Chiefs News: Bryan Cook talks how the Buccaneers will play without wideouts

On November 5, 2024By Littum

It might be easy to conclude that without their injured wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have trouble moving the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9’s “Monday Night Football” game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

But that could be a mistake. Neither was available as Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 330 yards and three touchdowns during The Buccaneers’ 41-35 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8.

This was largely due to a big game from Tampa Bay tight end Cade Otton, who hauled in nine receptions for 81 yards and a pair of scores. As for Kansas City starting safety Bryan Cook, that puts a target squarely on Otto’s back for Monday night’s game.

“You just try to see what they like to do and take it away,” he told reporters on Saturday.

But that, he added, is just what we can expect from the Kansas City defense.

“(We’re) just doing what we do — and playing within our plan and our game.”

Cook reminded his listeners that the Chiefs have had similar problems this season — and Kansas City has still managed to remain undefeated.

“They have some guys coming in who can still go,” he noted. “They probably have the same mentality of ‘Next man up.’ It might be a different type of scheme you might be facing — but overall it’s the same offense.”

It’s the same mentality the Chiefs need. A prime example is the current situation at outside cornerback, with starter Jalen Watson out for the season with a broken ankle. His replacement Nazeeh Johnson is working his way back from a concussion – and will miss Monday’s game.

“(You) always lift them up,” Cook said. “It doesn’t matter who’s on, you know. The ‘next man up’ mentality is always (there). It’s just making sure they’re up to speed — and we’re all on the same page (when) they could be out there and the balls are flying on the field.”

It’s an approach that has worked for the Chiefs’ defense, which has only allowed an opposing team more than 21 points once since the 2022 season.

Cook was also asked about a video that has been circulating showing him the team’s practice staff for a Sprite before Kansas City’s Week 5 game against New Orleans Saints.

Cook said he was just tired.

“I was yawning or whatever,” he explained, “and I was like, ‘Bro, I need caffeine.’ And I was like, ‘Can I have a Sprite?’ It kind of went from there – but I actually drink Sprite… It makes me feel good, I guess you could say.”

While we can’t doubt that the crisp, fresh taste of a cold Sprite makes Cook feel good, someone might want to explain to him that it’s decaffeinated.

If it’s a carbonated boost of energy he’s after, he could follow the lead of old ’80s NES gamers (like myself): try tracking down a Jolt Coke to shotgun before the match.