Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Conference Call

Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Conference Call -- September 18, 2019

Q: What changes for you now that you have to prepare for a Giants team with Daniel Jones as the quarterback?
A: I think the biggest thing is the mobility of Daniel. It will be the same offense, we still have to stop Saquon. He’s a more mobile guy so you have to be a little more cautious of rush lanes and things like that. Expect a little bit more movement passes, but he’s still a rookie.

Q: You think you can take advantage of him being a rookie?
A: I know he is a very bright guy and he’s been well coached in college. It’s a very hard position to play and I won’t say yes or no.

Q: How do you go about preparation for a guy who hasn’t played in a regular season game, aside from a few snaps, do you look at college tape?
A: We look at their offense, they are not going to change what they are doing, it’s Pat’s offense, he’s just going to run it. For us, it’s trying to stop Saquon and force him to throw the ball.

Q: What do you think when you see this defense, does it look like the James Bettcher defense you saw in Arizona?
A: Very similar, scheme wise. I think they are still putting pieces to that puzzle together. I know how well coached they are.

Q: Are there similarities to trying to stop Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley?
A: Not really because you had Cam. It’s a little bit different style of running game, I think that Saquon is one of those guys that he’s on another planet with his size, speed and also his pass catching ability. McCaffrey is a different style runner, but they are both very dangerous. I think Saquon is probably the best in the league right now.

Q: How have things been going with the development of Jameis Winston?
A: I’m really pleased with where he is at. He got victimized a little bit in the first game, played really well last Thursday night. He should have had a couple more guys catch some balls for him, I think for us it’s just about playing better around him.

Q: Where do things stand with Jason Pierre – Paul, I know he is on the reserved list?
A: He’s healing, he’s a miraculous healer, that’s for sure. We’re hoping that he can return soon.

Q: What is it about your defense that’s been better this year?
A: I think it’s a totally different style. I think our secondary fits the scheme and Todd Bowles does such a great job of putting his players in position to be successful. So far, so good as far as stopping the run. I think the biggest thing is we’re just playing really hard.

Q: You have a rules analyst on your coaching staff—is that right?
A: Yes, a former referee.

Q: What went into that decision, and have there already been instances where that sort of helped you out this season?
A: Just sitting out and doing the broadcasting and have Gene Steratore on CBS—Chuck Pagano and I were talking when he was sitting out and said, “If I ever get back in, I’m hiring one of these guys to handle this for me,” because they change weekly, the mechanics of it. So, I’ve got Larry Rose who was an outstanding referee for 40-something years and did the Super Bowl—that’s who I talk to about replay and everything else.

Q: He’s on the headset during the game when that takes place?
A: Yes, that’s who I talk to.

Q: From your experience, does James Bettcher run a pretty complicated system? Is it tougher than most to get the hang of it?
A: I think it takes time, especially for rookies. We played a couple of rookies and we had some issues in Arizona. It’s an extremely sound system, but it does take some learning curve.