s hard to say. Not really, I don’t think that. This league is funny, it’s hard to win and for some
reason, we just didn’t play as good as a team as the season went on. When we needed to be our
best, we weren’t. Last year, it’s the opposite. When we needed to be our best and absolutely had
to have it, we were and we found a way to win up until the Divisional (round). You just have to
bring that every week and there was a disconnect somewhere. Obviously, we weren’t able to put
that on the field in the back half of the season like we needed to, to give ourselves a chance to
make the playoffs and go on a run. It definitely sucks.
How much did the injuries impact you down the home stretch of the season?
There’s no excuses. Of course, injuries impact us, injuries impact every team at this point in the
year. The Titans are injured, they’re banged up. They’ve had a lot of injuries this year. Look at
teams all across the league. It’s football. This stuff’s going to happen, and you got to find ways to
win despite having guys injured, having guys out and banged up. I don’t think we did a good
enough job of that this year, finding ways to win regardless of the circumstances. I thought we
had a good mindset. I thought every week we came in and we put our best foot forward in
preparing and that didn’t always show on Sundays. And we got to look at that and think of what
we can do better. It’s unfortunate and it’s going to hurt for a while and let ii sit in for a couple of
days.
What do you say do the guys around you, your offense, to pick them up in obviously dark
moment?
The words now don’t really mean much. It’s fresh and everyone’s going to deal with this in their
own way. You should, everybody does, but you should feel sick, you should feel disappointed
and frustrated in yourself, in the offensive, the team. Everything. Like I said, you put in so much
work. Coming in here, (if) we win, we make the playoffs. We have a home playoff game. And we
are leaving here, we’re going home, and we’re done. That’s a big change on what you’re
expecting and what you’re thinking you’re about to do and then to not get the result. I just told the
guys at this point I love them, I appreciate them. We’re not going to dive into the game right now
and all the things that could’ve, should’ve, would’ve. I appreciate those guys, they put in a lot of
work, and we’ve put in a lot of work. We sacrificed a lot. Guys have played through a lot of
injuries. It’s been a tough year in that regard. You guys and the people on the outside don’t get to
see what guys do to play and play well and be there for their team. It happens across the league.
But I’m just proud of those guys, and it sucks right now. We didn’t get the result we wanted, but
now’s not the time to get into all of that. We will here shortly. I’m sure tomorrow there will be
tough meetings. But today we’ve just got to pick each other up. I don’t think you need to pile on
right now. We all understand where we’re at and how disappointing it is, the finish we had this
year. We got to be better.
TENNESSEE TITANS VS. Jacksonville Jaguars
WEEK 18 POSTGAME QUOTES
Sunday, January 7, 2024
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER JOSH ALLEN
Were you at all surprised that despite having eight- and nine-man boxes at times that Derrick
(Henry) was able to do what he did?
Yes.
What can you learn from the way the season ended?
I learned that we need to get better. As a team, individually, collectively. Finding momentum, creating
our own momentum. When things aren’t going the way they are supposed to, just finding a way. Finding
a way and believing in that way and trusting that way. It is what it is. I feel like there was too much ebbs
and flows, when we were down, we were down. Somebody’s trying to do much of something.
Disappointing again but, when you want to do what we want to do and get to where we want to get, we
can’t play like this.
What’s different about what last year’s team did down the stretch, essentially when bringing back
the same group of guys?
I don’t have an answer for you right now. The only thing I can control is the way I perform and the way I
play, my mentality, my effort, and what my leadership is to this team. If I can contribute to that, then I did
my part. Other than that, we got to sit back and watch this tape and analyze every game to see what
happened on offense, defense, and special teams. Ultimately, we got to play together and find a spark. I
feel like last year we had a spark and we lived and we just followed that and rode that wave. This year, we
were looking for it too much, hoping that it was going to come, and it never came.
Obviously, shell-shocked in light of this, but what was the postgame message from Doug (Peterson)
from some of the other coaches, from leaders?
Disappointing. Nobody came here and expected us to lose, obviously. And the way we came in, it was
just trying to get back.
For you, if this is the last game, potentially in a Jaguar uniform, do you allow yourself to think
about that?
I’m disappointed that we lost this game. That’s the only thing I’m focusing on. I want to find a way to get
better, see if I could have played a more impactful part in this game.
Do you feel like you guys lost a little of that magic somewhere down the stretch of the season? Was
something off?
To be honest, speaking on last year, it was like we had a spark. We had a fire. We had a determination.
We had a want. This year, we were looking for that spark. And we never got that lit. We have to figure
out if we do have one, and if we don’t one, we need to find a way to win games. These last stretch of six
games were disappointing. Even last week, obviously we got the win. We have to figure out what it was
and how to kind of maximize everybody’s play. If we can do that, we’ll be where we need to be. We got
the guys, we got the talent, we got the trust, we got the locker room. We got the type of guys that can go
out there and put the bodies on the line for each other. But when it’s time to play with that fire, we gotta
turn it on.
WIDE RECEIVER ZAY JONES
Josh (Allen) said it felt like you guys had a spark last year at the end of the year, and you spent a lot
of time trying to find that spark. You never really found it this year. Is that how you would evaluate
the last few weeks?
I’m not sure. I’d have to process that for a second. Just obviously, we didn’t do enough this last game, and
it’s just disappointing. So that’s just kind of where I’m at with it.
Did you think you caught the ball early?
I thought I did, I mean, they ruled it a catch. Obviously, I wasn’t able to see the replay, I just thought
when I hit the ground, it kind of spun out.
Did they explain it?
Nobody explained anything to me. The call was the call, and you got to play the next play.
Did it just feel like you were right there all the time, but just couldn’t, not always, not make the
play, but in some critical moments.
Obviously, it’s not the ending that we wanted, but we got to pull the positives from it. So, we try not to
say ‘almost.’ We evaluate it and just try to keep moving forward and do the best that we can. But yes, my
heart hurts. This sucks. Losing sucks.
What does this team need? Can you put it into words, or does it feel like it just was
situational? You’re obviously not the GM.
I’m not sure at the particular moment. All I can do is look at myself. How could I have been better? How
could I have helped my team? And that’s what I have to do. I don’t know what we need. I believe that we
have all the pieces in here. For some reason, it just didn’t get put together. And that’s what hurts the most,
is I get to see people day-in and day-out in the weight room, in the training room, playing through injury,
doing everything possible they can to help this team win. And sometimes you come up short. That’s life.
Sometimes you lose. You don’t make excuses for it. You keep going, you keep building yourself back up,
you have your teammates that pick yourself back up, you just keep fighting. So, that’s what I’m going to
do, and if I have the opportunity to be a part of this organization moving forward, that’s all I’m going to
keep doing.
How frustrating has this year been for you? Trying to get back and then get hurt, and then get back
and just – it’s been a tough one.
Injuries are not fun. They’re difficult. It’s a part of the game. Everybody battles with it though, it’s not just
me. Guys play hurt all the time and that’s not an excuse, either. Trevor (Lawrence) plays hurt. Cam
(Robinson), Josh (Allen), whoever it is, guys are banged up. Travis (Etienne Jr.) with ribs. Everyone’s
pushing through. And so that’s the game that we play. And I’m proud to play this game. It’s a hard sport.
But at the end of the day, it’s about who can get the job done. And it wasn’t us this time.
TENNESSEE TITANS VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
WEEK 18 POSTGAME QUOTES
Sunday, January 7, 2024
SAFETY ANDRE CISCO
These last couple of years, you guys turned it into something. Are you surprised it didn’t end up
with something?
In the moment, absolutely, but even when we came back on the field on defense and we had them backed
up, we still had a chance there. But we jumped offside and let them drive down the field. So, I think there
are certain points in the game we can point to for sure.
What’s going through your mind about where you guys were six weeks ago to now?
It’s hard to process in this moment. I definitely didn’t think of an outcome where we’d be going home
today.
You guys bring eight, nine guys and Derrick Henry is still breaking free. Is that a surprise?
It’s unacceptable. That’s not who we are. It hasn’t been who we were all year. So to see it happen
especially to start the game, it was tough and we were hoping guys would bounce back. I think we started
to pick it up a little bit, but it was too late.
How disheartening was it? Because obviously at halftime, you did put an emphasis on trying to slow
down their running game and then boom, the 69-yarder happens on the third or fourth play in the
half.
That’s been a theme all year. Get off the field when we get back out at halftime. Came up again, hard to
know why right now.
The last six weeks, anything you can put your finger on as to what was different? What changes?
Was it not enough focus? The lack of detail? What was it that caused this team to go from 8-3, to 9-
8?
I’ve been thinking about it since it started. I can’t say I know why, but I would say it’s a mindset thing and
it’s an approach. I think there were times when practice was good and there were times where you
approached the game the right way, but not enough collectively, and it kind of showed every time on
gameday.
Do you guys have to learn a little bit to be a frontrunner? To handle expectations, whatever that
encompasses, to be an elite team?
Absolutely. I think there’s no beating around that bush. When you get success, you have to handle it
properly. You can’t let it get to your head. You can’t approach life like you have success. You have to
approach it the same way every day. You have to have humility. I take accountability for that as well.
There’s a way you have to handle success in this league because there’s going to be so many things, like
cameras in front of you, and accolades and money that comes with it. So, how do you handle it? I don’t
think we did a good job at it.
With the talent you guys have and what you guys have done the last two years, how much of a
missed opportunity is it not going to the playoffs with this group?
It’s ginormous. It’s going to be a year where everybody is going to look back on their career and realize
that we had a bunch of guys from top to bottom that can do it. We had an opportunity to do it today.
When you get into the playoffs, anything can happen, and we didn’t even give ourselves that chance.
TIGHT END EVAN ENGRAM
How do you think that this team will respond in the off-season?
The DNA of this team will not be the same. This is the last time the DNA of this locker room will be
together. So, we understand the nature of the business. All I know is this feeling, the leaders of this team,
the guys that are here, this is part of our story. We can either be victims of it or find a way to make it a
part of our return. Make it a part of our response.
Would you say ‘shell-shocked’ is a good word to describe how the players are feeling right now.
I mean, honestly, you could go down the list of us not expecting to be here. A lot of things that put us in
this position that we can’t have.
Could you just not find the magic, the spark, or whatever it was that you missed in the last six
weeks that you had.
Obviously not. Obviously not.
Obviously, you guys make a ton of plays, but is it just one more? You know how this game usually
comes down to a few. What did you see out there on some of them that you guys could have had?
I had a turnover. You know, I was part of a turnover today. I’ve got to make that play. We’re on the one-
yard line, it’s our responsibility to get in the end zone. There’s a lot of things, man. There’s just a lot of
things that put us in this position. I’m lost for words, honestly.
Josh (Allen) said it felt like at times, because last year you guys found that spark down the back
stretch of the season, that you were searching for a similar spark. Is that how you would kind of
evaluate the situation?
Honestly, I don’t know. I mean, we’re in the NFL, and we’re here for a reason. We’re all capable of making
plays. We’re all capable of coming together and winning games and we didn’t do that today. We were 8-3
at one point and we didn’t do it. We just didn’t do it. Just didn’t do what we’re capable of doing. The
potential of the team, we didn’t fulfill it.
You mentioned it’s not going to be the same DNA. I know you’re not the GM, but what are you guys
missing? Are you missing something in here?
There’s a lot of things. You’re right, I’m not the GM, but there are a lot of things that are—a lot of things
that went wrong this year were in our control. A lot more things we did to ourselves than things that
happened to us, honestly.
RUNNING BACK TRAVIS ETIENNE JR.
Can you describe what went wrong for this team down the stretch? 8-3 to missing the playoffs.
I feel like we just lost track of the details. I feel like we wasn’t detail-oriented a lot of times. And, like I
said, man, it’s just—we just got to all focus on ourselves, and all do our job. All just one person do their
one-eleventh and everybody come together as an offense. I feel like that was when you see we were at our
best. That’s what kind of held us back.
Would it be fair to say that the team felt like they had it, like they got it? 8-3 and everything was
just going to happen for you?
I mean, I can’t speak for everybody else. But I feel like when we was 8-3, I never thought we had it,
because we didn’t have it. That was just the reality of the situation, I can’t speak for everybody else. But I
felt as if we had to have a mindset switch or something or just continue to live in reality, or things like this
will continue to happen to us. This is the worst feeling as a competitor, as an athlete. Working so hard for
something and not being able to get it, attain it.
Not the end you were hoping for, but is there something you can learn from this season?
I mean, you can—you learn in every situation. I learn in every situation. I mean for me, I feel like, just
from this season I feel like I want to be more vocal going forward. Just being more vocal, just voicing just
how I feel, just things of that sort, and just being a leader. Being a leader, not just by actions, but leading
with my words and just moving forward, continue to grow, get better, and try to be a better person, a
better man for the team.
Josh (Allen) said the last month just felt like guys are waiting for a spark instead of going to create
a spark to kind of get you guys out of that slump. Is that fair?
I guess you could say that’s fair. But I feel like I’m a person where I don’t wait around for anything. I’m
out there trying to go get it, trying to take it. So, I don’t see why we would have professional athletes
waiting on a spark. Go create that spark. That’s why you were brought here, to be that player. So, I really
can’t resonate with that.
You mentioned being more vocal moving forward. Would you like to get more carries inside the
three? Are you surprised that you don’t ever get asked to do that?
I mean, that’s out of my control. All I can do is go out there and control what I can control. Coaches coach
and the players play, and I go out there and run the play that they call each and every time and I do it to
the best of my ability. So, I just got to continue to get better and find ways to score outside of the three so we’re not in a situation.
Do you have to get more physical going into next year? Not you, but as an offense, do you guys have
to be more physical, better running the football in general.
I mean, we just got to just stick to it. Just trust in each other, just keep believing. And I feel like we all got
to get better. We can’t go into next year with the same problems or being your same self. I feel like that’s
not growing, and that’s not been a professional athlete. Because as an athlete, you know what to work on.
I’m gonna watch film, watch every game and see what I can just improve in my game and get better at.
And I feel like everyone else is going to do the same, and we’re going to be out here much better next year.
TENNESSEE TITANS VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
WEEK 18 POSTGAME QUOTES
Sunday, January 7, 2024
HEAD COACH MIKE VRABEL
To end the season like this, what does it mean for these players?
Well, I mean I think that they’ll be able to give you their emotion, but I think it’s—there’s a lot of
satisfaction to be able to play a game this late in the season that doesn’t have playoff implications,
division implications for us, and to prepare the way they did, to come out here and compete the way
they competed. I always tell you; credit goes to the players. They were the ones that allowed us to
run the football, allowed us to give up a play and come back and get stops in the red zone. Told them
at halftime, ‘Guys, you’re the best red zone defense in the league, and we’re going to need a stop to
win the game.’ And that’s what they did. All the credit goes to the players, to the coaches for getting
them prepared and I’m sure they’re excited like everybody else.
You said earlier this week how much you hate to lose. To win and go out this way, how would
you describe this one for you?
Well, again, I’m excited for the players that put so much work into it, that work hard, and they get
coached and corrected, and for them to be able to come back, and answer, and be successful and help
us run the football and score touchdowns. There was just a lot of guys that contributed, and I think
that’s the biggest thing. That’s the thing that we have to remember, is that it’s going to take all of us,
it’s never going to be about one or two players. Got a lot of contributions from different guys. That’s
probably the most satisfaction I get, is watching everybody contribute to a victory and feel like they
helped us win.
What about playing spoiler to Jacksonville and their playoff hopes?
Well again, we like to, hopefully, make it always about us. But certainly, there’s a lot of satisfaction
in that as well. It’s just a lot goes with winning here at home and in the division, which was obviously
important.
With Derrick Henry’s future uncertain and with Ryan Tannehill having yielded to Will Levis,
what is it like to kind of have a throwback game where the two of them were the guys that got it
done?
We’ve leaned on Derrick (Henry), certainly touched on him. His consistency throughout, not only the
time that I’ve been here, but certainly this season and—frustrated. But I’m just proud to coach him.
He’s a unique and special person, but obviously an unbelievable player. His durability, his leadership
is something that I’ve always appreciated and was on display here today.
You mentioned your red zone defense. The way they bowed up, particularly on that fourth-
and-short, he’s reaching the ball out, and he was maybe a foot away. How big was that stand?
Well, I mean, we got a great surge inside somebody, I think maybe it was Keondre (Coburn), and
there’s somebody that we added here towards the back part of the season coming through to make a
play, to help contribute to that. Again, we had plenty of mistakes, but we were able to overcome
those, and I felt like that was something that continued to show, is that one play, whether it’s good or
bad, isn’t going to dictate this game. We were around there, played consistently throughout and
defensively just kept plugging away. Gave up the one X-play and then played it fantastic and
challenged there at the end in the two-minute situation.
We talked a lot about the lack of interceptions for the team. You guys got two today. What was
the difference in your secondary?
Well, we caught the one that he threw to us. So that one, you start there. The other one, we were able
to challenge, and guys ran to the football. So, there you get tipped. But you got to start by catching
the ones that they throw you. And whatever mistake they make, you have to be able to capitalize on
it. So that was what we did on one of them. Then on the other one, over there challenging on a
contested catch and the ball came loose. Saw Azeez (Al-Shaair) running, flying over there, I saw
Terrell (Edmunds) running to the football, and then therefore they—Terrell was rewarded.
You talked about wanting to finish the class, finish the season in a classy manner. You wanted
to see effort, you wanted to see guys play like they did today?
Of course, that’s what we’ve done and that’s what we want to continue to do. And win and be able to
win and be able to get off to a good start, and be able to control the football game, and have a two
score lead and somewhat put the pressure on them to execute. I thought we would have finished—
when we converted, which was a fantastic play by Ryan (Tannehill) to be able to pump it and hold it,
not throw it into to (Josh) Allen, and then a fantastic job by Kyle (Philips) to kind of get in there
behind guys, and then the pile-push that we talk about and show every week and how critical that is
at that point in time. So, I thought we were going to finish it off and that didn’t happen. But then, we
were able to get the punt off, cover the punt well, and just great complementary football and did a
great job of situational play. Got them backed up down there—or we’re backed up—and we hard
count, gets us off the goal line. Those are all things that when we’re operating and we’re functioning
and winning, those are all the things that we’re doing positively and not the other way around.
When you hear the fans chant for Derrick Henry and you have Ryan Tannehill out on the field,
is there any temptation to have a curtain call moment on that last drive or just kind of let the
game end?
We’re really just trying to focus—I’ll give those guys as much credit as I possibly can. That wasn’t
any disrespect to them at all. Wanted to run it more times with Derrick (Henry), we could have—
that’s what he’s earned that right.
TENNESSEE TITANS VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
WEEK 18 POSTGAME QUOTES
Sunday January 7, 2024
QUARTERBACK RYAN TANNEHILL
Feel like a throwback day?
Definitely had that feeling. It was a fun day for a lot of different reasons. But to be able to finish
the season out and finish my time out here with a win, was a lot of fun. It felt really good.
Watching Derrick (Henry) run like that, season high in yards I think that makes the two of
you together 33-20 when you start together. Nice to see him have that day as well?
Yeah. No question. Obviously, Derrick’s (Henry) been so consistent during his time here. And to
see him have the day he had today was a lot of fun for me as well. I know I turned my head, and
he gets through the line of scrimmage, without much contact, there’s a chance at being a big one.
And he had a couple of those today, as well as the tough yards he’s been consistent with over the
last five years. So big day for him and a lot of fun see him have that success.
You talked about finishing your time out here, is that just you’ve been around long enough
to understand the business side of things, or is that something you thought about much this
week?
Yeah, I understand the business side of things. Obviously, we all know what happened this year.
It doesn’t take a whole lot of foresight to see that.
The Jaguars obviously had a lot to play for, trying to win the division. You guys just trying
to finish well off. How come this team was the one that came out with the energy and the
juice?
We want to go out and finish the season strong. Like I said, it wasn’t the season we wanted, but
I’m proud of the guys in the locker room through thick and thin throughout this year, showed up
to work week-in and week-out even when there was nothing so to speak to play for but pride and
respect. Guys came to work each and every day. There was a lot of days it took a lot of effort and
intentionality from everyone in the locker room. But guys kept working, they kept trying to get
better together and improve. We wanted to finish the season out in the right way, leave the
season with a good taste in our mouths and we did that.
Kind of a throwback game in a lot of ways. I mean, you had Derrick (Henry) with big
yards, efficient passing game, goal line stand. Seemed like this was the kind of game we saw
a lot of, maybe not as recently, but a little further back.
Yeah, no doubt. It felt like a vintage Titans game, especially in Nissan. We had a lot of those
over the last few years here. Maybe not this year, but over my time here, it was a lot of games I
can think back that were so similar, hard-fought games back-and-forth, big plays by the defense,
answers by the offense, and everything in between. Just a fun day and a fun way to end it.
Did you enjoy playing the spoiler role, keeping them out of the postseason?
It’s always huge to get a division win. But for me, and I think for a lot of the guys in the locker
room, it was about going out and finishing this thing the right way for each other. We put the
work in, the time in over the course of the season through thick and thin, and to be able to leave
with a good taste in our mouth and a win at home in front of our fans who showed up for us, it
was a lot to play for just in that.
What was going through your head in the victory formation there with fans chanting?
I was just enjoying the moment. There were several times today, where I had to put myself back
in the moment and not step back and get emotional about a lot of things. But I was always want
to just be in the moment, be in the huddle celebrating with the guys a hard-fought win. Felt like
that’s the way it should be.
That pregame moment in the tunnel with Derrick (Henry), is that one of those moments
that is unique for you guys? What was that like taking the field kind of together and having
a moment together before the game?
Yeah, that was definitely one of the moments where you’re giving me a minute and I definitely
got emotional right there. Really went through a lot of the history that we’ve had together
mentally. But just tried to stay in the moment and had some words with Derrick (Henry). Just
wanted to go out and finish this thing together in the right way. We were able to do that. But
yeah, definitely one of the moments where I had to catch myself a little bit, lock back in, and get
ready to go.
One day long from now when you’re looking back on your career, what’s going to stand
out to you most about being a Tennessee Titan?
It’s tough to say right now. I’ve created so many memories during my five years here. So many
fun games, and relationships that I was able to build on and off the field with my family. So
many fun games here at Nissan, the hard-fought wins, the ups, and the downs, all the times in the
locker room, it’s endless really. I can go on with the memories forever. Thankful for my time
here and what it has meant to me and my family. Definitely, a lot of things that I’ll never forget.
You mentioned you had some words with Derick (Henry). What exactly did you say before
you went out?
I don’t remember exactly what it was. It was something like, “One time for the one time. Let’s
finish this thing right. Love you, brother, Let’s go do this,’ something like that. I think we’re kind
of in the same boat, right? Didn’t want to get too emotional, but at the same time, acknowledge
the situation and the moment. No doubt we’ll have some time to sit back and reminisce a little bit
in the future. That was a sweet moment and a cool moment. I’m thankful for it
Ryan, were you aware where DeAndre (Hopkins) was with his incentives? How much did it
mean to help him hit some of those numbers?
I was very aware. I thought that we were actually a couple of yards short. And I told him, ‘Hey
I’m gonna get you this ball. I don’t care what they call, I’m gonna get you this ball.’ They said he
ended up getting it. So, thankful that I didn’t have to go rogue there, call a pass play at the end.
I’ve got nothing to lose here. I’m out anyways, so what are they going to do? Thankful he was
able to hit that. Obviously, wanted that for him and what he’s meant for this team over the course
of this year. Showed up for us week-in and week-out and made huge plays over the course of this
season. He definitely deserves it.
You mentioned earlier this week when we talked to you just how emotional this year has
been for you maybe the most emotional in your career. Looking back is there one big
lesson, or one big takeaway that you can take away from this season?
I don’t know if there’s one overarching lesson. But, yeah, it’s been emotional. It’s been a hard
season, obviously. Just trying to stay true to who I am, and what I believe in, and be the same
guy, obviously when things are going well and obviously, this year, when things weren’t going
well. And there were a lot of time where I had to swallow my pride and forcefully lift my head
up and go into the building with a smile on my face on days when I didn’t want to. I wanted to
pity myself and be mad. But I knew that wasn’t a positive thing, and it wasn’t a good thing for my
teammates to see. I didn’t want to be a negative influence in any way, an energy vampire, in any
way. Had to put my chin up and a smile on my face, even when I didn’t feel like it. Hopefully, I
was able to help the guys out, help the team out. And they saw my character through the whole
process, because at the end of the day, what you do and how you do it speaks a lot to your
character.
Do you want to keep playing? How many years do you think you have left?
Yeah, I know I can keep playing. I don’t know what the future holds, and we’ll see. We’ll cross
that bridge when we get there. But I know I can keep playing. I feel good, I feel confident that if
given the right opportunity and the right place, yeah, I’d love to keep playing.
TENNESSEE TITANS VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
WEEK 18 POSTGAME QUOTES
Sunday, January 7, 2024
RUNNING BACK DERRICK HENRY
You talked about coming off the field eight years. It sounds like you would expect to maybe be
somewhere else. If you are, what to way to go out with a win and 153 yards?
I was just staying in the moment. It’s been a great eight years. I’ve grown. A lot has happened in these
eight years. I turned thirty, I’m in year eight, and had my daughter during these eight years. I’ve grown as
a person and player. I’ve had great teammates, great coaches, and the fans have kept faith through it all.
So, I’m just so thankful for them. I know how I worded it probably got blown out of proportion a little bit.
But it was one of those speeches showing love to the fans.
Was that spur of the moment deal or have you thought about doing that? How do you think it went
off?
They told me after the game they wanted me to say something on the jumbotron. It was just from the
heart, off the top, and I freestyle it a little bit. I did good it felt like.
Did it feel like a little bit of a throwback game? You got back to yourself and with Ryan (Tannehill)
back there and the style of the game, it was a lot like the best of what you guys have done together.
Yeah, it was definitely fun. It felt like the old days again. Definitely a great way to go out. Especially
against a division opponent. An opponent that I grew up down the street watching and looking at as a kid
growing up. So, it was all kind of full circle. It feels great to finish with a win and finish with class like
Coach (Vrabel) said.
How much do you feel like your teammates are out there fighting for you? Whatever the future
might be, it felt like collectively you guys were really putting it on.
Everybody had good energy. We had great energy all week. I knew if we came out there and play our
style and execute, be able to get into drives, then we give ourselves a chance. Hats off to everybody doing
their part and helping us get the W.
What was going through your mind when you heard those, “Henry, Henry, Henry” chants?
It felt good. It felt like 2018 again when it first all started. It’s very cool to be able to experience that.
Knowing that they did that same thing for Eddie (George), who I idolize a lot. It’s cool to have that
relationship with the fans.
What did that big run feel like? It’s been a while since you had a big, big run like that. What led to
it and what did it feel like?
On the play before, we had a look, probably should have cut back then, but I knew if they called it again it
was going to be there. It opened up, and I was able to get down the field. I should have scored, I’m getting
old. But I was glad we were able to execute it.
Did you plan that entrance when you came into the stadium there, blowing the kisses to the fans, or
was that spur of the moment too?
I was thinking about what I was going to do to show my love and to show my grace. I just wanted the
love to be recognized.
Ryan (Tannehill) said you guys had some words before heading out of the tunnel, what was in that
conversation?
We said, “One last time.” That’s my brother. I love Ryan (Tannehill) man. The last five years we’ve been
together. We have helped each other through adversity. To be able to experience these five years and the
things we’ve accomplished. Ultimately, we didn’t get it done. But there’s a lot of things we can be happy
about. His wife and my girl, they’re close. My little girl loves his kids. So, (Ryan) Tannehill’s always
going to be close with me.
When will you start to sort things out about your future and what you want to do next?
After this, I’m about to go get me a Jack Brown’s burger, for sure. I’m going to have a good time with
that. I think we’re going to do something together. The O-line and everybody else on the team, we’ll go
take a trip and have fun with that. (I’ll) come back, relax a little bit, pack up, and probably head to Dallas.
I’m not going to get too caught up in it too much. Just going to enjoy a little bit of time off, continue my
workouts, and continue to do my normal things. When that time comes, I’ll figure it out then.
How are you looking at (free agency) right now?
This is my first time actually being a free agent. I got tagged the first time, but I was able to negotiate
something after that. I don’t know what it’s like, it’s my first time actually being a free agent. I’m going
to enjoy the time, talk to guys around the league who have experienced it before and get some advice.
Talk to my team and go from there.
Would you come back here if the opportunity presented itself?
Like I said earlier, any player would love to play for one franchise for their whole career. Us getting so
close like we did and not finishing it, that’s always going to be in the back of your mind. I want to bring a
Super Bowl here really bad. That’s one of my main goals. No matter how I do in the season, I just want to
bring one here. Who knows what will happen, but at the end of the day any player would want to play for
one organization for their whole career.
What needs to happen for you guys to reach that goal of the Super Bowl roster wise?
That’s a little bit out of my pay grade. I felt like in 2019, when we got to the AFC Championship, I felt
like we were solid from top to bottom. I felt like even during the regular season, when things weren’t
going right or we had a bad game, I could look to my left or my right knowing that, in the face of
adversity, the guy next to me is going to answer. So, it’s a grown man’s business and that’s what it comes
down to. On both sides of the ball, if it needed to be somebody held accountable, nobody went in their
feelings about anything, nobody was judgmental. Everybody just knew we needed to step up. We have a
lot of young guys on this team, and with experience, you just to grow and evolve with the game. We have
to be solid from top to bottom. We have to have some vets that are willing to lead, willing hold people
accountable, and I think that’s what it all comes down to. I don’t know what the future is, I’m just very
thankful for these eight years.
How important was it for you guys to help DeAndre Hopkins get his incentives?
I wanted D Hop (DeAndre Hopkins) to get that. I’m one of the main reasons he came here. I was very
vocal to him during the offseason to get him here. I’m thankful I was able to play with him. It was good
to see him go and get those incentives. It shows that he is still one of the greatest receivers in the league
and has plenty more in the tank and I think you all saw that this season as well. Very happy for him.
Regardless of what happens next season, what has it meant to you to accomplish all that you have,
the Pro Bowls, the records, in this uniform with that Titans logo up to this point?
It means a lot to me. It wasn’t just individually that I accomplished all these things. I had a lot of
teammates that helped me accomplish all of those accomplishments and coaches as well. I definitely want
to thank my equipment staff, Matt (Thompson), Joey (Barranco), Jerome (Kline), David Maynor, Jordan
(Middleton), Justin (Bridgmon), and Tre (Reid) who contribute that nobody sees to make sure I have what
I have, and I am ready to roll on game days. Our security, Jeb (Johnston), that’s my main man. Him and
John (Alberston) making sure I’m set with anything I need, anything I have questions about, and making
me feel at home as possible, so I want to thank them as well. The kitchen staff, Elon (Washington) and
her staff, Jeff (Stella), Johnny (Woods), Pam (Whitside), Miss Maryland (Smith), Chris (Parnell), all of
them making sure I have everything I need and all our teammates, because I’m very specific on what I eat
in the morning, and Bob, making sure I have my avocados every morning. I want to say I appreciate
them. To the cleaning staff, Lyncoya (Majors), Johnny (“Hometown”), LeRoy, cleaning that locker room
when it smelt like the Nashville Zoo. Even Robbie (Bohren), waiting on me two hours after the game.
Dwight (Spradlin), Puff (Jared Puffer), my guy. I’m just thankful for everybody that’s been a part of this
journey, like you said with the accomplishments that I have had, they play a big part in that. Just want to
thank everybody. Nate (Bain) with social media and Donald (Page) with the pictures, making sure I
looked dripped out when the pictures were posted. I’m just thankful for everybody and thankful to
everyone who helped me get to where I am. Even Jim (Wyatt), with the great articles and making sure
that everything you put out made me look professional. (You are) a great guy in this community, and
everything you represent. I think you are a great guy and I think the world of you. I hope one day you get
a chance to write that article about the Titans winning a Super Bowl.
Do you understand, when it’s all said and done, you could be one of the biggest sports figures in this
entire city? Because I know you are not all about you all the time, but it’s pretty incredible.
It’s been some greats to come through here, so it’s hard for me to put my name above those guys. If you
consider me as one of the greats, I appreciate it. But I feel like there’s still a lot for me to do to be
considered with those guys. It’s been humbling. Guys certainly have been good to me throughout my
career. It never goes the way you want it to, but I feel like it always comes at the right time. Just thankful
for everything.
When you run through the things that are going to be on the list: the legacy, the number of carries
you will be able to get, winning, the contract, how are you going to stack those priorities?
When that time comes, we’ll evaluate and see what makes sense. I’m not getting younger. I want a ring; I
want to win a Super Bowl. I didn’t win state in high school, so I said before I leave college, I have to get a
national championship. I’m in year eight now, so the Super Bowl is definitely my next goal. That’s where
I want to get. So, wherever that comes and whoever can help get close to that, that’s what we’re going to
do.
What’s been your favorite moment in your time here?
Jacksonville (Jaguars), 99 yards (touchdown). That’s when it all started. The team I grew up with, (we
were) going up against.
Did you think you had another 99-yarder in you today?
I sure hoped so. I was looking.
TENNESSEE TITANS vs JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
WEEK 18 POSTGAME QUOTES
Sunday, January 7, 2024
SAFETY TERRELL EDMUNDS
Did you know at all points, that you had that one interception?
Oh, I knew I caught the ball, 100 percent. But with the interception, like I said before, Azeez
(Al-Shaair) is just a baller. He tried to knock the ball up in the air, and I just had the opportunity
to go out there and make it. I’ve got to definitely say thank you to Azeez on that.
You kind of alluded to it, that you guys, ‘had nothing to play for’ today. Jacksonville had
everything to play for. You guys were just flying around making plays all day. It seemed
like losing this game was not an option today. What does that say about the character of
this team?
It says a lot. Mostly, that guys truly care about the person that’s beside them in the locker room.
Guys care about the coaches, and we know that you can’t win every game. Nobody wins every
game. But at the same time, we’ve just got to go out there, play together, play smart, and this our
last go around that we’re going to be together. So let’s all go out there, play as hard as we can and
end with a good taste in our mouths.
Any extra joy in denying Jacksonville from winning this division on your home field?
That was enjoyable just because they are a divisional opponent. You’ve got to be the Grinch
sometimes. And I guess you could say we were the Grinch today.
TENNESSEE TITANS vs JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
WEEK 18 POSTGAME QUOTES
Sunday, January 7, 2024
CORNERBACK SEAN MURPHY-BUNTING
Congrats on the win. How good did it feel to get the defensive stop at the end? I mean, all the stops, all
day.
Yeah. I mean, it felt great. Just being able to fly around one last time with those guys, meant the world,
honestly. Obviously, there was mistakes. There was really good plays, there’s bad plays. But, I mean, you’ve
got to enjoy it all, when you just have the opportunity to go out there.
Any extra feelings at all, denying Jacksonville of winning this division on your home field?
You want to know the truth? Absolutely. They got to meet me in Cancun. So, I mean pay back. I guess that’s
what you call it, right? They got us out last year. So, it was only right that we return the favor.
What does it say about the character of this team, everybody was saying, ‘nothing to play for,’ but you
guys fought your ass off today?
Yeah. It’s just resilience. Like you said, everybody just fought, man. We fight for each other, and we just play
for each other all the time, and it shows. We show up every day. Every day of work is fun, you know? And
that’s not common, especially in this league, when you’re not getting wins. So yeah, man I just enjoyed the
moment.
On your pick, were you surprised (Trevor) Lawrence threw that ball? What happened on that play?
It reminded me of the one from Baltimore. It was just airmailing it. I’m a ball guy. So, I just always look at the
ball, and God gave me one.
Walking in here to the locker room, it’s so joyful right after the game. What does this atmosphere mean
to you?
I was really, I was pretty emotional when I came back in because it’s not every day you get an opportunity to
show up and be around people that you just enjoy. So, before I get emotional again, I’m just going to say that.
So, I don’t get clobbered on the internet.
Lot of hugs and handshakes. Obviously, we know that rosters change year-to-year in the NFL. A lot of
these guys that are here now, won’t be here next year. How much is that go into the emotion you were
talking about?
I mean I’m one of those guys. So, it’s inevitable. You don’t really know what your future holds. When I got
drafted, I knew at least I could potentially have four years with the same team. Then coming here, on a one-year
deal, you really try to come and make a name for yourself, try to reestablish your identity, and then you end up
running into a family.
What was the message Vrabel had for you after the game?
I was just hyped; I’m not going to lie. I don’t even remember what he said because I was in my own head just
thinking because it’s over. You guys’ kind of got me today.
One of those guys that may not be here next year, obviously, is Derrick Henry. You played with him for
one year. He’s meant a lot to this city and to this organization. The way he played today, what does that
say about him?
Oh, man it says he’s the king. It says a lot about him. He just, every day, he puts in work that you guys don’t
even see. But I see it every day, in the training room, in the weight room. To see those things that I started to
pick up on, because I see how much it benefits him. And he shows up every day with such humility, because his
accolades speak for themselves. He shows up every day, like he has so much to work for. And you can have
nothing but respect for that.
Is it more a sense of relief, getting this win and going out of the season with a W, with everything you
guys went through this season?
Yeah. You always want to go out on top. Definitely a relief, because we got a win in the division. You just want
to go out on top, with a win and everybody smiling and happy.
RUNNING BACK TYJAE SPEARS
How good to send Derrick (Henry) and Ryan (Tannehill) out this way with a win if this is the end?
That was big because those guys that, they contributed a lot to this program and this organization. That’s
definitely big.
It seemed like his (Derrick Henry) mindset was, if this is it, I’m going to go out with a bang. How about
the way he ran today?
I feel like, as a running back, it be kind of tough sometimes. But I feel like he ran like that all year, I don’t feel
like he saved the best for last, but he did look really good today. It looked like he saved his best for last.
How about you saving the best for last, getting in the endzone twice?
I know. I think I did, but I’m going to give it up to the big boy.
This is the first time you and Derrick Henry scored in the same game. What did it feel like to have both of
you going at once?
It kind of felt like we were going back-and-forth. I feel like my second one they should have gave to him but I
don’t call the plays.
On the touchdown catch, where did you learn those tightrope moves down the sideline?
I’ve been working on that all year. It just came to life today.
What would you say is one of the biggest things you’ve learned from playing with Derrick Henry this
season?
That he’s hard on himself. We’ve got to change each other from ourselves. He’s very efficient, all the details
matter. He asks what he could have did on every run to improve it, even if it was a good one. He’s full of
details.
You had some moments on the bench, obviously when you guys were down there and the defense is out
there. Anything you kind of just embrace that being there next to Derric Henry here possibly for the last
time with him?
Some people look at him as big, I look at him as my brother. So that’s my brother. I don’t see him as a superstar,
I see him as a brother. It’s definitely cool to be part of history with him whenever I can. That’s my brother.
TENNESSEE TITANS VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
WEEK 18 POSTGAME QUOTES
Sunday, January 7, 2024
LINEBACKER AZEEZ AL-SHAAIR
To end the season like this, what does it mean for these players?
It is awesome. Obviously, we talk about the same stuff every single week, nothing was different. I think
just able to put it together, better late, than never. No, it was just awesome, with everybody fighting. I
really can’t even say too much about it.
How good did it feel to get that stop on defense at the end?
Man, it was awesome. Guys were challenging all day. Playing hard all day. And to come up on top at the
end, this game could have easily gone the other way, just like it has many times this season. We’ve been
in positions just like this, and we’ve come out on top, but we’ve lost more, than we’ve came out on top.
So, to win this one, it was pretty cool. It felt pretty good. Last game of the season, just the fight in
everybody. Everybody telling us we got nothing to play for and everybody, just like I told you, showing
up. I’m grateful for all the guys here.
You talked earlier about, ‘Hey, if I can’t have it, they can’t have it.’ How good does it feel to deny
Jacksonville from winning this division on your home field?
I don’t think that felt as good, as it did just getting a win with the guys. I think I just learned in my life,
that love is stronger than hate. So, I think my love for everybody in here is more important to me than my
hate for them. I could care less, honestly. I just want to win. Not win, because I want to stop them from
doing something. That’s just, I guess, the cherry on top. But mostly because how hard everybody in here
works. I’m just more so proud of everybody and happy that we were able to get a win.
It’s been such a long emotional season. Is it kind of a sense of almost relief that it’s over, and you’re
able to go out with a win?
I don’t think relief, because whenever somebody else is still playing football, and you’re not, it doesn’t feel
like a relief. It feels more like a little let down. But, like I said, I’m just grateful that we were able to
finish on a high note and finish the season.
This locker room is full of celebration. What does this environment mean to you?
It means everything. Earlier in the week, (Mike) Vrabel was asked a question like, ‘Why? Why do you
want to win?’ Or whatever the question was. He kind of snapped like, ‘Because I hate losing.’ It’s like
when you lose, everything that you do is magnified. Everybody talks about the negative. We got a couple
guys we get-Derrick going to the Pro Bowl. Coach talked about it, you see all the winning teams, with the
most Pro Bowl guys, the most accolades, and the most love. That’s just how it works out. When you’re not
winning, people kind of just overlook everything, and focus on the negatives. When you get wins,
everything feels so good. It changes everything; how you go home, the text messages you get. So it’s just
an overall, joyful feeling.
About Derrick (Henry). Obviously, we don’t know. Could be his last game as a member of this
organization. You played with him for one year. He ran like his hair was on fire today. If he’s going
to go out, he was going to go out on top.
100 percent, man. Obviously, that’s a Florida boy, so we got a connection for life for sure. He’s a brother
just like everybody else in there. But man, like that’s just who he is. So, I wouldn’t expect anything
different. But you definitely saw it. You saw it today.
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN DILLON RADUNZ
Aside from our (media) perspective, about these endings or potential endings, was that
something you guys ever talked about as a team with Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry
and that sort of stuff, or it never came up?
No, I mean, no, it’s not something you talk about. It’s something we think about, for sure. I
mean, there might be a little bit of it in the air. And then, like you said today, I think we just want
to go out with a win no matter what, even if they’re leaving or if they’re staying. If they are
leaving, then obviously this is the best way to do it.
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN PETER SKORONSKI
In the process, you stopped Jacksonville from winning this division on your home field,
how good did that feel?
Pretty good. I wasn’t here last year, but I know how much it sucked for those guys last year, that
feeling. It felt good to kind of get it back. So, it’s always fun when you get to disrupt the whole
AFC playoff picture and I think we did that a little bit today.
Obviously, you’re not going anywhere for a while. But you know these rosters change in the
NFL. One of the guys that may or may not be here next year is Derrick Henry. The way he
ran today, that was vintage Derrick Henry, what do you say about that?
He’s a future Hall of Fame player. It felt good to really do our job up front so he can do what he
does which is be an elite player and take over a game, which I feel like he did. It’s a blessing to
be out there with him every day. I can’t control the future, but it was an honor and a blessing to
be out there and play with him.
First NFL season in the books for you. How do you feel?
Ups and downs, for sure. Like you said, I’ll be here and I’m going to keep working, try to be the
best player I can for this franchise, and we ended up on a high note. Plenty to work on and plenty
to get better at and that’s what the off-season is for and that’s what I’ll do.
