BENGALS POSTGAME QUOTES
SEPT. 21, 2014
TITANS AT BENGALS
MARVIN LEWIS
Head coach
Initial comments ...
"It was a good effort in all three phases today — probably our best effort of the season. We did a good job of handling the windy conditions offensively, other than the one blemish on the turnover right before halftime. We did not tackle as well today defensively as we have been, so we will have to get better at that. We will dissect where we are after three games and take a good look at us. We are three weeks in and have a long way to go. We have done what we needed to thus far."
Statistically across the board, you guys have been pretty consistent. What then becomes the biggest difference in a game like this?
"Turnovers and keeping them out of the Red Zone — when we can hold it to field goals and play well in the Red Zone."
How anxious were you to see Mohamed Sanu throwing a pass back across the field to your quarterback?
(Laughing) "Well we didn't expect a guy to hang back there like he did; we expected him to chase the ball. It was a good play by Andy (Dalton). Going up and rebounding the ball is what he needed to do. It showed his talent and ability as a quarterback."
How important was special teams?
"I told the guys Friday after practice, Saturday morning and again last night (that) I was going to play field position all day and not to get mad at me. We knew it was going to be windy and I was going to make them have to go the long field as much as possible."
The gadget plays seem to be working really well for you guys ...
"They're not so much gadget plays because its stuff we have been doing all spring and summer. They have been plays that we have had throughout the offense since we began OTAs and training camp. We aren't looking at them as gadgets, but counters to things we do and opportunities to take advantage of different game situations. When you go about it that way, you feel better about it as a coach and as a player because it's something that has already been a part of us. And, it is helpful to the defense."
How beneficial is executing those plays to the team?
"You want to execute every play, and we have done a good job of it. We had a close call today with the guy hanging back, but anytime a guy has the ball in his hands it is his responsibility to get us to the next down."
Can you give us a two-sentence evaluation of Mo Sanu as a quarterback?
(Laughing) "He's been perfect. Mo is a tremendous athlete. He literally could probably start at safety for us, he is our backup kicker — he can do a lot of things. He's a very athletically gifted young man, and he's smart with great football intelligence."
What about A.J. Green?
"Fresh legs. He's a dangerous guy with fresh legs."
How do you keep the guys in check with the bye week coming up and the fact that you are 3-0 now?
"We will have their attention. We will be traveling to Foxborough to play against one of the best quarterbacks of all time and one of the best-coached teams in the NFL year after year. Right now we have done what we set out to do, and that was to get off to this kind of start."
How do you feel about the bye week after three games?
"I didn't like it to begin with, but where we are injury-wise, it'll give us an extra week to get everybody back. We didn't lose anyone today with anything serious, so we'll be as close to a full-strength, 53-man roster as we've been. We've made good progress this week, so we feel pretty good about where we are."
ANDY DALTON (news conference)
Quarterback
Talk about your touchdown catch ...
"I was joking around all week saying, 'Who's going to catch a touchdown first — me or these other guys?' Hue (Jackson) said he meant to call that play the drive before. But it didn't look (today) like it did in practice — usually the corner was folding over (out of the area of the reception), and there wasn't anyone else out there. I thought I was going to catch it and get hit. I don't know how the guy played it, but I was able to get in the end zone."
It looked like he (CB Blidi Wreh—Wilson) got stuck deciding whether to play the ball, or you ...
"I'm glad it worked out that way. There was a good chance for me to get blown up. I went and attacked the ball and made a play."
When did you know the defender was over there?
"I was watching to see who was out there. I thought I would be able to catch it and get in position to fend off the hit. He got there quicker than I expected, and it actually worked out for me."
Were you hoping Mo Sanu wouldn't throw it since the guy was able to line you up?
"I wasn't sure if he was going to throw it, because I wasn't sure if Mo saw him. But I always tell those guys (receivers) to go up and make a play, so I guess he trusted me to go up and get it."
How big was that touchdown, considering the situation, to put you up 10-0?
"It was big. The wind was a bit of a factor today. The score came at the right time. Anytime we can score quicker is fine with us."
How much fun was it to receive a touchdown catch?
"I've never seen everyone run up to someone so fast after scoring a touchdown. It was fun. It's not something you get to do all the time. I always tell the receivers that I have the best hands on the team (laughs). I don't know if I'll be getting another one for a while."
Have you ever caught a pass before?
"I caught a pass in college. It was a similar situation. I tried to dive for the touchdown at the end, but they called me down at the one. I still think I scored."
Those types of plays have worked well for this team this year. Is that due to a sound offense?
"We have so much versatility. Hue (Jackson) trusts us to be smart with it and go make plays. We have to keep the mentality of protecting the ball. Hue's putting us in good positions."
Talk about having a weapon like Sanu on offense ...
"He's a guy who's been all over the place. To have a guy that can do so much and can throw the ball too, makes for a dynamic player."
When looking back, would you have advised him not to throw the ball?
"No. Throw the ball and let your guy go make a play. I wasn't sure if he was going to throw it."
He says he's not surprised that you caught it, but he is surprised that you didn't get hit ...
"They know my hands. I catch snaps all the time (laughs)."
Were you concerned about getting hit?
"I knew there was a chance that I'd get hit, but it didn't turn out that way."
Can you speak to the confidence level of this team as you head into the bye week?
"We're playing with a lot of confidence. It's not just one side of the ball, it's every phase of the game. It makes it fun. We have a lot of great guys on this team, and the coaching staff has done a good job of making it fun. We're going out and playing. It makes it easier to have fun when you go out and win games like the one today. We have to keep the mentality and confidence and keep it rolling."
This team is getting portrayed by the media as one of the best teams in the NFL. Do you ignore the hype or use it to motivate?
"We haven't worried about what everyone is saying. There will be people who rank us high and people who don't think we're as good as we are. We can't worry about anything that's being said right now. It's still September. Hopefully they'll be saying the same thing when it's February. We're just going out and having fun. We've show the depth of this team."
Another week with no sacks — is this the most confidence you've had in an offensive line?
"They've done a good job. We've done a lot of good things. They've been playing really well up front. It's a point of emphasis. I'm not trying to hold on to the ball too long so that I can help out. My hat's off to them."
You guys look like you're confident and having fun ...
"Absolutely. This team is playing together. If something happens on defense, they know the offense will have their backs and vice versa. I think everyone has confidence in each phase of the game and it helps us play with that swagger."
ANDY DALTON (locker room)
Quarterback
The throw-back pass from Mohamed Sanu to you that went for your first receiving touchdown was executed very effectively, can you elaborate ...
"I saw where the corner was playing, and I was hoping that I wasn't going to get hit too hard. Luckily he didn't hit me squarely, and I was able to bounce off of him. When I was out there I believed I would at least be able to catch it and get to the ground. It didn't happen exactly as we drew it up, but I am glad it unfolded the way it did."
This offense has to be so much fun to be a part of. The style is very aggressive. How would you describe playing in this system?
"It is fun. Everyone is doing their thing. It is always fun when you win games. We need to keep this momentum moving. We have great group of guys in this locker room."
The bye week is going to give this team time to heal. Hopefully many players who are injured will return prior to the New England game ...
"We've been able to showcase our depth early this season. It will be nice to get some of our regular starters back on the field. The sky is the limit to what we can do. I know many of those guys are ready to get back on the field.
The Patriots have a short week to prepare for the Bengals, playing next week on Monday night. This team has the ability to add new wrinkles during the bye week. How do you think they will prepare?
"We have lots of momentum going right now. We can't let that get away from us. We may add a few things, but we need to continue playing as we have been. Even today there were some things we could have done better. We are in a good spot right now."
You threw an interception today. Can you tell me what happened on that play?
"I am a little disappointed about that one. The defense did a good job of not letting the pick hurt us. They did a nice job keeping the Titans from putting any points on the board."
MOHAMED SANU
Wide receiver
You are now four-for-four throwing the ball with a perfect passer rating. Two of those passes have been completed for touchdowns. What did you think when you released that pass to Andy Dalton today?
"As soon as I released it I was like, uh oh, because they had a guy right there who we didn't expect to be there. . When I saw that Andy caught it, I chased him down, and we celebrated. He did an awesome job executing the play."
You've been positioned in different places within many formation schemes. Due to that you're required to understand a number of plays and route combinations. Can you speak about that?
"We spend a lot of time watching film, so we know how to attack different defenses. The goal is to put our best players in the places where they can make plays. Andy (Dalton) has done a terrific job getting us the ball."
Has Hue Jackson just scratched the surface with what this offense is capable of with you on the field?
"I just have to take advantage of every opportunity Coach Jackson provides me."
DOMATA PEKO
Nose tackle
The defense is showing many looks. Please elaborate ...
"Coach Paul (Guenther) is doing a good job providing many schemes for us. The game plan was very good, and we went out there and executed it. We are now 3-0. We have been playing our tail off. I wish we could have maintained the shutout, but they scored the late touchdown at the end. Our goal is always to hold the opponent to a shutout."
The Titans converted on their first couple third-downs, and then you allowed none for a good remainder of the game ...
"That was one of the keys to the game. We got off the field on third-down. We did a very good job with that. We game planned to stop third down. After they converted the first couple we made adjustments and were able to shut them down. A big shout out to my teammates. The offense did a great job today too."
This Bengals team now has 11 straight home wins. That is a franchise record. What does that mean to you?
"We love it. It shows people The Jungle is no place to mess around. When you come to our house you better bring your hardhat. You better be ready to work, because we are not going to give up anything here. "Thank you to all the Bengals fans that showed up today. You were loud as hell out there. A big shout out to the jungle. Who-Dey!"
This defense has been very effective defending third down. This even occurring against Pro-Bowl talented quarterbacks and the younger ones as well. Please elaborate ...
"The coaches have done a great job preparing the game plan. Our defensive coordinator, Paul Guenther, is coming into his own. We believe in him, and we've got his back."
CLINT BOLING
Guard
The offense was firing on all cylinders today. How did you feel out there?
"Coach Jackson has done a great job calling plays. He makes a commitment to the run game. It is definitely fun for an offensive lineman out there."
WALLACE GILBERRY
Defensive end
Speak about preparing to play the New England Patriots ...
"This is going to be a big test for us. Right now we are 3-0, and we feel good about where we are. This is a good team coming up and we need to prepare for them. We'll watch their film, and figure out how they are going to attack us."
Describe the feeling of playing in the winning environment ...
"The fans were great today. They were into the game all day. It is our job to go out there and perform for them. It's our job to keep the crowd into the game, and keep them motivated. We kept the energy level up."
The first series of the game seemed to set the tone for the rest of the game today. What's your thought on that?
"That's what we are supposed to do. We must always put bad plays behind us, and keep looking ahead. We work to play one hundred miles-per-hour every play. You can't focus or dwell on the previous play. The next play is always the most important, and the one that's going to count. That's how we operate around here, and it's obvious it's working out for us."
What did you think about Andy Dalton's touchdown?
"It was kind of scary at first. It looked like their corner was going to lay him out, but he missed the tackle on him. Andy made a big play for us. I was not surprised he caught the ball at all. He is an athlete, and we work on things like this in practice. We knew he was capable of executing the play, and the coaches obviously felt that way too."
A.J. GREEN
Wide receiver
This team is now off to a 3-0 start. Describe the vibe in the locker room ...
"It's a great feeling. We're not settled yet. We just have to continue to work. We're like brothers. We fight for each other, and that's what we do every day."
The team continues to win at home, winning by an average of 17 points during the (11-game home) winning streak. What makes you so dominant here?
"I don't know. Coach Lewis has always said protect our house, and that's what we try to do."
For you personally, fighting through a little bit of pain, take us through what you felt like today ...
"I felt good. I'm glad we've got the bye week to heal up and get to 100 percent, and then I'll be ready to go for the rest of the season."
Andy Dalton came to you really early on the first drive. Was that kind of the game plan, to get you some balls early?
"No, it could be anybody. Andy just happened to look at my side a couple times and I was making plays."
There is energy in the building when you do some creative things on offense like when Andy catches a pass from Mohamed Sanu and scores. What happens on the sideline? How do you celebrate that?
"That was amazing. We were talking about that earlier, and Andy said he was going to be the first one to score a touchdown, and he did. He went up there and high-pointed the ball and stayed on his feet and scored."
Someone made the joke that it was A.D. looking like A.J ...
"Yeah. That was definitely a good one. When Mo threw the ball, I saw the safety cheating over. I like 'Oh no, no ... good, good, good.' So it was a great play."
The fact that he finished with a touchdown, how important was that?
"It keeps teams on the edge. He (offensive coordinator Hue Jackson) was very creative. We've got Mo, and he can everything for us. We're just trying to keep teams on the edge."
Did you guys send any statement to the NFL winning these first three games?
"No statement. We're just trying to get better each week."
JEREMY HILL
Running back
How exciting is it for the entire offense when Mohamed Sanu and Andy Dalton make that play for a touchdown?
"The sideline went crazy, the stadium went crazy — we practice those things. When Hue (Jackson) calls it up, it's not just a trick play — it's strategically done. Andy went out there and made a play, and that's what we're out there to do every Sunday."
For the second straight week you scored a touchdown. Take us through how you actually got the ball to the end zone, because it looked like you were stopped ...
"I think I pressed it too far in there and should have cut back sooner to help my linemen out. But I kind of pressed it in there too much, and a guy grabbed onto my leg, and I just stretched out there trying to make a play. They marked me short at first, so I didn't really know if it was going to be a touchdown or not."
GEORGE ILOKA
Safety
Talk about getting off to a 3-0 start ...
"We're happy with the results right now. There's a lot of things we're still trying to work on so we can peak at the right time."
It's been a business as usual locker room so far. What's the vibe? Are you guys excited about the way you're playing and have started?
"No. Since I've been here, we've played pretty well during the season. I bet your friends all say same old Cincinnati — they do good in the regular season. We're doing everything so far that we're supposed to do. We've got to continue to get better, continue to learn, because the big test is going to come in December when we play good teams like Denver and the Steelers and all our division opponents. And we have New England coming up next. Those things will be pay dividends if we continue to work on some of the things we need to improve on."
It has been 34 years since this team has had a home shutout. You were close today ...
"We almost had it."
Are you disappointed?
"Yes, of course. Perfection is what you strive for, and we fell short of that today. It wasn't our best performance as a defense. We played with a lot of effort, we got them off the field on third down, but some of those things that they got out there we gave them."
REY MAUALUGA
Linebacker
Talk about the expectations from the outside with the fans?
"We do what we do in-house. Obviously, it's a plus to be at home and get this victory at home with all the noise and the crowd being into the game. We're just excited and respect what they bring, as far as our fans being in the game. They expect good things here. We just want to give back and tell them thank you for all the times that they've cheered. We're being in the game because of them — all the hoorahs and interfering with their offense, because they're so loud. Expectations wise, we're just trying to get better."
How big was Kevin Huber's punt at the start of the quarter that pinned them down and ended up leading to the safety?
"That was a good for our defense to have them backed up. There's not many things they can do from the two and one-yard line. Obviously, we stopped them on two runs and forced them to pass on third down. Obviously, they've got to punt the ball and we get the ball. We're just trying to give our offense the ball as fast as possible and often as we can. If we have a couple points on the board, we should win. If they don't score, we should win every time."
What do you think you guys have proven these first three weeks about what this team is capable of?
"I think we're far from proving things at this point. Obviously, we're 3-0, we're excited, we're happy and take a lot of pride in what we do. But you know, we have a tough road ahead of us. This bye week, I think came too early. It will be great for all the injured guys to rest up, though. When this team is healthy and we've got everyone back, I think nothing but great things from here on out. When everyone's healthy and when everyone comes back and we prepare for the Patriots, we'll see where this team can go."
DARQUEZE DENNARD
Cornerback
You're getting more and more time on the field, and you got your first sack. Pretty exciting?
"Definitely. Just to play on this great team with a lot of great players, and the defense is good as well. Just sliding in a couple plays at the end is cool."
Is your first career interception going to mean more than your first sack, which you got today?
"I think so. When that time comes, it probably is going be a lot more exciting."
On the sack, did you come in off the right side on the sack and just chase him down?
"Yes."
You saw how Jake Locker ran earlier in the game. Were you wondering if you were going to get there?
"No. I had faith the other defensive linemen to force him back. The secondary did a great job, so there was no open receiver, so he had no room to throw. But the defensive line did a great job, so I pretty much just had to tackle him."
Did you come clean or have to shed anyone?
"I came clean."
TITANS POSTGAME QUOTES
SEPT. 21, 2014
TITANS AT BENGALS
KEN WHISENHUNT
Head coach
Initial comments ...
"I'd like to start by saying that our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bironas family. I didn't know Rob well, but there are a number of guys on our football team that did. I know that he meant a lot to a number of guys. It was pretty tough news this morning to hear. We are thinking about his family and we are grateful for his contribution to the Titans."
Do you think that had an effect on any of the guys today?
"You know what? I'm going to say this right now — I'm not making any excuses. We didn't get the job done today. I'm real upset with not performing even close to the way we are capable of. We are going to get it fixed."
What happened to the team that played so well in Kansas City?
"It's there. It's just not making the plays. I mean, we open the game with a nice drive. We were moving the ball down the field and then missed a field goal. What's happening to us is, when we have the opportunity to make plays in whatever aspect, we're not making them. We're not making the catch, we're not making the tackle, we're not making the kick. You got to give their players credit. When they punted, they punted it down to the two-yard line, and that put us in a tough situation. Then we had the holding penalty, which causes a safety. That's an example of us not doing what we need to do. We had a chance to punt the ball inside the one and the ball goes inside the end zone. Those are things that, when you really look at it, we've got to do better. Our guys — somebody — has to make a play. We were in position to make a play on the throw-back to the quarterback. We repped that play in practice, and we don't make it. We had a chance for a big play down the field early when they brought their pressure, and we missed it. It's unacceptable. This league is about making plays."
You've talked about a lot of things that didn't go well. How about the throws that didn't go well?
"Those were tough conditions out there with the wind. But, we did make some throws. We did miss some throws. Everybody is going to be held to that standard."
If you are going to win games this year, Jake Locker is going to have to play better ...
"That's true."
Is some of this on Jake?
"It always comes back to the quarterback, whether it's good or bad. We were in second down and our center snaps the ball. That's not Jake's fault. There are a number of examples where it's not always just Jake. We all have to play better. There were balls where we could have made a catch down the field, which could have been a big play. We didn't make a play until Kendall (Wright) made a play at the end, when he made a catch. Regardless of that, it's not good enough. Everybody has got to pick it up."
After a loss like that, what do you do to get the guys' attention?
"There has to be a sense of urgency with that. That was the message that we talked about in the locker room after the game."
What's Blidi Wreh-Wilson thinking as that play unfolds. What was his explanation?
"I couldn't tell you what he's thinking. He's a young player, but youth is not an excuse. I'll be the first to tell you, once again, this league is about making plays."
You said you repped that play. Did he rep it?
"We repped that play in practice. Part of being a pro, whether it's you getting the rep or not, when it shows up in (the game) exactly the way you ran it (in practice), you have to make the play."
He had four penalties on the day. Did he lose confidence?
"You know what, he's a young football player that is talented. I want to be clear, I'm not trying to point the finger at Blidi. We're just talking about a play that wasn't made. There were a lot of plays that weren't made out there today. There were a lot calls that weren't great calls today. It's all of us. We are going to work to get it corrected."
Did you consider bringing quarterback Charlie Whitehurst in and sitting Jake Locker to try something new?
"No. I didn't."
Why?
"I didn't think it was the time to do that."
What about going forward? Is Jake still your quarterback?
"Jake is still our quarterback."
What would have to happen for you to feel like it would be necessary to make a change?
"One of the things that you asked me when I first got here was what would I do differently. One of the things was patience with the quarterback. Jake has to play better. Once again, we all have to play better."
Zaviar Gooden started out the game, but was replaced at times by Avery Williamson. Can you tell me how he did and what the thought behind that change was?
"Avery worked in the rotation all this week. That was always a possibility. There was a chance for him to play, and he played. As far as how he did, until I see the tape, I couldn't give you that assessment."
What went wrong with special teams?
"I would say it was not a very good display by our special teams today, which is an area that needs to be one of our strengths, which it has been before. I was very disappointed in that. It's part of the game. Once again, it was a team effort today. It wasn't any particular individual. We didn't play well as a team."
There were a lot of penalties and it seemed like they were undisciplined. How do you get a hold of that?
"I think there were a lot of penalties out there today. Some were called on us and some weren't called on them. It was unfortunate. The holding penalties, I'll have to see those. Those come to mind, because they negated big runs. The personal foul right before the half, that's inexcusable."
There have been questions about Jake Locker's psyche. Can he take hearing that he's part of the problem?
"I haven't said that he's not a part of the problem. I've said that it's the entire team. The questions that I got were about if we were going to move or make a change from Jake. That's what I was responding to. Let me be clear about it."
Can you talk about the interception in the end zone?
"That wasn't a good throw. You don't throw it back across the field in that situation. That's tough."
What was Jake's explanation on that one?
"He said he saw Nate (Washington) and he thought he could make the throw. In that situation, where you are in the game, you have to be a little more judicious about not making that throw."
One of the positives was that Bishop Sankey got in a real good rhythm coming out of the half. How can that help him moving forward?
"We were able to run the ball effectively, and that's one of the few positives from today. It's always good to see your young players making a contribution like Bishop did today."
Any injuries today?
"Taylor Thompson hurt his knee. I'm not sure what the extent of that is. Other than that, I'm not aware of (any)."
Is it tough to ask Michael Roos to sit at the end games that were out of hand?
"I don't think so. I think it's good to give him some time. I'll be interested to see how he played. We moved the ball in there the one series he was in, so he must of done some decent things. Once again, until I see it ... I'm sure Michael understands it. Michael has been pretty consistent for us."
How do you create the sense of urgency?
"We're one game back with thirteen left. There's a lot football left. It's important for us to get what we did corrected and move on."
How hard is it going to be to get this back on track?
"We could show up next week and play like we did in Kansas City. Are we back on track then? That's the way this league is. It's tough. We need to be more consistent, there's no question about that. We have to play better. You can't go on the road, drive down the field and miss the kick to open the game. Not only from the psyche of your football team, but you give them better field position. That can't happen. Those are the kinds of things, situationally, that hurt you in the game. We got beat in the situational department today. That really hurt us."
JAKE LOCKER
Quarterback
This team hasn't performed anywhere close to the team that beat Kansas City. Can you put your finger on what the problem has been?
"We just have to get better. I agree we haven't played well enough to win football games offensively."
What happened on the first drive? You moved it down the field, but did they make adjustments or did you just miss some throws?
"It's kind of a theme. We have the opportunities to make plays, but we don't make them. It starts with me missing throws. I have to make some of those throws to continue drives and give ourselves opportunities to score points."
You seem to be missing high when you throw. Is there any consistent theme to what's going on with those incompletions?
"No, not that I've seen."
The throw into the end zone that was intercepted, obviously you would like to have that back. What did you see?
"I saw our guy (Nate Washington) wide open."
When did you realize he wasn't wide open?
"When the guy caught it."
You guys weren't able to get off on the right foot with a missed field goal on the opening drive ...
"It's football, and that's going to happen at times. We have to overcome that, but I thought we went out and had another good drive after that. It's something you can't dwell on, you can't get back, and you can't redo it."
You guys were able to generate yards but not points. What has to happen to turn one into the other?
"Like I said, we have to make plays. I have to make throws that give us the opportunity to score points."
Running back Bishop Sankey was able to get off to a good start after halftime. How encouraging was that to see?
"I thought he did a good job running hard and finding lanes. He moved the football for us on that first drive, so it was good to see that. It's good to see the shape he's in, and it was good that he was able to stay in and continue to run. He did a good job for us, but we have to finish the drive and get points on the board."
Was it loud enough to use the silent count early on?
"Yes, it was necessary for us. We got in the rhythm of using it, so we stuck with it."
Considering the back-to-back losses in this fashion, is it time to start reevaluating things?
"The only thing we can do is keep trying to improve as a football team and work hard. The rest will take care of itself."
The windy conditions weren't easy out there. How much did that play into the way the offense played today?
"It's always like that here. I'm not going to make excuses. They were able to execute and score points in it. We have to find a way to do it too."
This day started off horridly before you even got to the stadium with news of the sudden death of former Titans kicker Rob Bironas. You knew Rob. What are your thoughts on the tragedy?
"It's one of those things that gives you perspective. It reminds you to be thankful for the people in your life. Rob was a charismatic guy that always brought smiles to people's faces around the building. It's tough to see it happen to someone so young, who was just recently married. You feel for him and his loved ones that are left behind. You just pray that his family can somehow be stronger and find a positive."
BLIDI WREH-WILSON
Cornerback
What does Bengals WR AJ Green do so well that's tough to keep up with?
"He catches the football. He's good in and out of his breaks. He's a good receiver."
Did the coaches talk to you about the penalties?
"We just got off the field, so they'll address that probably later. It's something I can't do. I can't hurt the team like that. I can't put our team in situations like that."
On Bengals QB Andy Dalton's touchdown reception, were you going for the ball, or did you get caught in no-man's land?
"I saw the quarterback come out, and it was just kind of one of those (plays). The ball was there, he was there, and I should have hit him. I didn't know, or think of, where to hit him, how to hit him. But I've got to make that play."
Was everything in slow motion there?
"I kind of anticipated the play. I have to make that play."
Were you deciding whether you should hit him or get the ball?
"Once the ball was in the air, I've got to find a way to make that play. It's the second week in a row with me, and it's unacceptable. It's not how we practice, it's not. It's unacceptable. I've got to find a way for myself. Everyone's got to kind of look in the mirror, I know myself included. This is two weeks in a row, and it's unacceptable."
When you look back, do you wish you would have gone for the ball?
"I mean, I went for the ball. But if I could do it again, I would take a better angle and go straight to him and just find a way. If I would have maybe deflected the ball, it could have popped up in the air. But I've just got to find a way to make that play."
RYAN SUCCOP
Kicker
Did the wind affect the kicks today?
"Yeah, certainly it was breezy. It was a windy day. But I've got to do a better job of handling that. I feel like I let the guys on his team down today, and that's tough."
Do you try to account for the wind during your kicks in weather like today?
"Yeah, certainly today. It was blowing hard enough to where you had to respect it and play it. And like I said, I didn't do a good enough job today."
The game ended up being pretty one-sided. If you make those two field goals early, does that make a difference?
"Well I think they're all important. I don't look at what the final score was. I think that every kick's important. You're called on to do your job each and every time. So I'm disappointed I didn't do that."
WESLEY WOODYARD
Linebacker
You seemed excited when fellow University of Kentucky linebacker Avery Williamson made a tackle today, patting him on the helmet ...
"Absolutely, man. That's my little bro. It's always an honor to play beside a guy that went to your school and experienced that same badge of honor, Kentucky blue. Whenever he's out there I'm excited for him. I had the chance to play last year, a couple years with Danny Trevathan and this year with Avery. It's amazing man. It's an amazing feeling every time he's out there with me."
How has the transition been for you coming from the Denver Broncos?
"At first it was little bit shaky. I didn't really understand or get the picture of why I was here. But I'm glad that I'm here with my new teammates. It's an amazing feeling. I'm closer to my family, closer to friends and the Big Blue Nation. So I feel very excited I made the switch."
BISHOP SANKEY
Running back
You had some success on the drive when you were the featured back. What was the reason for that success?
"We picked the tempo up coming out at halftime, picked the tempo up with no huddle. We were just getting some good blocks with good creases and we just rolling with it. We had some momentum and it seemed like we had a drive there for a second there. Unfortunately we stalled out in the end. So that's pretty much how the success went coming out in the second half."
When you're outgaining a team and are losing so lopsided like that, how do you explain that?
"Really, it's just coming down to the details and making plays when they count. Unfortunately we didn't do that today. We played a little sloppy. We turned the ball over. But we're confident we're going to get that corrected coming into this next week."
