*TENNESSEE TITANS VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS POSTGAME TRANSCRIPTS - Sunday, December 31, 2017 *

HEAD COACH MIKE MULARKEY

(opening statement)

Nothing too serious today in regards to injury, but Kalen Reed came out with a concussion and he was probably the most serious and did not return. Other than that, pretty healthy. Very happy for our football team, very happy for our fans. They've stuck with us for the four the years I've been here, they've been unbelievable. To trust us and come back and help us win a game we needed to win. I'll say this about our team, I was not surprised by the effort, that's who they are. They play that way every week and it's why we had a chance to win every week, and they know that. It was outstanding on all their parts.

(on what it means personally to come through on top in a game as important as today's)

I'm happy to be a part of it. I'm happy to be a part of this football team. I've told you over and over, it's a different locker room, it's a different group, it's a very tight-knit group and I'm glad to be part of it.* *

(on the mood in the locker room after clinching a playoff spot)

Pretty good. I've never been in a bad room. I can tell you, it was pretty – pretty excited about it. 

(on if he had to address the team or if there was just celebration in the locker room)

No, I had to say something. But celebration did take over when all was said and done, rightfully so. They earned it.

(on the mindset moving forward)

Get ready for the next one. The next one's the most important. The same old cliché, it's important. Whoever it is, whenever we're playing, it doesn't matter.

(on QB Marcus Mariota's run on the third down)

It was a great run, a great run. I told him obviously he's been taking notes from Derrick (Henry) and DeMarco (Murray) with stiff-arming, because that was a huge play to get us down and make them burn timeouts, to stay inbounds and keep the clock running.

(on if Marcus Mariota had a little swagger today)

It was nice to see, it was. I like body language like that. It's good for our team. 

(on how crucial it was for Marcus Mariota to have a day like today with season-high runs and yards running)

That was important. It got us out of some sticky situations, we did not have a lot of designed runs in the game for him. Obviously, we needed it today. He came through when we needed him and made some big plays.

(on if the team did a good job getting past sticky situations today)

There's definitely errors we've got to clean up, there's no doubt about it. No doubt about it, especially on offense we had too many mistakes. We've got to clean it up.

(on what happened with the fumble and how the team responded)

What happened, Derrick (Henry) went the wrong way and there was a collision, obviously. I like the way the team responded. I really liked our sideline. It could have been an easy time to go, 'Oh no, here we go.' I haven't felt that way this year. I just like the way they responded. They've got each other's back, they have all year.

(on CB Adoree Jackson's play to cause Jacksonville to fumble)

The way they played, it's a relentless defense. Turnovers (were) critical in this game, as it always is, but those are the kind of plays you need to win football games.

(on if OLB Brian Orakpo's sack was just as important as Jackson's forced fumble)

Yeah, big time. The timing and all of the above was great for us. 

(on Jacksonville making mistakes on special teams this week)

Like last week, we were a very good special teams unit. I feel like our special teams, again, is just ascending quite rapidly and to get a turnover was big. Those are things we talk about and just haven't done enough.

(on what worked defensively outside of turnovers)

Being where we're supposed to be. Again, not real complicated, played the defenses.

(on the status of CB Logan Ryan)

He twisted his ankle again a little bit. He played sporadically thereafter, but he got tackled on a play, on a big run. He hurt it, tweaked it again.

(on young players like CB Tye Smith stepping it up)

We were running a little short there with Kalan (Reed) out, obviously Logan (Ryan) hurt, Brice (McCain) had to come out. We were running a little short on the corner market, and I thought those guys played well. I thought they played really well, at least watching it from the side. 

(on what it was that helped Marcus Mariota's mood)

I don't know what (he) did, I just liked it, I liked it. He knew it was big for us. You know me, I'm a body language guy and I think our team fed off of it. Everybody liked it. I know our sideline liked it.

(on what it felt like inside the stadium today)

It was great. It was a cold game, I heard it was the coldest in history. I find it hard to believe, but it was cold. We had a great turnout of the fans and it helped us. That's a big thing, that's a big part of winning at home. Two years ago we talked about making this a tough place to play and I think we've done that. I think our fans are a part of that.

(on if RB Derrick Henry was running a little too sideways to make a run)

I'll have to look at it on tape, but there wasn't any place to go. They were quick support with their corners and safeties. Again, I'll have to look at it, but it felt like it to everybody. But, I'll have to look at it.

(on if RB DeMarco Murray has a chance to play next week)

I'm hoping.

(on what comes to mind about a matchup against Kansas City)

Tough place to play. Good football team. We played them there last year in another close game, so we're not as familiar playing them this year. But we're familiar enough that it's not going to – it's not like starting from scratch with our study form.

(on if the cold played a role in WR Eric Decker's drops)

I don't know. He's played in cold weather, he's played in Denver. It's just concentration, I don't know what else it was.

(on if there's some individual satisfaction getting into the playoffs for the first time since assuming role as head coach five years ago)

I feel good about sticking with a plan. We're right with it because of it. It's more gratifying because I was here for two of the years that we weren't so good. To watch a team take a franchise and believe in something, and watch it turn around and become competitive every Sunday, where they have a chance to win every single Sunday, is gratifying. That's what you coach for. You like to watch guys have success and that's the gratifying part about it, because I've been a part of this team when we weren't. They've worked to get to this point and I'm glad they were rewarded for it today. 

(on how he handled some unflattering reports about the staff with the team)

I didn't say anything to my team about it. I didn't think I needed to.

QUARTERBACK MARCUS MARIOTA

(on what it feels like to go to the playoffs)

It's hard to describe.  I'm just so happy for these guys.  These guys deserve an opportunity to get in the tournament.  It's been a lot of hard work from a lot of different people.  We're looking forward to next week and hoping we can build one after another.

(on his 3rd down run and his decision making)

They covered it well and kind of understood the situation.  Want to make a play for the guys and just was able to do it. 

(on if he popped up with more swagger and confidence after the run)

Just excited.

(on putting more on his shoulders after halftime because Jacksonville was focused on RB Derrick Henry)

Yeah, and you've got to give credit to the Jaguars.  They played the run well.  I still thought we were able to do some good things on the ground and find ways to convert some first downs.  You know, sometimes those things just happen and you've just got to make a play. 

(on the fumble that went the other way, the score narrowing and the team mindset afterwards)

Well that's on me.  I can't put Derrick (Henry) in that situation.  I've got to be better for that.  I mean, our mentality changed.  We understood that if we just get a few first downs, get some rhythm going, we can win the game.

(on running a season-high 10  times today and if it was planned or just off scrambles)

I would say a good amount of it was just off scrambles.  Again, they did a good job of covering.  They found ways to get some pressure a little bit and sometimes, you've just got to make a play.

(on if he was pleased the team overcame mistakes and playing clean in the playoffs)

We understand we can handle anything. Confidence, I think, should be there for these guys, for us and no matter what happens, no matter what the situation may be, I think we are prepared for it.  We've kind of dealt with everything throughout this season.  Whatever is thrown at us in the playoffs, we're excited to just take that challenge.

(on doing it for the veterans on the team)

Absolutely.  To see the joy and the happiness for guys like Jurrell (Casey), D-Morg (Derrick Morgan), and Brett (Kern), I think that's what makes it satisfying for all of us.  This isn't the end.  This is just another step in our chapter.  We're looking forward to the challenge.  We can't wait to get this thing going but it's a step in the right direction.

RUNNING BACK DERRICK HENRY

(on if today was a day that the offense had to be patient)

Yeah, just had to do what we had to do to win the game and play as a whole, and some guys had to make plays.

(on the screen play on his touchdown)

That was a well-executed play as a whole, and everybody did their job. I had to catch the ball and go for what I know.

(on if he believes that he can beat everyone when he has open field in front of him)

Yeah, I'm just trying to get a touchdown or make a big play. Just keep going forward.

(on what his mentality was when he found out he was starting)

Just go out there and play like a starter, because you are, and make plays to help us win.

(on using the Jaguars' aggressiveness against them on his touchdown pass)

Yeah, it was a great play call with that defense. Like it said, it worked well, we executed it well.  We got the touchdown on it.

(on making the playoffs in his second year as a Titan)

I'm very happy for this organization. All the guys have been working hard to get to this moment. We've got to carry this momentum to next week.

(on playing in cold weather again next week)

We just played in this, so I'm sure we'll be well-prepared for it.

(on the screen pass that led to his touchdown)

I just got the ball and just followed my blocks and then got north to south.

(on what happened on the bobbled exchange with quarterback Marcus Mariota)

That was on me. I apologize to everybody, all the fans and the whole team. That was a critical mistake by me, it won't happen again. It's something I'll fix this week. I'll really be hard on myself. I'm really down on myself about making that mistake, but that's the game. It won't happen again.

SAFETY KEVIN BYARD

(on being a Pro Bowl snub)

I told myself when I got snubbed that the only thing I can do is go out there and play to my highest level and I got two (interceptions) today, so I'm leading the league so they got to do a little bit more research when it comes to Pro Bowl picks and stuff like that. I'm feeling good though, right now.

(on the scene in the locker room after the game)

It's magical. You look at guys who are in year 10, year nine, people who have been with the franchise their entire career and haven't been to the playoffs and I'm a young guy in here so I feel better because I know the older guys have been working so hard trying to get it and they're in. It's a celebration tonight but we're right back to work tomorrow.

(on the defensive performance tonight)

We came to the game very confident, we know Jacksonville, we've seen Jacksonville. Honestly I feel like throughout the week this might be the best prepared as a team we've been going into a game. We were confident and I think we just went out there and executed as a defense, making plays, getting off the field, and I don't think we allowed a touchdown today so that's great. We came into the game very confident. We wanted to bring as much juice and energy into the stadium. We made a couple big plays and we were able to do that even though the offense sputtered a little bit. As long as the offense is giving us points we should win the game and that's the kind of mentality we bring to the games.

(on facing Kansas City in the cold in the Wild Card Round)

We were in Kansas City last year for the coldest game of my career and we won, so we got to go back out there again and we're going do it again. We know we can play any team in the NFL, any place, anywhere, no matter what the temperature is.

(on the feeling he had as he caught the game-clinching interception)

The only thing that was running through my mind was 'This is for the city right here. This is for the city of Nashville.' This is for everybody who doubted our head coach, our quarterback, our secondary, everybody, an we're in the playoffs.' I've been around middle Tennessee long enough to see the change that's been going on and people need to respect that and know that we're here to stay. We're not just a one-hit-wonder. We're going to continue to be successful and keep winning games so everybody should get used to this.

CENTER BEN JONES

(on quarterback Marcus Mariota making key runs down the stretch)

It's awesome. When you got a quarterback that is versatile, the play is never dead with him. We know if we hold up, he can make a play or we can make a play downfield.

(on feeling good making to the playoffs)

Everybody's record is zero and zero right now. All it takes is one week at a time. You win, you keep going

(on being a tough physical game preparing for a playoff contest)

Everybody is good that is in the playoffs, so you just got to go there and take it one week at a time.

(on one of the reasons he came to Tennessee to help the team advance to playoffs)

Definitely, I knew we had a great quarterback and when I was signing, DeMarco Murray just signed, I said hey, one of the best quarterbacks in the league and a running back, I said I wanted to be a part of this. I wanted to go from being the worst team in the South to the best and we have a shot now to go and win the championship.

(on keys to today's victory)

Just win, we knew what we had to do. We knew they had a great defense, we knew we had to eliminate turnovers. Our defense played lights out.

TIGHT END DELANIE WALKER

(on how he feels to make it to the playoffs)

It feels real good, being here five seasons and just getting in the playoffs, it has been a long time coming, especially guys who have been here and haven't seen the playoffs. I am just glad we got in.

(on making the lead hold up)

Again, defense played great, gave us the opportunity to stay in the game. You know, we got the job done. It wasn't pretty, but we got it done.

(on Marcus Mariota's effort down the stretch)

He put the game on his back late in the game. He does that every time. It wasn't surprising to me. I am just glad to see that he is healthy and able to that.

(on what it means to be in the playoffs)

It means a lot to me. It feels good finally to get that done for this organization, for the state of Tennessee. Man, we are in it. We said it, we win, we're in. We got the job done.

WIDE RECEIVER RISHARD MATTHEWS

(on earning the opportunity to get into playoffs)

It just means anything can happen. That is the whole mentality. So just go in there and just fight and do what we do and hopefully come out with a W. We needed this one to get in and we are in. If you get in, anything can happen. 

(on if they had something to prove to rest of league to advance to the playoffs)

You just have to ignore the outside noise. Everybody in this locker room, we understand what we can do. Coaches understand what we can do. We just got to go out there and show everybody else.

(on having to prepare for another cold weather game)

That's the way it goes. I think we will be ready.

(on yards being hard to come by)

That's football. Whatever you got to do to win, that's what you need to do. We did that today. A great team, a great organization over there. They fought today as they do every game, but I am glad we got this. My first time to be able to see the playoffs, but the work doesn't stop here. We still got to grind and show people what we are about.

(on quarterback Marcus Mariota showing toughness on crucial runs)

Definitely, he's a tough guy. I mean, he has had a lot on his plate and he has pulled through each time. So, for him to go out there and have a game like he did today, I am happy for him.

(on making it to the playoffs)

Words can't describe how I feel right now.

LINEBACKER AVERY WILLIAMSON

(on making the playoffs)

It's a surreal feeling. I've never been to the playoffs and I'm just excited for this journey ahead this week.

(on clamping down on defense in the fourth quarter)

Definitely glad to see that. We got turnovers, we had three, two interceptions and a forced fumble and we came through when we needed it. We were focused this week. We were locked in and we just made it happen. A lot of people were talking about who they [the Jaguars] were going to play [referring to resting players] but we were going to play whoever was out there. We were going to compete. We knew they were going to try to win and ruin our season so we made it happen. We fought hard and we will see what's going to happen, whether we got to go to Jacksonville or Kansas City.

(on what making the playoffs means for the franchise)

It's huge. It's huge for the franchise, it's huge for the city. It's definitely been a long time and we're all excited. It's definitely something that we haven't done in a long time, a lot of people were waiting for it, I was waiting for it. My first three years were definitely tough but the hard work is paying off and I'm excited.

LINEBACKER WESLEY WOODYARD 

(on what it feels like to go to the playoffs)

It feels great. Four years here is four years too long, but it's a testament to our team to stay in there and keep playing hard. Thanks to Coach (Mike) Mularkey and our coaching staff, which kept us fighting.

(on the defensive performance today as the offense struggled)

That's how it's going to be in the playoffs. You can bend, but don't break and limit the score down and not let them score, so that's what it's all about as a defense, just rise to every challenge and every occasion on the football field.

(on how the defense was able to hold the Jaguars offense to just three points)

Just playing hard-nosed football. It wasn't anything special. We did that we've been trying to do every week and that's just play hard-nosed football for 60 minutes.

(on some of the veterans on the team making the playoffs for the first time in their careers)

That's what it's all about. You see those guys come in and in the offseason work as hard as they do and train and some of our leaders on the team to finally be rewarded with the playoffs is huge for them. Knowing them and knowing myself that's just a starting point. That's not what we're really excited about but we got a chance and we got ourselves a ticket (to the playoffs).

SAFETY KEVIN BYARD

(on being a Pro Bowl snub)

I told myself when I got snubbed that the only thing I can do is go out there and play to my highest level and I got two [interceptions] today so I'm leading the league so they got to do a little bit more research when it comes to Pro Bowl picks and stuff like that. I'm feeling good though right now.

(on the scene in the locker room after the game)

It's magical. You look at guys who are in year 10, year nine, people who have been with the franchise their entire career and haven't been to the playoffs and I'm a young guy in here so I feel better because I know the older guys have been working so hard trying to get it and they're in. It's a celebration tonight but we're right back to work tomorrow.

(on the defensive performance tonight)

We came to the game very confident, we know Jacksonville, we've seen Jacksonville. Honestly I feel like throughout the week this might be the best prepared as a team we've been going into a game. We were confident and I think we just went out there and executed as a defense, making plays, getting off the field, and I don't think we allowed a touchdown today so that's great. We came into the game very confident. We wanted to bring as much juice and energy into the stadium. We made a couple big plays and we were able to do that even though the offense sputtered a little bit. As long as the offense is giving us points we should win the game and that's the kind of mentality we bring to the games.

(on facing Kansas City in the cold in the Wild Card Round)

We were in Kansas City last year for the coldest game of my career and we won, so we got to go back out there again and we're going do it again. We know we can play any team in the NFL, any place, anywhere, no matter what the temperature is.

(on the feeling he had as he caught the game-clinching interception)

The only thing that was running through my mind was 'This is for the city right here. This is for the city of Nashville.' This is for everybody who doubted our head coach, our quarterback, our secondary, everybody, an we're in the playoffs.' I've been around middle Tennessee long enough to see the change that's been going on and people need to respect that and know that we're here to stay. We're not just a one-hit-wonder. We're going to continue to be successful and keep winning games so everybody should get used to this.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER DERRICK MORGAN

(on the Titans' victory today over the Jaguars)

We just had to rise to the occasion.  We weren't really worried about what else was going on.  We had to control what we could control, and it's the mentality we had all game.  It's a lot of hard work paying off.  Sometimes one side of the ball is going to have to pick up the other side.  It's just one of those days where the defense had to carry us, and they did a good job.  We got off the field when we needed to and created some turnovers. 

(on the Titans making the NFL playoffs)

We are one of six AFC teams, so anything can happen.  It's the playoffs.  You have seen a lot of fifth and sixth teams go all the way, so we'll see what happens.  It's been a long time coming.  A lot of 2-14 seasons and 3-13, and 6-10 seasons.  To finally have a meaningful game in Week 17 and actually get in feels great, man. Our boys don't stop. 

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER BRIAN ORAKPO

(on Titans ending the franchise's playoff drought)

We got a ticket to the dance.  I'm excited for this team and the organization, we deserve it.  We fought all year long, ups and downs.  Just very excited for the next step in the Titans' future.  Also for myself, never being in the post season.  This is the first for me in nine years, and I'm just extremely excited that we finally got a ticket to the dance.  It's all about getting in.  It's a new game for everyone.  That goes for the other teams that we will face as well.  As long as you get in, it's a clean slate. 0-0 and you never know what's going to happen.  I've seen plenty of teams that did damage at 9-7, going into the playoffs.  We just needed to taste victory again and we did so today, with a hard-fought battle against a division foe.  I'm just really excited because we really fought hard today

(on his personal feelings about finally going to the NFL playoffs)

Honestly, I never thought I'd get to this point because when you put in so much work and the grind is (just) trying to make it.  It's a beast.  I never thought I'd see the playoffs, honestly.  But this team and the guys we have on this roster, and the coaching staff, I knew we had a chance this year.  This year was going to be special for us. We had our ups and we had our little lull, with the three-game skid.  But, we were able to get the job done when it counted.  I'm excited personally, and I'm really going to enjoy it.  Work my tail off this whole week to make something really happen while we are in there (the playoffs).

DEFENSIVE TACKLE JURRELL CASEY

(on the Titans finally going to the NFL playoffs)

Speechless, man.  Thinking amazing. Unbelievably fulfilling.   I've been waiting this for seven years, and finally got the opportunity to get out there.  Just want to thank the fans and thank this organization.  Keep on pushing for us, sticking with us and getting the grind done.  And the players on this team have definitely been looking for this opportunity, we are ready to go.  We've been saying, 'Just get in'. As long as we get in, we have the opportunity to go out there and win multiple games in the playoffs, and that's what we know we can do.  We just had to make sure we got in there, and we did that.  We are there, now we have to get it together and prepare for the long weeks on the road. 

(on the Titans facing Kansas City in the first round next week)

We are looking forward to whoever we are faced against.  Last year we went down there in the cold and got it done, and we have to make sure we get it done this time.  

JAGUARS HEAD COACH DOUG MARRONE

(opening statement)

Credit to them. They did a nice job, you know, Tennessee. We gave up somethings. We had some turnovers early on, especially before the half. Gave some points up. The defense did a nice job outside of really just explosive plays that they gave up on the screen, on second-and-14. Offensively, we had some drops, weren't able to get into a good rhythm and make some plays. So, at the end of the day, if we don't win the turnover battle and we aren't able to make any plays, its very difficult to win in this league. 

(on quarterback Marcus Mariota scrambling and being tough to defend)

He does a good job. One of the things he is able to, (is) extend drives or keep things going. I think that is something, obviously, is something that you have to defend. You have to be able to do a good job of – and at the end of the day he made – I look at that as someone making a play. It was a good play by him. It's not something you are not prepared for or ready for, and that's what he does and that's why he is a good quarterback. 

(on the big picture going into the playoffs)

I just think we have been on the road. This is the first time that we had this adversity, we've lost two games in a row. But, I think, just like I told the team, the good part about this is we're going home. Whenever you have adversity in life, in what you do, there is always that comfort in going home. We have the opportunity, we have earned the opportunity to play a home playoff game and we're excited to be at home. We know whatever opponent it is, it is going to be a good football game.

(on the defense being back to playing how he expects)

I don't think we had a lot of opportunities, but I thought they did a nice job. Again, except for the explosive and the quarterback getting out a couple times, other than that I thought they did a nice job. I thought Leonard (Fournette) looked good running the football, I thought he did a nice job. I just think we were never able to get a good rhythm and make that play on offense, you know, to really get us going. 

(on if Jaguars OL Josh Wells needs to provide more help in pass protection)

Well, I don't know if he was one reason why, you know what I'm saying? I wouldn't look at it and say, 'Gosh, he got destroyed over there.' I wouldn't say that, I think he held his own. We know they're good rushers from all things, and it wasn't – I know a couple of times it was more just the game was in a twist. I don't know if that would've helped us at all if we had someone on the outside of it.

(on if there is concern about the confidence of young Jaguars WRs Dede Westbrook, Keelan Cole and Jaydon Mickens)

Yeah, young players that play well. But they played enough to show up, and I think when you talk about adversity, like I talk about for a team, I think that those guys need to come back and show that they're ready to go. They've got to come back from that just like all of us do.

(on whether  Jaguars OL Cam Robinson and Jaguars DT Abry Jones will be back if it's a short week)

Yeah, I feel they were definitely turning in the right direction so we'll see when we get back. I think there's a good opportunity for that.

(on having Jaguars WR Allen Hurns back)

Yeah, get him back and hopefully get Marqise Lee back and that will help us.

(on if the run game was better today)

Yeah, a little bit. I think that we're going to go back and plan and take a good look at things. We're not going to be out there celebrating the new year. We're going to be working and seeing what we have to do, and getting ourselves ready when we find out obviously who this next opponent is.

(on any concern with Jaguars WR Jaydon Mickens as punt returner)

I mean, it's one of those questions where if you say no then you write – well, gosh, he had a tough day today. I think he earned that start during the week. Mick (Jaydon Mickens) has never shown anything like that during the week. He obviously had a tough day today, but if he's the type of kid I think he is, he'll be able to bounce back.

JAGUARS QUARTERBACK BLAKE BORTLES

(on if the last two weeks have been a bit of a gut check for the team)

They haven't been good, you know, so we got to find a way to play better. Our defense did a really good job today and put us in some good positions. We couldn't make plays and score, you know, so I think it's on the offense 100 percent to be able to put up points and we got to be able to win that football game. 

(on the struggles of the Jaguars young wide receiving corps, and the lack of a rhythm on offense)

Yeah, that's all it was. We didn't make the plays. We had a couple opportunities for some big ones and weren't able to convert. So, I got to keep getting those guys opportunities. We got to make some big plays in order to win football games.

(on the confidence of the Jaguars offense heading into the playoffs)

Yeah, I think it's fine. I think everybody's upset, you know, mainly at the fact that I don't think anybody feels as though we played up to our potential and the way we can. You know, I think we're excited and we were looking forward to this game to come in here and play these guys. And we didn't play the game we wanted to play at all, so we got to be better than that.

(on bouncing back from the team's first two-game losing streak of the season)

I think we'll be fine. We'll be able to do it. I know, personally, I've got a good amount of experience in losing, so we should be able to overcome that. 

(on cranking up the running game heading into the playoffs)

Yeah, we got to keep working on finding ways to run the ball, working on creating holes for our backs and giving them an opportunity to go get some yards. I thought Leonard (Fournette) ran hard today for what he had. You know, we got to stay with it and continue to try to find and come up with different ways to create some lanes for him to go. 

JAGUARS SAFETY BARRY CHURCH

(on if everybody starts over tomorrow despite losing two straight to close the season)

We just have to look past that. We lost two straight and we know that we have not played up to our standards. As a group we just have to try and move by that and focus on the playoffs and focus on the possible rematch with (the Titans).

(on if the defense needs to get back to forcing more turnovers)

That is a must. We know that going into this game that their offense is a base offense. They were able to exploit what we did on defense. As a defense as a whole, I know I missed way too many tackles. That is one thing we have to shore up is our tackling. But we have to get those takeaways. In order for us to get wins and put our offense in a better position, we have to be able to take the ball away. We got the one, but we need to force more.

(on if the team could have used momentum heading into the playoffs)

I feel like it kind of starts over after each game. You win one here and there, but I feel like each game is different and momentum goes up and down throughout the game. We weren't able to capture that as a whole as a defense. We're definitely going to need to do that next week. 

JAGUARS WIDE RECEIVER ALLEN HURNS

(on if the young players will be able to move past the two straight losses and some of the mistakes heading into the playoffs)

We're going to have to. What happened today is unfortunate and we never want to lose the game. But that is the learning curve for all of us. I know Dede [Westbrook] is going to take this hard on himself, but it's not the playoffs yet. That's what I'm going to tell him. You just have to keep moving on from that. We have all had those games – as far as drops and those things like that. And then Jaydon [Mickens] on the punt return. We're all going to have it. The good thing for us is that it's not the playoffs yet. We're in position right now where we all have to grow up and we all have to play. There are no excuses and things like that. When the defense plays the way that they did, as an offense we have to pick things up.

(on the winning streak at home and returning there for a playoff game)

We always have confidence playing on our home field. Especially with how we have been doing this year. We will see how things go.