Commanders - 23, Texans - 10
Q. Ron let us know that for the time being you're going to be the starting quarterback. First of all, did you know that -- I assume you knew that before this game. What does that do for you and what did you think?
TAYLOR HEINICKE: It's a special moment, something I've been working for my whole life, to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. It's every kid's dream. It means a lot to me. It's very special to me. And I just want to keep this thing rolling.
Offensively, today, I think we left a lot of points on the field. We've got to play a lot cleaner. But a win is a win. It's hard to win in this league. Proud of the guys, but there's a lot of room for improvement.
Q. What occurs (inaudible) stretch (indiscernible)?
TAYLOR HEINICKE: Again, give that guy the ball, special things happen. You see it today, especially in short-yardage situations, when you give him the ball, you have a lot of confidence he'll get at least that 1 yard. He continues to get better every week. He's an exciting player to have on your team.
Q. Short week, and to be able to take care of what was considered a trap game, (indiscernible) what does that say about the team?
TAYLOR HEINICKE: It's huge. Again, that was one of the main points of emphasis this week, yeah, it was a great win on Monday, but the thing that could erase all of that was coming down here and laying an egg.
And I feel like the guys battled through. Again, it wasn't the cleanest game, but it's a win nonetheless. That's all that matters. We'll get back tomorrow, refocus and have a big game against Atlanta coming up.
Q. What do you think is the biggest thing you've been able to show during this stretch of starting?
TAYLOR HEINICKE: I don't know. I think the biggest thing for me is just try and be a clean quarterback. Get the ball in those playmakers' hands and let them do their thing.
I know we're running the ball great right now. The offensive line is doing a great job protecting and running the ball. In crucial situations, our guys make plays. And I think that's huge for us -- run the ball well, convert the third downs. And when we get down to the red zone we usually score. Not today as much, but in the past we have. If we can keep doing that I think we'll be a tough team to beat.
Q. Is it a difficult balance to weigh I really want to take this shot; no, let's be smart? In your mind going through those, what's that like?
TAYLOR HEINICKE: Yeah, again you look back at last year, I was taking those shots in unneeded situations and it turned out with interceptions and it cost us points. Again, this year I've honed in trying to be a lot smarter with the ball, keeping the ball in our possession, especially with the defense playing the way it is. Give that other offense a long field to go. So again if we keep doing that, it's going to be a tough team to beat.
Q. You mentioned (indiscernible) be a quarterback, sometimes you get that chance but it's not for the team around you. What's it mean to not only get the opportunity but a team that's surging with a lot of playmakers?
TAYLOR HEINICKE: This is the team you want to be on, be a quarterback for sure. With all the weapons we've got, offensive line playing the way they are right now, and the defense we have.
And then you've got, heck, if you go three-and-out, you've got (indiscernible) on the other side of the field. It's a special position, especially on this team.
Again, for me it's trying to get better every day, going to the facility and try to be better and do what I can to lead this team to a win.
Q. How much do you get to watch and appreciate the defense and what they were able to do today?
TAYLOR HEINICKE: When I come off the sideline, I usually get the iPad looking thing, look at the previous drive we just had. But once I'm done I put that down and watch our defense.
They're flying around right now, playing great. It's really fun to watch. You see the hard work they put in throughout the week. And to see it come out on the field on Sundays really special. Big kudos to those guys, they're doing a great job.
Q. What has Carson meant to you during this? Obviously he'd be disappointed because he wants to get out there. But how has he been for you?
TAYLOR HEINICKE: It's got to be tough for him. I get it. And it's nothing -- I feel like it's nothing he did wrong. It's a weird circumstance. But he's done a great job. He's in every meeting. He's helped me out any way he can. He's in my ear when I get to the sideline. He's trying to help me out.
He's a great leader for this team. And I don't see that faltering with what Ron just said. So he's a great teammate, great person. And he's someone that you want in the locker room.
Q. How have your teammates reacted to that news?
TAYLOR HEINICKE: Honestly, I don't think they even know. I'm sure they'll find out here soon on Twitter.
Q. When did you find out? Did you know going into this game?
TAYLOR HEINICKE: I'm going to keep that to myself and Ron. But, yeah.
Q. Do you feel, like, when there's so many eyes on the position and your role and Carson's, do you feel that outside pressure?
TAYLOR HEINICKE: No, I don't. Again, I've said this before. I just take every opportunity I can get and have fun with it. Something may change in two weeks and he's back in there. Who knows?
But this week I'm going to have fun with it. Go out there, do my best and hopefully get a win. That's how I go about it. I feel like if I play my best I'm doing that.
Q. Any other positions (inaudible)?
TAYLOR HEINICKE: Yes, the tight ends will be getting sneakers this week. The way we've been running the ball in the last five, six weeks, they're just as a big a part of this offensive line. And to have two rookies out there laying their body out, they deserve something. So those guys will be getting some sneakers. I'm sure you guys will be seeing them.
Q. The tight ends, how nice is it to have Logan back? Seemed a lot more himself than we've seen this year?
TAYLOR HEINICKE: He made big plays today. It was unfortunate I couldn't get him that touchdown. It was maybe a couple of inches outside of his reach. But that was vintage Logan right there. And it's good to have him back. Very happy for him.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports