JAGUARS INTERIM HEAD COACH DARRELL BEVELL
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MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2022
(On this team having the upper hand in the division at the quarterback position moving forward with QB Trevor Lawrence) “As long as Trevor [Lawrence] continues to progress in the way that he is, I definitely think that we have a franchise quarterback here. I really want to look at the progression that he made through the year and then this last game. Last game going out, we kind of talked to him the night before about this being your springboard to the start of your second season and just show the progress that you’ve made. I thought he played outstanding yesterday, made really some big-time plays, some big time throws, so I’m excited about his future.”
(On QB Trevor Lawrence becoming a top five quarterback in the league) “Well, he definitely has the talent, and it remains to be seen. I think none of us have a crystal ball to be able to see into the future that far and know what’s going to happen. As you know, there has to be a lot of things that take place. He’s going to have to continue to work and have to improve the people around him, but Trevor [Lawrence]’s willing to do that and he has the talent to.”
(On how becoming the interim head coach in Jacksonville was different than when it happened to him in Detroit) “It was a different experience than the Detroit experience. I tried to learn from the first opportunity that I had, and this opportunity was much different. There was a lot of things and a lot of challenges that we had during the season. The first thing I wanted to do was to just try to get the ship steadied and get it headed in the right direction. I was really proud of the guys. They had to manage a lot. They were able to kind of stay focused and [I’m] really proud of how they finished the season.”
(On having done enough to warrant consideration for the full-time head coach position) “Obviously, I would like to win some more games, but with the progression that we made in those last four games and really culminating with that last opportunity, again, I was fired up. That’s that team that I pride myself on, the team that played in that last game with the enthusiasm, with the passion that they played [with]. I think you can see the effort was there. Guys were flying around. I think the question that you guys kept asking was like, ‘What do these guys have to play for? What do they have to play for?’ It shows you right there that they did have a lot to play for, again, knock the opponent out of [the] playoffs, a divisional opponent. To be able to get those guys when a lot of people think that there wasn’t a lot to play for, to play, I think that’s really what I’d like to hang my hat on.”
(On when he may interview for the head coach job) “They have spoken with me today that I will get an opportunity to interview, but not set on the time yet.”
(On where things took a turn for the worst this season) “I’d love to sit here and be totally truthful with you and tell you exactly the moment, but there was definitely some turning points as things went through the season. I’d like to talk more about how we all reacted to it and the players themselves. It was a hard deal and the things they were going through. But as I said, just trying to make sure that we
could get this thing righted and kind of get this ship steadied and headed in the right direction. Then get them to play at the end, I was really proud of them.”
(On where this season ranks among his others in the league) “It was probably as challenging of a season as I’ve been a part of in a lot of different ways. There was a lot of things to navigate and then as you add the COVID, we had 20-whatever players, plus 50 total in the organization at the time. There was really a lot to navigate through and we did the best we could and again, [I] like how we finished.”
(On who approached him about interviewing for the head coach position) “[Jaguars General Manager] Trent [Baalke] came to me this morning and said that [Jaguars Owner] Shad [Khan] had talked about it and they wanted to give me an opportunity.”
(On QB Trevor Lawrence exhibited the traits of a player that can be special) “I kind of go into coach mode and I see the things that he’s doing well, then I see the things that he really needs to work on. There’s a lot to like. Obviously, he’s a big athlete. He has great size. He has a good arm. He has good
movement skills to be able to play the position. He has the aptitude. He has great poise. So, there’s a lot of things to like there and I really like the challenges that he had this season. [Those] will only make him stronger and better as the years come and I really like how he finished.”
(On hearing from Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin yesterday) “I haven’t heard from him yet. I did hear from a couple of the other coaches that I know on the staff, but I haven’t heard from [Steelers Head Coach] Mike [Tomlin] yet.”
(On QB Trevor Lawrence’s touchdown throw to WR Marvin Jones Jr.) “It was a great play. I’m glad you asked about it. It was a great play and a play that we really want and know that Trevor [Lawrence] has the ability to make. Those are plays that I’ve seen [Seahawks QB] Russell [Wilson] in my recent past, as
well as [Rams QB] Matthew Stafford [make]. I’ve seen them make those plays where things aren’t exactly perfect. So, to see Trevor make that, that’s one of those things that I think showed progress of where he’s at and it was not an easy play. First, he had to secure the ball. We had a free guy coming off the edge as well, navigated that, and then put the ball where really it wasn’t in harm’s way. He gave Marv[in Jones Jr.] an opportunity to catch it and no one else and Marv made the play. It was a big-time play for him.”
(On what the organization needs to fix to be in a better position to succeed) “Being here and spending time this last season, I do think there’s things as evident. I think it does start with [Jaguars Owner] Shad [Khan]. There isn’t a guy who wants to win more than him and I think you see just some of the things he’s tried to do. I do think there needs to be some stability, some consistency, some continuity, particularly for a young quarterback as well, but I’ll get a chance hopefully in the near future to talk to him about it.”
(On went wrong during former Head Coach Urban Meyer’s time with the team) “I think that’s just going to be a conversation probably for another time. There was a lot really, not something I want to get into right now as we end the season. I’m still ecstatic from yesterday. I told those guys this morning I didn’t
want to leave the locker room and I think a lot of guys didn’t want to leave because they were just super excited. There was a lot of motion in there and just fired up about how this thing ended, and I’d kind of like to end it like that.”
JAGUARS DE/OLB JOSH ALLEN
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MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2022
(On the win yesterday over the Colts) “To me, I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t as surprising. It’s kind of like I expected this, like we all expected this to happen. I feel like the first time we played them, I feel like we dominated for three quarters of the game, but we didn’t win. Yesterday it just felt like the energy was there and we knew we could compete with them, we knew we could actually beat them, so we just had to go out there and really play. We all did a heck of job. The defense, oh my goodness. Trevor [Lawrence], oh my goodness. Everybody just stepped up and just finished strong which we needed to do moving on for next year.”
(On the difference in this year’s team) “I mean every year has definitely been different. Every year has definitely been. Every team I had, every year was just different as well. But this year, I feel like to me it was one of the most talented or could’ve been the most talented team that I could’ve been a part of and we just couldn’t figure it out this year. But just the moments that we had were great moments to the moments that we could look back on this year and be like, ‘Yeah, we actually can do this every year, every game.’ Just the way we finished, I feel like it’s going to give a lot of people more [confidence], just feel better about going into the offseason so that we can bring this and carry this on to next year and come back in the best shape as possible. I feel like this team can improve, I feel like we are going to improve, and I feel like we can improve in long strides as long as everyone takes care of their business this offseason.”
(On if he’d like to see Defensive Coordinator Joe Cullen come back next year) “I would love to see [Defensive Coordinator] Coach [Joe] Cullen [come back]. I feel like [it’s] just another thing that I feel like would be best for us. I know we might get the new coach or whatever, but with Coach Cullen, I feel like it’s the consistency. We have the team and majority of the defense is under contract to come back another year. So, it’s like if we have the same group, we have the same plays, we know the same philosophy. Now we had that year to work at it, especially with all the younger guys, we know all the work so now we can improve just how we can play the game and install what Joe Cullen has already taught us in this system. I feel like we can take that next step in becoming a way better defense. We can become the defense that you saw yesterday every week, so I would love to see Coach Cullen back, I would love to see [Outside Linebackers Coach] Zach Orr, I would love to see [Assistant Defensive Line Coach] Sterling Lucas back. I wish [Defensive Line Coach] Tosh [Lupoi] nothing but the best in his journey, but I would love to see those guys come back and see how far we can grow.”
JAGUARS RB TRAVIS ETIENNE JR.
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MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2022
(On the next steps in his recovery) “I definitely feel like as of now I’ll be ready for training camp. I’m ready to go. The next milestone for me is to get back doing weightlifting, Olympic weightlifting, like squats and stuff like that. I haven’t really been squatting because it is an Lisfranc injury, and it was in the bottom of the foot. The next step is getting back to doing those squats, getting my legs back right and get back to full-speed running. Hopefully I look forward to being at training camp and just being back to myself.”
(On not being able to be with the team on game days) “It actually was the hardest. I think being in the meetings every day, it helped me in a way, helped me in a sense because I felt like I was a part of it. I feel like I was a part of everything. I was like a little kid going to the birthday, but I just couldn’t have any birthday cake. That’s the best way I can put it. That’s how this year’s been for me. So next year, I’m just looking forward to just indulging in all the cake that I can.”
(On experiencing this season not being able to play in any of the games) “First off, I want to say, I feel like I’m very grateful. I feel like this experience really has helped me and I feel like I’m grateful that it happened. I was very involved, I just wasn’t there on game day, but I was in the meetings all the time. I still learned the playbook, still doing all of those things, just trying to build that mindset as if I was a pro. Well, I am a pro, but just build that mindset as if I was still playing so that way next year, I don’t have to create those habits. Those habits are already instilled in me. To say it was a circus, I wouldn’t say it was that. I feel like I’m very grateful that I had this experience. God put us here for a reason and I feel like we’re definitely going to grow from this, learn from this, and move forward. We just can’t wait.”
JAGUARS LB DAMIEN WILSON
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MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2022
(On the win yesterday and how it affects the team moving forward) “I think the win was pretty significant. Maybe not just in the grand scheme of things, but for the organization’s mentality going forward. Just showing that it’s there and we can have games like that. It’s not like the Colts were resting their players, they were playing to get into the playoffs, this was essentially a playoff game for them. So, we can beat the competition in our division and we can play like that more consistently.”
(On how the team worked together to make sure the Indianapolis Colts didn’t get into the playoffs) “Well, I think it was—I forgot who it was during the week—they said that the Colts haven’t won in Jacksonville since 2014. You don’t want to be the team that gives up that streak. So, I think that’s what we were focusing on doing and we knocked out a divisional opponent, so that’s double bubble.”
(On his evaluation of his performance yesterday) “It felt pretty good man, any time we can get turnovers, it’s a good thing. So, we got two of them yesterday. So, I can’t complain.”
(On whether the team came to a conclusion to just play loose and free) “To be honest, we didn’t. But I didn’t think we had to because it was during the week, we had the same week of preparation, the same message. We’ve got such a great group of guys, that we knew no one would just quit and lay down like, ‘Oh it’s the last game, who cares?’-type thing. So, everyone came to play, everyone decided to play hard and free.”
JAGUARS CB TYSON CAMPBELL
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MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2022
(On keeping the momentum from Sunday’s win going into next year) “To begin the season, it was a little bit of growing pains, getting used to the speed of the game and finding myself in the defense. But I stuck with it, kept working hard, kept trusting my position coaches, Coach Walton, Coach Joe Danna and just kept pushing, just never gave up and just having faith in God that eventually it’s all coming together for me. When it did, of course, I stayed humble and stayed focused. The main goal is to just get better each and every week and I just took it that way. I took it as a day-by-day mindset just trying to find something to get better at each and every day. [I’m] definitely glad about this win we had yesterday, finishing on the right note, and having some momentum coming into next season. But this offseason, I just want to get better in every aspect whether it be lifting weights and of course working on technique.”
(On the characteristics he wants to see in next year’s head coach and coaching staff) “Just win, that’s about it. Everybody wants to win so everybody has that mindset. We’re going to be in good hands. I trust the management and everyone upstairs to find the perfect coach for this organization, so I have no worries about that.”
(On his relationship with the fellow rookies, like S Andre Cisco) “Andre [Cisco] is somebody that I knew prior to the draft. I trained with him in California for the pre-draft process. We were with the same agency, so once I found out he was coming to Jacksonville, I was excited. His locker is right next to mine. It just kind of felt like we grew up together in the NFL, so it’s just cool to see us both grind together and excel in this league together. He’s one of my closest friends on the team and I’m excited for the future us two have together and just everyone else in the room. I just felt like this team, it was just so tightly knitted together. We always want the best for each other, and I think that just kept us pushing throughout the season no matter what adversity we faced. I was just happy to see us stick together and do well in this last game.”
JAGUARS RB DARE OGUNBOWALE
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MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2022
(On everything the team went through throughout the season) “It was definitely a different season than a lot of us have had just obviously with having a new coach and then not going the whole season with the coach. But it says a lot about the locker room how we didn’t fall apart. Guys stayed close so we had good leadership within the locker room and guys still played, still played hard, still wanted to win games. It was definitely a challenge just from a standpoint that things were just kind of all over the place and it was well documented. Everybody saw it. But at the same time, we were able to still stay together and not fall apart as a team, so that was definitely a blessing.”
(On who he credits for keeping the locker room together) “I wouldn’t say one person just I would say it’s just the chemistry that we had. As the season went on, we got closer. Obstacles came, we kind of overcame them together which brought us closer as a team. I would just say it was the whole team as a unit, guys just rallying around each other, picking each other up, and helping each other know that it’s about us. It doesn’t really matter who’s the coach or who’s kind of leading us, it’s about the players and we made sure we took care of business.”
(On QB Trevor Lawrence’s leadership ability as a rookie) “I was definitely impressed by the way he led us. Like I was just saying, it was a tough season for everybody and for that to be your rookie year to have to go through a season like this had to be a challenge. But he stayed positive and kept us positive and kept us confident. I would say it’s understandable to watch any rookie struggle. I don’t think necessarily just because of the hype or the expectations he had on him that changes anything. You go into a season expecting a rookie to find challenges, but I feel like he attacked those better than a lot of rookies I’ve seen. Like I said, it was a nightmare season to have for a rookie. To have to deal with the things that we dealt with, it was definitely tough. It had to be tough for him to deal with it, but he overcame it and was able to lead us. I’m looking forward to watching him in the future.”
JAGUARS K MATTHEW WRIGHT
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MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2022
(On his season since joining the team mid-year) “It’s been a lot. But really, I’m sure trying to kick the ball into the uprights each and every week so it’s kind of what I focus on. If I can do that well during the week and I hopefully come out on game days and do that well, then I took care of my job.”
(On going 4 for 4 on field goals yesterday) “That felt good. That was a bit of a workout, but it felt good to see them all go through. Then working with Joe [Charlton] this week, it was nice to get a new holder and actually get some work in during the week and then go out and execute.”
(On his future with the team) “Obviously, I’d like to stay, but I can only control what I can control. So, I’m going to keep trying to kick the ball as well as I possibly can and then work on getting bigger, stronger, and kicking off better this offseason and then just keep going from there.”
(On the difficulty in changing holders during the season) “Technically, nothing should really change. The only thing that changes is the trust. So, obviously me and Logan [Cooke] have run it hundreds, probably thousands of times, so there’s a trust there that I know where the ball’s going to be and how it’s going to be. It’s just a trust thing, but we’re all professionals so the holders are professionals too. They do their jobs well.”
JAGUARS S ANDRE CISCO
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MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2022
(On the hardest part of the first half of the season) “I think it was just not what I expected. My expectations were to come in and do a bunch of great things right when I got to the NFL. But it doesn’t always happen like that. So, I think just controlling what I can control and taking advantage of the opportunities I did get, was the biggest thing for me.”
(On when he felt 100 percent healthy this season) “I feel like once we were a few weeks into training camp and I was back used to moving around. Once I got cleared, I didn’t cleared earlier, I felt at 100 percent at that point.”
(On what he can use to his advantage to improve this offseason without worrying about his knee) “Overall just training harder, doing things like actually working on speed. Not just running in general, working on speed and agility stuff. I’ll specify this offseason as I plan with trainers and things like that. But in general, just being able to do everything is going to be a big advantage for me.”
(On the bond between his rookie class) “I would say we all kind of felt the same way in terms of we were going through one of the hardest things you can see in the league, coaching changes and a losing streak and things like that. So, we kind of understood, this is one of the worst things we’ll see in our time, but we’re getting it in our first year, so we’re getting it out of the way. We kind of all bonded in that sense. Me and Tyson [Campbell] grew close together because we’re both DBs [defensive backs]. So, I think we grew a real close bond as a rookie class.”
(On what this team needs in a head coach and personnel) “Yeah, I think the biggest thing is going to be just being able to work together with the players. I feel like that’s what the players—we all worked really well together. I feel like we were all close, we had a really good locker room bond. So, a coach that can advance that and use that to his advantage, I think that’s the biggest thing.”
JAGUARS OL JAWAAN TAYLOR
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MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2022
(On whether he’ll look back on the season and remember more the struggles and how he can learn from them) “I’ll remember everything, man. It’s just all learning experience. Nobody is going to be perfect and nothing will ever be perfect in the game of football. You’ve just got to push through. You have tests, you have different things that’ll be hard and different things that you’ll face throughout the year, but
adversity comes with everybody, it comes with the game. So, you’ve just got to learn from it and keep moving.”
(On whether he thinks he’ll see his best strides this upcoming season) “Definitely. I’m only going to get better from here. I’ve definitely [gotten] better in the last year and I definitely had improvements from last year. So, it’s getting better every year.”
(On how different this year was in comparison with his past years with the Jaguars) “It was just we had adversity throughout the year, but we always had to keep a positive mindset and just keep moving. That was just a whole goal throughout the year, taking one game at a time. Just play hard, practice hard and that’s all we did throughout the year.”
(On evaluating how Interim Head Coach Darrell Bevell did in stabilizing the team in the last few weeks) “Definitely. Coach [Darrell] Bevell stood up and did a great job, man. We all just bought into what he needed us to do and get done. He did an awesome job with us.”
