What The Titans Said Following Their 33-30 Win Over The Seahawks

Postgame quotes from the following:Head Coach Mike VrabelWatch on TennesseeTitans.com On what he found out about his team during this game. “I found out they’re willing to compete, they’re willing to battle and fight. Proud of them, you know? We were close at times. I felt like we came out and moved the football early, played well defensively. Unfortunately, we gave up a couple of (explosive) plays, which you know, you just can’t hand them anything. I think our ability to have to kick field goals and their ability to hit some big plays really took the momentum. I told the team at halftime. It was a great speech at halftime. I felt at least that was our identity. You’ve got to stop talking about your identity, about hoping and wishing about an identity. You have to go out there and play to it and find out what it is, and I think that was certainly who we are. It’s not always pretty. But if we can eliminate turning the football over and if we can eliminate easy plays on defense, then we’ve got a chance.” On what momentum can be built after showing this team, unlike some games in the past, can compete in the second half. “I hope we can just play better and more complimentary in the first half. We’ve got to stop playing defense inside the 10-yard line. There were some games, I know that. But our job is to play defense. These guys are excited, and they should be. All the credit to the players. They’re the ones that came out here and kept battling and fighting, and it wasn’t easy. This is a tough place to play. Give them a lot of credit. We understand the pedigree of this football team, this organization, how difficult it is to come in here and win, how difficult it is. So I’m proud of our football team.” On not being a front-runner, being down 14-point and coming back to win in the fourth quarter reinforces the idea this team can come from behind. “I think it does. It’s who we are. But, again, you have to put it out there. You have to be wiling to throw it out there and execute and fight and claw and make the correct plays at the critical situations. I’m proud to be a coach, I’m proud to represent them and all the credit goes to the players.” On how Derrick Henry ran today. “It never ceases to amaze me. We’ve just got to keep being in the opportunities and be in football games where he can help us affect the outcome. That’s really what happened today.” On if he considered going to two late in regulation play. “No, you know what, you always go back and forth, and we’ve been through there before. I just felt like the way that the defense was playing, no, just decided early on that’s what we were going to do as far as kicking it.” On the team’s history of coming back to win after double-digit losses. “I hope they understand the importance of each and every week. I think that’s a testament to the leadership of the football team. Like Derrick mentioned, we don’t want to coach or work with front-runners. We want guys that are just going to battle and compete. It’s tough to win in this league. It’s really tough each and every week. We put a lot into it. When we land, we’re going to have to be on to Indianapolis. We’ve got to be on to the Colts. How do we win at home? We’re going to try and build on this, but we’re going to treat this the same way whether we lost by double-digits or won in overtime.” On what goes through his mind watching a kicker line up for a game-winning field goal and his response when it goes through. “I mean, obviously, you know, extremely happy. I’m happy for Randy. He’s been a lot of places, and he’s made kicks in this league, so I’m happy for him so he can get recognized and help this football team win. But, you know, you’re helpless. We’ve all sent our kids out of the house into a car. You know, it’s Jesus take the wheel, I guess.” On defensive lapse. “There were some mistakes, obviously some errors that came up. One was they just went up to make a play and we didn’t get them on the ground. And the other one in the second half was just a mistake.” On the play of others when A.J. Brown appeared to struggle. “Guys stepped up, man. Guys played well. And A.J., I’m confident that he’ll continue to help us win football games. I have no more confidence in anybody on this football team. A lot of guys I have the same, but I put A.J. up at the top with some guys.” On the end zone play where a Julio Jones’ foot was ruled to have touched the back line. “First of all, when you go toe-heel, that’s out of bounds. So apparently they thought the heel came down on the line. When you drag your toe, you drag your toe and that’s it. When you go toe-heel, they count the heel. So I guess they thought there was something in between? You might want to call the league. They’ve got a new guy. They’ve got new people up there working. Al’s not being up there anymore. Some of them stayed with the ruling on the field last year. Now there’s a new group of guys, and that’s what they saw. I’m not going sit there and say anything other than I’m sure it was really close.” On if he saw Jones’ performance today previewed during practice this week. “We saw it every week. He played really hard without the ball in his hand. I noticed a few times him blocking. That was something that we made an emphasis on. That’s what I’m most proud of. I know they’re going to catch passes and they’re going to score touchdowns, but we ask a lot of those guys with how they play when they don’t have the football in their hands. That’s probably what I’m most proud of with his performance today.” On how he and his staff respond when left tackle Taylor Lewan is hurt. “We put the next guy in. That’s what we do. It’s what we’ve done for as far as I can remember as a player in this league and as a coach. You put the next guy in there and you hope everybody’s prepared. That’s why they come to practice. It could happen on the first snap, it could happen an hour and a half before the game. We’re not sure. But we’ll see what the situation is and make sure everybody is ready to try and help us on game day.” On if the injury happened during warmups. “We’re going to take a look and see where he’s at after the game. I was focused on the game when I realized that he wouldn’t be able to go. My concern is about getting home safe and treating the guys who need to be treated, and Taylor would obviously be part of that since he wasn’t able to play in the football game.”Quarterback Ryan TannehillWatch on TennesseeTitans.com On what was said at halftime after being down 24-9. "Nothing major was said. We knew what it was going to take, just had to go out and execute. Offensively, we were moving the ball great, we just didn’t finish how we needed to finish in the red zone. That’s got to get better obviously. Defense was playing good, gave up a couple big plays, but other than that, they were stopping them. There was no panic, there was no worry. We knew we were in this game. We were getting the ball coming out of the half. Offensively we knew we needed to come out and make plays and go put points on the board. We were able to do that and right when we did that, obviously we were right back in the game." On what was clicking with Julio Jones today. "He made some huge plays. The big one, I don’t know if that was the first one or not, I saw something on the sideline, made the adjustment, told him about it and it paid off. He got open down the field and he was running and I was able to hit him there. Couple of big plays, the one that got called back was a huge play and it was a play that we expected to be completed later going further across the field. I was getting hit so I got the ball out early there and he was able to make the adjustment and go up. Obviously a blade of grass away from a touchdown there. Couple big third down catches. One early on an in cut and I threw the ball high. It was pretty covered but threw the ball where he could go up and get it. He attacked the football and came down with it. Once I saw him make that play, I felt like he was going and it would be a good day for him." On if Julio making a contested catch early in the game helps build their connection. "Yeah, no doubt. Obviously when you see a guy make a play like that where it’s tight coverage, it’s not a big window, it’s a trust throw really and you’re having to go up and get it, when you make that trust throw and your guy makes a play, it definitely builds that trust. You get in that situation again and you feel strongly about giving him a chance with the ball. He made some huge plays for us today and took a big step forward for our offense." On if they feel like they started playing more towards their standard today. Yeah we’re headed in that direction. The first half isn’t what we expect. Like I said, we moved the ball but didn’t finish in the red zone. That’s been a calling card for us. We need to be able to finish those drives, especially when you play good teams like Seattle, it can come back to haunt you. Got to get that cleaned up. I was proud of our guys, we battled. We were pushing piles, we were running the football. Derrick [Henry] was running extremely hard. You feel it on the field, the synergy of our offense kind of coming together and playing to our identity. There’s a lot to get better, but as far as coming together as a unit, making plays, trusting each other and playing to our identity, I feel like it was a good step in the right direction today. On Offensive Coordinator Todd Downing and the offensive calling taking a step forward. "Yeah, no doubt. The whole team, Todd included, I think we all took a step in the right direction. I thought Todd called a really good game. We had some big adjustments on the sideline that paid off. Communication was great. The players were talking, talking to Todd. He’s great to work with and making those adjustments and they paid off for us. Definitely a step in the right direction, we just need to build on it." On if he said anything to A.J. Brown after he struggled today. "I told him that I’m going to keep throwing to him. I have a lot of faith in A.J. and I told him I’m going to keep coming to him. I did that. I kept throwing his way and if I feel like he has an advantage on a guy, I’m going to let it rip like I always trust him. This is a guy who misses a couple plays there or something like that, I’m not going to cancel him out. I have a ton of faith in A.J., he’s made huge plays for us, he made big plays today. There’s some plays that he wants back, but there’s some plays that everybody wants back. There’s plays that I want back, there’s plays that Derrick [Henry] wants back, the [offensive] line wants back. It’s an imperfect game. There’s a lot of things that we need to get corrected, but I have a lot of faith in A.J. that he’ll bounce back." On recovering on the sideline after causing three turnovers in the first two games. "It was fine. Not a lot I can do on that one. I got hit in the back of the head. I was coming off of A.J. [Brown] and was about to flip it to Derrick [Henry]. It sucks but I’m not going to go into the tank over something that I can’t control and even if I could, you have to turn the page. If you get hung up on any one play, whether it’s good or bad in the game, it’s going to hold you back the rest of the game. Whether it’s a touchdown drive and you’re coming off the field happy or a turnover and everyone’s pissed off, you have to be able to reset on the sidelines and go out and get ready for the next drive." On if there’s a good time to have a roughing the passer call like today late in the game. "I don’t think there’s ever a good time to be roughed, but when it moves the chains and I’m not injured, I’m not against it. It’s just part of playing by the rules and knowing the rules. We talk about it on our team and we know it’s important. There were a couple today that helped us out." On being reunited with Randy Bullock and seeing his game-winning kick go through. "Total confidence. It’s good to have another Aggie around. I have a lot of familiarity with Randy, I held for him for four years in college. When he trotted out there, I had total confidence that he was going to make that kick." On learning before the game that Taylor Lewan wouldn’t play and how Ty Sambrailo did in his place. "It’s a game of adversity. Usually the adversity happens within the confines of the clock, but today it started in pregame. Not the news I was looking for as I was getting ready to go warm up, but I walked over to Ty and said hey, same thing like last year. No warning, you just have to go in and play your game. Play fast and aggressive and push piles. A lot of confidence in him, I feel like he came in and did that. I’m proud of him. And then [Aaron] Brewer comes in when Rodger [Saffold] goes down. Rodger tried to come back in and battled but he ended up coming out again so Brewer comes in, a guy that I have a lot of confidence in. He’s a competitor and obviously did a good job for us."Running Back Derrick HenryWatch on TennesseeTitans.com On playing in a hostile environment. “We were coming into a hostile environment. Last week, we didn’t play up to our standards which was on us. We took full responsibility for that game in front of our fans. Coming to the west coast, that’s a hostile environment and the fans were relentless for this organization and city. I don’t think anyone expected us to come here and get a W. I knew if we stuck together, trust in what we preach and what coach preaches, play the way we practice, it would eventually come together for us. I’m glad we were able to come out here and get a win.” On if the players spoke about their first half performance at halftime. “We talked with the head coach. You can’t sit here, talk and not go out there and do. That’s what coach was talking about. We can talk all we want but until we go out there and do it, it’s just talk. We just wanted to go out there and put it all together. Like I said, I’m happy to get a good win against a great team in a hostile environment.” On at what point the game turned for them. “I felt like we were putting drives together, but we weren’t finishing in the endzone. We kept getting three points and stalling. We knew that we could move the ball and needed to finish in the endzone. We made it a focal point to put drives together and score points. We got field goals but that wouldn’t help against this team, so we eventually had to get in the endzone.” On how this game can be a turning point for the team and lead to more victories. “I think you just enjoy this one. It was a tough fought battle. After the 24-hour rule, you move right onto the next one. We got another tough opponent coming up, a divisional opponent. It was a tough hard-fought battle but we will come in after our day off and watch film, grow, and then get back to work again.”Cornerback Kristian FultonWatch on TennesseeTitans.com On how he assesses his performance going against Russell Wilson. It was pretty solid. It was fun and just getting that opportunity with the coaches believing in me, I just wanted to put my best foot forward and just try to make as many plays to help the team win. On what has led to him being consistent. "Being confident and comfortable. I feel like the game has slowed down for me a lot this year. The coaches have been helping me with film. I’m just trying to make plays and I’m just trying to make sure I build up on my games throughout the week in practice. Just want to make sure the guys are giving me good looks so I can be ready on Sundays." On having the belief of the coaches. "It’s definitely big. It’s great when the coaches believe in you, it gives you an extra boost of confidence. It’s great to know that the coaches believe in me and I don’t want to let them down."Safety Kevin ByardWatch on TennesseeTitans.com On how nice it was to pull away a win. “It was a great win. Obviously we didn’t play well enough in the first half, especially defensively. We gave up some big plays but you’ve got to bring a warrior-like mentality on the road. We were able to run the ball and I think on defense we played pretty well, pretty much the majority of the game. A couple of big plays but other than that, just a great win. We talked about finding out what type of team we were going to be; facing adversity and being down. I think it was twenty-four to nine or something like that. We were able to come back and not panic on the sideline, everyone stuck together like a family. That’s what you want to see against a tough team like Seattle on the road.” On what it is about this team rising to the occasion. “I think it’s the way we’re built. I think the guys we have in the locker room and leadership we have when stuff isn’t going well. We understand that. Things aren’t always going to go well in an NFL game. It’s just how it goes, and we have to stick together and just keep battling and fighting until the last whistle. I’m proud of all of the guys because we were able to come together and get this W.” On what the atmosphere was like. “It might have been the loudest stadium I’ve ever played in. I’ve been in Kansas City in AFC Championship games and those games are pretty loud. But, that was definitely a playoff-like atmosphere. I think it was a good test for us as a team to be able to go through something like that and actually come out on top and win against a tough team facing adversity. That’s how it’s going to be every single week. We have a tough schedule, so every single game we have to understand that games are going to be tough. I was talking to some of the young guys on the sideline, ‘this isn’t college anymore, you’re not going to blow people out. You’re going to be down in some games, games are going to be close and we have to continue to communicate and make sure that we’re good’. Like you said, facing adversity and finding out what kind of team we are.” On what was said in the locker room at half time. "Guys were turned up. I think we weren’t proud of how we played in that first half. Obviously we feel like we played pretty good, but there were big plays. We gave up three big plays, and if you look at those plays that we don’t give up it’s a totally different ball game. We were obviously animated but at the same time we were like ‘calm down, let’s go out here and play football the way we know how to play it’, and I think we just needed to calm down, kind of settle down and allow the game to come to us.”Tight End Mycole PruittWatch on TennesseeTitans.com On going back and forth with Jamal Adams. "It’s just all part of the game. You get into the flow of the game and emotions get high, tensions get high and I feel like we needed a spark at that point. Whatever I can do to provide the help to do that, I’ll be able to do that. Even if I have to take it to the edge without getting a penalty, that’s what I’m going to try and do." On he got a sense in the locker room that he would help get things going in the second half. "Whenever I get a chance to get in there, I’m going to play my heart out. I didn’t know how the game was going to go but I know that we needed a spark and I know we needed to come alive." On the team keeping their composure to help spark a rally. "One thing we always talk about is fighting through adversity. Everything isn’t always going to go the way you want it to. But it’s a four quarter game and as long as we keep wearing on them throughout the whole game and when it comes to that fourth quarter, we know our mentality. And we know the mentality that we should have had in the first half, but we came in and turned it on in the second half."Left Tackle Ty SambrailoWatch on TennesseeTitans.com On playing spot duty at left tackle. It’s always a quick shot of adrenaline and then you just go into the process that every game is. Obviously it’s different, but the same. A lot of relying on the techniques and training and practice. On if he learned just before the game that he’d be starting. Yeah they just let me know, hey, you’re starting so get your mind right. On if starter Taylor Lewan said anything to him before the game. He had words of encouragement and he was helping me out. He had eyes on me all game to let me know what he saw and he gave me pointers and helped me get through whatever it was I was going through on the field. We have a great room. I love the dudes that I’m playing with and playing next to. Hopefully they feel the same about me. We’re a tight group so we know it’s the next man up when it has to be.Kicker Randy BullockWatch on TennesseeTitans.com On kicking the game winning field goal. “It’s been great. It’s been a crazy week just to get here and get acclimated but to be able to cap it off like that and have the locker room go wild and crazy after last weekend has been a lot of fun.” On his mentality running onto the field before the game winning kick. “I think it was more of trusting what I do. I felt like I hit a pretty good ball on the ball that I did miss. There was pretty heavy wind down there into the face. You could kind of see it on the extra point that he (Jason Myers) he hit off the upright, the ball was moving. I just trusted it, hit a clean ball, and let everything else take care of itself.” On if he thought the offense was playing to give him a chance to attempt the game winning field goal. “Yeah, I think once they were kind of backed up punting, it set in. Obviously, I was already warming up, seeing the field position so I was waiting for an opportunity.” On Mike Vrabel’s thoughts on Randy’s game winning kick. “It was just an awesome way of starting my career here. I’m really thankful for the opportunity, I’m glad that it ended the way it did but more than anything we got a win.”Linebacker David Long Jr.Watch on TennesseeTitans.com On being back out on the field. “It felt good. I’ve been out for a while. Got back healthy, and glad to be out there with my teammates. We got the job done, it wasn’t pretty but we made plays, and we got the job done.” On mounting the 4th quarter comeback. “It’s our mentality. Never stop believing in each other. Until that clock hits zero we have to give it our all, when it got ugly nobody put their head down. Everybody came over to talk to each other, it’s not over. We just kept going, and at the end of the day, Titans win.” On defensive mentality in the second half. “We know we have an offense that can get the job done, and we knew we just had to go out there and handle business. Personnel, communication was loud. Communication was a big part of it. Not panicking, they have a good offense over there, so just not panicking, and doing our assignments, and getting the job done.” On being faced with being 0-2. “At that point there’s nothing you can say. We just have to go out there and play. There’s no talking, just go out there and make plays. Play after play after play, and we got that done. That was the message, not talking. There was nothing to be said.”Wide Receiver Julio JonesWatch on TennesseeTitans.com On overruled touchdown. “Nah, I control what I can control, right? They ruled that it wasn’t a touchdown, so my mindset and mentality is to get the next play. I just saw it. I felt like I was in once I caught the ball, one foot down, second foot down. I felt like I scored. It’s not my place to do their job. It’s their job, they’re professionals. They try to make every call with the best judgement they can do. Like I said it’s not my job to go out there and officiate the game.” On how it feels to have a game like this. “For me, it’s always about the team, going out there and getting a win on each and every play for those guys, going to war each and every play. It feels good to come out of this thing with a win, a good team win. Just the way we went out there and were winless and didn’t stop and kept going.” On pressure he felt based on last week and start of today. “For me, I don’t put any added pressure on myself. I always come out here and try to do every play the best way I can possibly do it. That starts in practice so that when I get to the game I’m ready to go. I’m just out there having fun.” On what Titans offense can be. “We had a heck of a second half. We didn’t finish the way we wanted to finish. I haven’t watched film yet, or anything like that. We just have to continue to get better. It was a great team win.”

What The Titans Said Following Their 33-30 Win Over The Seahawks

Transcripts, interviews and press conferences from Seattle vs. Tennessee.