FLOWERY BRANCH – Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston spoke to the Atlanta media via conference call today.
The Bucs (2-4) are set to face the Falcons (6-1) at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
Here’s what he had to say:
Q: Looking forward to playing former ACC foe Vic Beasley?
A: You have to get the ball out on time or he'll get to you.
Q: How is your offense affected by the injuries at the wide receiver position?
A: We are not really looking forward for Vince (Jackson) not to go. But whatever that we have, we've got. We've been running ball real good. We have Doug (Martin) on his A game. We have other guys who are ready to step up. Mike (Evans) just had a big game. He's feeling good right now. Our tight ends, all in all, have been playing great.
Q: How much does it help to have a guy like Mike Evans?
A: It means a lot to have all of them. But when Mike is on and has his A game, when I'm able to get him the ball, it just boosts his confidence up and he gets better and better. He feels unstoppable at times. That's the confidence that we need.
Q: How has it been working offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter?
A: It's been going great. Coach Koetter is an amazing offensive coordinator. Obviously, y'all had him for a few years. He's such a great guy. He gets his offense going. I love playing for him.
Q: Was the Washington game a signal of things to come for you after completing 21 of 29 passes?
A: Every game I try to get better and better. Washington was a great team game for us. We definitely want to build off of that.
Q: How will the Bucs try to move on from the traumatic loss to Washington?
A: Definitely, we just have to go one game at a time. The thing about this league that I've learned is that you can't really harp too much on your last game. The next game is the most important game and you've got to prepare for that.
Q: Are you surprised with how your old Florida State teammate Devonta Freeman is playing for the Falcons?
A: Absolutely not. Devonta is a dynamic back. I had the privilege of playing with him in college. He helped me out a whole lot.
Q: What do you see when you look over at the Falcons defense?
A: I just see a bend, but don't break defense. They've got great guys. Great personnel. You just have to take what they give. It's a matter of us playing good football. We know they are going to be prepared and we know they are going to be physical. We know that they are going to do their job.
Q: What’s the psyche of the team like?
A: It's a new week. It's a new opponent. We've got our eyes on the Falcons. It's a big division game. We also want to win it. We just have to keep chopping wood and work hard every day.
