TITANS HEAD COACH MIKE VRABEL
Jaguars vs. Titans
Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020
(On if this is a workman-like bounce-back win for his team) “We didn’t start the game in Cleveland particularly well and we talked all week just trying to recreate that sense of urgency in the second half; the belief we were going to win the football game, but we didn’t, and came up short. I felt like our team, to their credit, came back week of practice. (We) played the game exactly how we wanted to. (There) was a lot of great individual efforts and we were really just able to close it out there in the way that we did.”
(On if there is a lot to be learned by this win, or get in and get out) “Every time we come to work there is something to be learned from practice or game. Whether you win or lose, there is a lot to be learned from about where you execute the keys and do a good job. There are certain things in situations that we do and taking advantage of things they did, mistakes that we can clean up or fix. We will do that after a win and a loss.”
(On how important is was to keep composure when they were up only 7-3) “I think our team really settled down there. We went for it in the red zone and I thought we could catch them. To their credit, they made a really nice play and that falls on me and the ability not to get it. Defensively we came back and got stops. On the punt team, Amani [Hooker] did a great job executing the fake. Complementary football, getting the stop there at the end of the half, throwing our two passes and using our timeout. We got a (intentional) grounding; all those things add up in helping you win football games. Coming out in the second half and doubling them up in the manner which we did.”
(On how important the points were in the second half and the later clock management at half) “Roby [Derick Roberson] I think forced the intentional grounding. (We) wanted to take the penalty. (We) had the opportunity to decline the 10-second runoff that would come with it to give us 19 seconds. They hit a great punt. But then Corey [Davis] and Ryan [Tannehill] hooked up and Corey got out of bounds. We felt like we were right where we needed to be with five seconds in a down, down, timeout situation. (We) got inside and got down on the ground and called timeout, then Stephen [Gostkowski] being able to execute it then come out in the second half and score. Those are tough to overcome. They chose to take the ball to start the game and converted a few third downs, but we got a stop and blocked a kick.”
(On keeping the team motivated week-to-week) “I am not the best person for keeping things loose. But I think they come to work with an attitude to work and they understand it’s a grind in this league to sustain. Each and every week we find out who is healthy, guys take advantage of their opportunities. I’m proud of Ty Smith and what he was able to do. We played a lot of guys in this football game and there were other guys who took advantage of their opportunity. The way we handle our meetings in the bubble now, the environment which we are working under, I’m proud of our guys the way they can come in each and every day to learn and prepare.”
(On Derrick Henry asking to stay in and his managing his workload) “The conversation with Derrick and I went really well. (He said) I will do whatever for the team and that is what he will always do. There were others who brought it to my attention that he was close to 200 yards. I gave him one opportunity. He took advantage of it. He is about the team and cares about the team. He puts himself in a position each and every week to be ready to go, to carry this team, and we are thankful.
“I think you try to get a feel and look at possessions. We gave up the one score there early. We got some other stops, defensively, and I felt like that three-score game that we could get some guys some other work.”
(On Malcom Butler’s play) “I don’t think it has been perfect the entire year. I think Malcom has had some ups and downs that he would admit to, but he was focused, and he really bounced back well. He stays focused, he kept his eyes on his guy, he challenged, played by the rules, he found the ball on the deep ball and was able stay on top of the post and make a play when they threw it down there on him.”
(On if he wanted be aggressive in play-calling today or if the defense allowed them to do it) “I think that’s how we want to play the game. I think when you ask the players to come out and be ready to go, to play fast and aggressive, finish fast, finish strong, it kind of has to reflect that. We are trying not to be wreckless. We got a favorable look on the punt team. Flea-flicker, two guys made a play. AJ [Brown] made a play with plenty of protection because they were in man-coverage; it’s just two guys making a play.”
(On how much Malcom Butler did to help set the tone for the secondary) “I think it takes them off the rhythm a little bit when you can disrupt some passes and get them into some 3rd-and-longer situations. That may change each and every week. They tried Ty down there on a double move, we had pressure on, Ty started square and on top and it was a big stop. Those were nice to see down there to get some stops in the red zone when they were gaining some yards in the extended two-minute drill.”
(On if it was the most complete effort of the season) “That’s for you to decide. I really like how we came out and tried to execute some of the keys (to the game). I thought we would get some more funky formations in special teams with some reverses that we didn’t get, but I thought we were ready for them. We got into drives offensively. Defensively, we did a nice job on third down to eliminate next plays for the most part. (They) had a run that was unfortunate and a couple of passes.”
(On the team’s fifth straight winning season) “I think it just says we have nine wins, and we have a long way to go. We’re going to have to go back to work and try to get our 10th win and keep moving from there.”
(On the blocked field goal and how important it was to get off the field with no points there) “Huge. The field was slippery, it was soft. We probably got some push and he slipped and kick it low and we got a hand on it. Anytime you can force them to kick field goals and they miss them, or we block them, those are good things for us.”
(On if it was his intention to get AJ Brown involved early to help from last week) “He fumbled the ball twice. I mean, you come back and take care of the football. The quarterback has the ability to throw it to whomever he wants. The only thing he can control is if he can get open, and the quarterback picks and choses who he throws to. On that particular play he felt like everybody was singled up and he felt like AJ could go up and make a play, which he did. There was protection that was great. We got into some plays early and we just wanted to get that first, first down. Just happened to throw it there but Derrick obviously is going to be a large part of what we’re going to do going forward.”
(On if he can appreciate a big performance by Henry or if he is caught up in the game) “I appreciate his attitude. I appreciate his leadership and his willingness to do what is best for the team. He cares a lot about everybody, coaches and players. He wants to try to please everybody. He puts himself in a position each and every week to be ready to carry that load. I couldn’t be happier for anybodys success.”
(On what needs to be done for his team to continue finishing games like today) “Every week is a different week. Every week is a new opponent and that is what makes this league great; it’s competitive. It’s just a challenge each and every week. Detroit is going to have really good plays and schemes that we will have to prepare for. You can really never take a lull. You can really never step back and feel like you have arrived. Nine game will not have won us anything in this league, so it will be important to get healthy and get back to it.”
TITANS QUARTERBACK RYAN TANNEHILL
(On the offensive efficiency scoring 17 consecutive points) “It was big. I think we had been moving the ball, but we weren’t finishing. We scored the first touchdown and then we moved the ball and weren’t finishing. We had the turnover, we had a drive [where] we marched down the field and then didn’t convert, so we needed to score. We needed to finish the drive and we were able to do that. Some guys made some big plays. Obviously, Derrick [Henry] running the football, A.J. [Brown] in the pass game. [We] just really put full drives together and we were able to score.”
(On the aggressive play calling by Head Coach Mike Vrabel) “It was awesome. I had no idea the fake punt was coming up. I was over on the sideline and I looked on the scoreboard and saw I think it was [Amani] Hooker running the ball. So [it was] pretty cool to see that work. On fourth down, as soon as we got within short yardage there, I think CD [Corey Davis] caught a slant and got into I think fourth-and-2. I look over at the sideline and was trying to convince [Head Coach Mike] Vrabel to go for it. He was already saying we were going. I love the aggressiveness. I love the mentality to attack. I think we like playing that way as an offense and when Coach Vrabel makes those type of calls, it definitely gives us a lot of juice.”
(On when the trickery of a fake play isn’t even needed) “It was huge. They end up playing man there. They keep disciplined eyes on their guys, so the fake didn’t do a whole lot like you said. But you have a guy like A.J. [Brown] [with] tight coverage, he got his hips in front of his guy. I was able to just put it up and he made a heck of a catch there holding off the defender and then bringing it in in the end zone.”
(On the mentality to keep the team atop the division the rest of the season) “We have to keep building. We have to keep progressing, take advantage of every week. Obviously, [it’s] getting here late in the season, we need to be playing our best football here in the end of the season. It’s going to be our challenge to go out and prepare next week to beat Detroit, find a way to finish next week 1-0. Once we do that, we’ll head to the next one.”
(On keeping his composure after leaving points on the field) “We weren’t finishing. We moved the ball, like I said, marched it down the field and then weren’t able to convert inside the red zone. Then we had a turnover there on the fumble. We were moving the ball, [but] we just weren’t playing clean enough in order to finish drives in the end zone. We just kind of stuck with it, kept going. We were able to execute there at the end of the half, had a huge stop there by the defense backing them up, and then two plays getting in field goal range and then Stephen [Gostkowski] obviously with the kick. That was a huge play for us in order to come into half[time] getting that last few points.”
(On seeing RB Derrick Henry put up big numbers every week) “I think we realize what Derrick brings to the table each and every game. He plays hard, he plays physical. When I turn around and I can see a crease, a four-foot-wide crease in the D-line, I know that’s going to be good for the Titans. Once Derrick gets going and he’s clean through the D-line, obviously he’s explosive and tough to bring down in the open field. The more we can see that happen, the better off it’s going to be.”
(On having threats in both the running and passing game) “It’s huge. Like you said, we have weapons all over. You mentioned Corey [Davis], A.J. [Brown], Derrick [Henry], Jonnu [Smith], [Anthony] Firks[er] has been big for us, Geoff [Swaim] was big today. We’ve had a bunch of guys all over the offense step up and make plays consistently for us so teams can’t really key in on one thing. If they want to throw the kitchen sink at stopping Derrick, then we have guys on the outside that can make plays. If they want to sit back and try to cover, then obviously Derrick can make them pay on the inside. Having that combination of guys across the offense is key for us.”
(On having TE Geoff Swaim as another offensive threat) “I have a lot of confidence in Swaim. Ever since he came in late in training camp, you see his route-running craft, his ability. He has a great feel for things on getting himself open, nuances within the route to get himself open. I have a ton of confidence in Geoff and obviously it showed off today.”
(On building on the nine wins already this season) “It’s a good thing, right? Obviously, you want to win as many games as fast as you can. Nine wins is good but that’s nowhere near where we want to be. [We] need to keep progressing, need to keep taking advantage of opportunities, find a way to get better here late in the season, and play our best football.”
(On being in the top tier of quarterbacks in the league and the Florida weather) “I do miss the Florida weather. I miss the water but there’ll be time for that in the offseason. As far as quarterbacks, I just try to go out and play the best football I can each and every week. The guys around me are playing really good. [I] have a lot of fun being able to go throw the football with these guys and watch them work, so I’m going to continue just trying to do that.”
(On having an efficient offense going into the last part of the season) “We’ve done some good things. I think we’re heading in the right direction. We want to play clean and play our best football here late in December. I know we had some penalties today that really hurt us. We’ll have to go back and look at those and see how we can fix that, but I feel like if we clean those things up then we would’ve scored a lot more points. So we’re heading in the right direction. We’re doing some good things. We need to keep progressing and playing our best football in December.”
(On the defense being able to get off the field) “Defense played huge. They gave up three [points] but that was really on the offense because we fumbled the ball right there in field goal range. They didn’t really give up any yards and they just kicked it. Really defense pitched a shutout in the first half, so when the defense plays like that, it gives us a lot of confidence as an offense, as a team, to go out and win the game.”
(On RB Derrick Henry setting records and potentially having a 2,000-yard season) “It’s cool. I love playing with Derrick. I love watching him work. When you see him break into the open field and all that space and DBs trying to bring him down in the open field, I think that gets not only me excited but the whole team. He’s had a great career so far. He’s done some great things. I think he’s already set a bunch of records and hopefully he can keep doing that.”
TITANS RUNNING BACK DERRICK HENRY
(On if he heard his teammates lobby Coach Vrabel to put him in the game to reach 200 yards and what does that mean to him) “I love my teammates. I appreciate those guys every day for what they do. The unselfishness that they have for me – I’m truly blessed to have teammates and the team that I have. Coach Vrabel was just trying to look out for me and take extra shots. My body feels good. I just love my teammates.”
(On if he was able to have a lot of people from his hometown at the game) “It’s a different time now, but my family was here. I could see a good bit of Titans fans. It’s always good to come back home and play a division opponent. They know us, we know them, so it’s always going to be a game against them. Their record, it is what it is, but I feel like they always play hard. I had a good game, but those guys always play to the whistle. It’s always fun coming back home and being able to play in front of my family.”
(On if he can feel a buildup to a long run) “I think those guys get momentum moving guys off the ball, pushing forward, and I just had to go out there and get north and south and move the pile forward, fall forward and get yards so we could move down the field. I told those guys while the game was going on and we were out that I appreciate all of them – receivers, tight ends, fullback, O-Line – like I said the unselfishness for them to have that excitement about the way the game’s going for me – I always appreciate that. It doesn’t come around too often, to have teammates like that. I love my teammates, and I’m happy we were able to go out there and have a good game as a team.”
(On how key was it for the defense to make quick stops early in the game) “Defense did a great job. I think they played lights out. We stalled a couple times and definitely would’ve liked to finish better, but like I said the defense held it down, so we were able to leave out here with a win. That’s the most important thing – leaving here with a W, and I’m glad we were able to do that as a team.”
(On what it would mean to reach 2,000 yards this season) “If we could go 4-0 these last couple of weeks I’d be most happy. Like I said earlier this week, I don’t care about stats. Last week I was really pissed off about the way I played, thought I played poorly and I didn’t do my job to help my team, so I’m still pissed off about last week. I just want to do my job to help my team and do anything I can to help us win. Stats really don’t matter. You do what you need to do to help your team win then everything else takes care of itself. Really focusing on playing good team football and helping us win games.
(On if he’s fully aware of how much the offense relies upon him and does that make it tougher to be successful) “Not at all. I pride myself on being a leader. I pride myself on being one of the guys that’s able to help this team, able to help the offense by how I play in all aspects of the game when I’m in there to get opportunities. That comes with it, and I accept it and I love it. Sometimes this game will give you adversity, like I said, I don’t mean to talk about last week, but last week was a hit in the face, and I need to step up and be a better leader, play better. Whatever I got to do to help this team win, that’s what I’m going to do.”
TITANS WR A.J. BROWN
(On his one-handed touchdown catch) “I didn’t really see anything until I got to the sideline, that I caught the ball with one hand. We dream of catches like that, but we don’t try to do that. Well, at least I don’t. But he was holding my left hand and I just tried to make a play on the ball.”
(On what changed for the Titans as an offensive unit to help carry them through the end of the game) “Just trying to put it together. We’re just trying to put it together. During drives, keep the momentum and just put it all together, making plays here and there, keep converting on third downs.”
(On how he approached this week that helped him and the Titans bounce back from a loss to the Browns) “To be honest, none of us care what people think, what people say. We’re not being mean, we really don’t like it. It’s highs and lows, so you’re not going to go out and have 100-plus yards every week. You’re going to do whatever, so I just don’t care.”
(On if he felt he was in store for a big day after his touchdown) “I mean, it definitely gave me the momentum and the confidence, after the catch. We’re just trying to make the most of it, every opportunity I get. That’s what I be thinking about.”
(On what it would mean for him to reach 1,000 yards receiving again) “To be honest, it don’t really mean anything at this point. We’re trying to get wins, we’re trying to go to the playoffs. I’m just trying to answer the call when my number gets called to make plays. You get all these stats and stuff, they don’t matter. That’s my mindset about it.”
(On what he’s doing physically to try to hone in on his pass-catching) “I’m catching balls every day. That’s been since day one, you know. Even when I’m dropping balls, I’m still doing the same routine. I believe in my routine. Stuff happens, you’re not going to catch every ball. I’m trying to catch every ball. I’m not going out there to drop (it). So each and every opportunity, I’m just trying to make the most of it. (I’ve) been in my own head a lot, but that’s it, I just stopped caring what people think.”
(On focusing on the fundamentals first when making a catch) “Most definitely. I go back and watch my drops. I’m ready to run after the catch so that’s what happens with most of my drops. Like the one today, I knew the guy was coming out, I knew the guy was breaking on me and I was just trying to catch the ball and then make sure I get the first down, but I have to do the little things. I have to make sure I secure the ball with my eyes first and then I can do everything else after.”
(On seeing the offense play well in the run and the pass game) “[It’s] complimentary football. It’s definitely fun when we all hit it. Derrick [Henry]’s doing his thing, offense’s doing its thing. It’s definitely fun to get a win, period, already.”
(On wearing Falcons WR Julio Jones’ jersey during pregame warmups) “I just wanted to show him a little love today. it wasn’t for something big or trying to be seen or anything like that. It was just to show love. He’s the best dude in the game. I know I want to be [like him]. That’s who I’m chasing. I have to remind myself even before the game that’s who I’m chasing to be great.”
(On playing similar to the end of last season) “I’m not going to jump the gun about anything too current. It’s a tough league week to week. You have to show up every week. [We’re] definitely going to try to use this as momentum going into the next week. [We have to] keep working every day.”
(On keeping the defense guessing) “We’re watching film just like they’re watching film. We’re watching things that they don’t like, and we try to put it in our game, put in our arsenal. So we’re on film just like they’re on film, too. It goes both ways.”
TITANS SAFETY AMANI HOOKER
(On how the Titans’ defense started strong early in the game) “We just wanted to come out strong and play a full four quarters. Last week we gave up (points in) the first half, but we didn’t like how we played and we came out (better) in the second half. This game we wanted to make sure we played a full four quarters and play as a defense.”
(On what changed defensively in the Titans’ improvement this week on third downs) “I think guys were locking in this week. We didn’t feel good about last week, so we wanted to come in, lock in and just do your job. If you just do your job, then plays will come your way and that’s how defense works for each other. Guys this week just came out and did their thing and did their job.”
(On how the communication of the Titans defense was today) “It was good. Obviously we had some miscues here and there, but I mean, overall, we were just getting lined up and playing fast. We didn’t want to have too much time talking, going back and forth with each other. We just wanted to get lined up and just play.”
(On if the defensive communication is as simple as getting a call and then passing it along to teammates) “Yeah, definitely. Every play you should be talking to the guy next to you. That way, you can help him out, regardless. You might know something that he doesn’t know and he might know something that you don’t know, so it’s good just to have that conversation quick and precise.”
(On at what point he knew fellow safety Kenny Vaccaro would be out) “It was Saturday morning, so I didn’t have too much time, just like the Ravens game.”
(On if he’s gotten used to playing without Vaccaro) “I prepare as a starter. I mean, regardless, it’s my job to prepare to play and go in to a lot of positions if my name is called. I know a lot of guys, a lot of people, if their name is called, then they do the exact same thing.”
(On what changes preparation-wise for him when he’s preparing to play as a dime back and gets moved to safety) “Like I said, not much changes. I just try to prepare as if I’m going to be starting at safety. That way I can help out KB (Kevin Byard) and Kenny (Vaccaro), (that) if they don’t see something, I can help them out on the sidelines. I just try to do my best to stay up to speed, try to stay neck-and-neck with Kenny and KB during the week about first- and second-down stuff, and not just the third-down stuff.”
(On how the rest of the defense feeds off the energy of cornerback Malcolm Butler) “Yeah, he brings good energy. He’s locked in. Every time he gets the pass breakup he’s hyped, and I think that helps us get hyped as well. (When) he’s playing well, we play well.”
(On his perspective missing a tackle on James Robinson’s 47-yard run) “Yeah, I got to make that tackle, but I just shot the gap and tried to make a play. He’s a good back too. He gets paid as well, and he got one on me.”
TITANS OFFENSIVE TACKLE DENNIS KELLY
(On Derrick Henry’s performance from his perspective) “Yeah, obviously we pride ourselves on being able to run the ball and wear people down. Derrick is a special player and always runs hard and plays the way we like to run our offense which is to wear people down. So, it’s really cool to be a part of what he’s doing.”
(On getting an invitation to be seated at the end of the game) “Yeah, that’s always kind of a cool feeling knowing that you’re in a position where it should be a win and all the guys get to play. Obviously, I was sort of in that waiting position in the beginning of my career, so I always appreciated when I got a chance to go in even if it’s late in the game. It’s cool to be on the other side of it now too.”
(On how critical the end of the second quarter and beginning of the third quarter stretch was) “Yeah, it was huge. We talk a lot about situational awareness and situational football and I think everyone on the offense and the whole team are very aware of the opportunity that we have to double up so it was a really good showing by everyone in all three phases to play together and play complimentary football and take advantage of the opportunity.”
(On reaching nine wins for the fifth season in a row and how important it is to build on that) “Yeah, it’s great. We’ve been consistent in winning but obviously the theme of this year is that we had a great end of the year last year, but it wasn’t enough. So, it’s just taking the next step and being able to build on it and put ourselves in the best position to play deep into the playoffs.”
TITANS CORNERBACK MALCOLM BUTLER
(On how important it was to end the first half with five consecutive third-down stops) “Most definitely. Once you can get off the field on third down, it changes the whole game. I know last time we played them they were 10 of 14 against us, and you can’t really win a game if you’re not getting off the field on third down. We won the last game, but we put more emphasis on getting off the field on third down and it was a big change.”
(On what the attitude in the locker room is surrounding finishing first in the division) “Coach just piggybacked on that second-half that we had against Cleveland – that’s the team we are. A team that fights, goes out there and plays hard and tries to make limited mistakes. The team that you got from the second half against Cleveland, that’s what we hope to present throughout the rest of the season.”
(On if the fast start will end up meaningless if they can’t finish it off) “It’s all about starting fast and finishing strong – that’s the motto around here. That’s what we’ve got to do. Ten games is not enough, nine games is not enough in this league, it’s so competitive. We’ve got to keep grinding and keep working hard and believing in the team.”
(On how much he enjoys the challenge of moving with the receiver and how he thought he fared against D.J. Chark) “That’s what I do. I like the challenge. I like to take on the best of the best, but whatever coach tells me to do, that’s what I’m going to do. I owe Chark from the past. Great player, great young player, but whatever coach tells me to do, that’s what I’m going to do.”
(On if he felt ready for Mike Glennon to throw his way) “Most definitely. I kind of had some ups and downs against the Jaguars. I made it my business to come out here and compete and play the best I can, especially after the Cleveland game when we displayed a bad performance. I locked in a lot this week, wrote down a lot of notes, kept reminding myself what I need to go out here and do, what the team needs to do and be a leader and lead by action. It worked out this week.”
(On if the Titans can get where they want to go with a productive offense and consistent defense) “Most definitely. You said the key word. We’ve just got to stay consistent, and we’ve got to find out who we are. You’re going to have ups and downs, but for the most part we’ve got to find out who we are and stay rising, instead of going up and down like the stock market. We’ve got to set the tone on that and we should be good to go, but you can’t predict the future.”
