Vipers Post Game Press Conference: Notes, and What Stood Out?

Following the Vipers’ 34-27 loss to the Roughnecks, Tampa’s Head Coach Marc Trestman and QB Quinton Flowers spoke to the media and unpacked the game. This was Tampa Bay’s third straight loss to begin the XFL season.

Head Coach Marc Trestman:

Notes:

• Coach Trestman seem happy with the Vipers performance today, but far from satisfied with the outcome.
• Discussed giving up the play calling duties to Offensive Coordinator Jaime Elizondo.
• Talked about managing the balance between playing both Taylor Cornelius and Quinton Flowers.

What Stood Out:

Trestman was brutally honest when asked about the change in play calling:

“I stepped back last weekend, particularly in a two-quarterback system, I just didn’t feel as comfortable moving guys in and out as much, calling plays. I certainly was a big part, as I am every day with Jaime [Elizondo] and I working together to put the call sheet together and put the plan together. We did it together as a staff, Jaime and I together, but I thought if I could get out of the weeds a little bit and step back with the team I thought that could help the team in a number of different ways…”

Coach Trestman when asked about giving up play calling duties. (via TB Vipers Release)

When the crowd at Raymond James was chanting for the former-USF star Flowers to get in at QB, Coach Trestman admitted the team is still trying to find what works:

“We’re going through a real transformation of trying to get a balance. You can see, we were better today, we were more productive offensively. We were more efficient in the red zone, certainly the time we needed to be most efficient we didn’t get it done…”

Coach Trestman on finding the balance between Cornelius and Flowers at QB. (via TB Vipers Release)

QB/RB Quinton Flowers:

Notes:

• Flowers has special memories of Raymond James Stadium and playing football in the state of Florida.
• Flowers didn’t hide the fact that morale is low in the locker room after the team fell to 0-3 with only 7 games remaining.

What Stood Out:

Nothing but love for the #FangGang from Flowers. A lot of pride in once again scoring a TD in the state of Florida.

“Just knowing that this is where you made history at and you continue to leave your legacy. Just going in that end zone I had to show my face, because this is home. This is my second home. These people believed in me – they stuck by me, and I’ll do whatever it takes to win and that’s all I try to do out there in front of the fans.”

Vipers QB Quinton Flowers when asked about returning to Raymond James Stadium. (via TB Vipers Release)

Flowers is now the first Viper to publicly say that the team knows they’re underperforming and are playing themselves out of games:

“Tough. Quiet. Just knowing that you’re always saying you’re coming up close or coming up short – it’s tough when you’re right there. When you’re right there, you have to kick the door in. We continue killing ourselves and not doing it.”

Vipers QB Quinton Flowers on the vibe in the locker room. (via TB Vipers Release)